Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola is situated at a distance of 150 km from Bengaluru. The town has been a prominent centre of Jainism, preserving its art and culture for over 2 millennia. It is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimages in Jainism. Shravanabelagola mounts a 58-foot tall statue of Gomateshwara Bahubali, which is around 1000 years old. Bahubali was the son of Lord Adinatha—the first Tirthankara of Jainism. The statue is carved out of a single hill which is believed to be one of the largest of its type in the world. It is interesting to note that this beautifully carved statue remained intact without any damages over the years. It is said to be designed imperfectly to avoid damages. The index finger of the right hand is an inch shorter than the left hand. The statue of Bahubali is worshipped for qualities such as renunciation, enlightenment and salvation. ASI embarked on a unique project in 2006 in order to preserve and recover the ancient writings of Jain monks at Shravanabelagola.