1. Pranab K Deka
2. Wife (Chumki) and Myself
Date: 17th Feburary, 2013
Mode of Transport: Tata Indica
The colossal monolithic statue of Bahubali is carved out of a single block of granite and stands majestically on top of a hill. About 17 m. (55 ft) high, it is regarded as one of the largest monolithic statues in the world.
A climb of 607 odd steps leads you to the temple courtyard. Palki’s are also provided for the old but at a cost.
As you climb up, one would see the footprints of different Acharya’s who had either visited the place or attained salvation, along with the different places of importance. Note-able among them includes,
1. Odegal Basti
The Odegal Basti is so called because of the stone props against it’s basement. Built of granite stones, it occupies a commanding position. All the pillars in the main hall are circular while the side walls are very simple. The temple dates back to 14th Century A.D.
2. Tyagada Kamba
The elaborately carved pillar was erected in the late 10th Century. It is believed that the minister Chavundaraya distributed gifts to the needy and deserving people from here. The simple scroll designs, elegant workmanship shows the best of the period.
3. Chennanna Basti
This hill is located just opposite to the Gomateshwara hill. A gradual climb of about 150 odd steps leads you to the temple. The Kalyani located at the base separates both the hills.
The 24th Theerthakana is popularly known by the name Chandragiri after the name of the great Mayuran Emperor Chandragupta. There are about 14 preaching rooms inside the whole courtyard. The earliest temple to be built is dated at 4th Century BC.
Bhadrabahu attained salvation in a cave and Chandragupta also attained salvation from the same cave following his teacher. Bhadrabahu was the last Shrut Kevali (who possessed total knowledge of the soul by studying 12 Ang Agams)
Acharya Kundkund provided a system of scriptural knowledge(first of it’s kind) for the inquisitive. He presented the fundamental concepts relating to the path to salvation in a comprehensive manner.
The place is around 140 kms from Hebbal. A drive through the excellent Bangalore-Mangalore highway and left at Hirisave will lead to Sravanbelagola. Good food at KSTDC Hotel Mayura on the way (both for lunch and breakfast).