Temples of SravanaBelogula

This popular Jain pilgrim centre is picturesquely situated between two hills Indragiri and Chandragiri. From time immemorial, this has been reputed as a seat of learning of Jainism. The monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara or Bahubali, a Jain saint, stands majestically on top of the hill (altitude 930 metres). The nearly 1000-year-old statue (17 metres high), created during the time of Chamundaraya, a minister of Ganga King Rajamalla, is said to be the tallest and one of the most graceful in the world. There are several Jain bastis on the hills and 43 images of Thirthankars. One has to climb about 500 rock-cut steps to reach the summit. At the plains, there is a charming Belagola Lake. Festival: A spectacular ceremony called Maha¬mastakhabhisheka is held once in 12 years, when the statue is anointed with milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins. Lakhs of Jain devotees from all over the world participate in this festival. It was last held in 2005. Access: The nearest airport is Mysore (93 km) and the nearest railhead is Hassan (49 km). Belur 86 km; Bangalore 160 km via Chennarayapatna and Nelamangala; Mangalore 221 km. Kalastigiri Falls (10 km from Kemmangundi): The falls cascading from the Chandra Drona hills flow right in front of Sri Veerabhadreswara temple. One can visit this holy spot on way from Kemmangundi hill station to Tarikere. Bababudangiri (32 km from Kemmangundi): Situated at an altitude of 1912 metres, this place is sacred for both Hindus and Muslims. Atri Maharshi and Anasuya were believed to have done penance here. Hindus revere it as Sri Dattatreya Peetam. A cave here is considered by Muslims as the samadhi of Bababudan, a Muslim saint, who is believed to have introduced the first coffee plantation in this hilly region with seeds brought from Mecca.