A Legacy of Faith and Tranquillity
Shravanabelagola is a central site of Jain devotion and scholarship for over 2,300 years, making it an essential destination for Jain pilgrimage in India. The name Shravanabelagola is derived from two Kannada words—Shravana (ascetic or Jain monk) and Belagola (white pond)—referencing the serene lake at its base. The sacred site honours Lord Bahubali, the son of the first Jain Tirthankara (Adinatha). It marks the place where he lived an ascetic life and eventually attained Kevala Jnana (absolute knowledge) through intense penance. Each year, thousands of devotees and seekers climb the granite steps of Vindhyagiri to offer prayers to the statue.
The Awe of Lord Bahubali
Carved directly from granite rock, the Lord Bahubali statue radiates serenity and spiritual strength. Depicted nude, an emblematic expression of Jain renunciation, the figure stands amid vines curling along its limbs, symbolising the victory of meditation over worldly desires. Pilgrims describe standing before it as a humbling encounter with divinity and human craftsmanship intertwined. Every twelve years, Shravanabelagola becomes the epicentre of Jain devotion during the Mahamastakabhisheka Festival, a grand anointing ritual that draws millions of devotees. During this sacred ceremony, priests bathe the colossal statue with water, saffron, turmeric, ghee, sandalwood paste, and flower offerings using 1,008 golden vessels, while chants and music resound across the hill. The last festival was held in 2018, with the next scheduled for 2030.
Exploring Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri Hills
The two hills of Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri form the heart of Shravanabelagola’s spiritual landscape. Visitors begin their ascent by climbing 614 steps carved from stone, leading to Vindhyagiri Hill and the Bahubali statue. The climb offers panoramic views of lush countryside, traditional homes, and temple spires. Chandragiri Hill, opposite Vindhyagiri, is equally significant—home to several basadis (Jain temples), stone inscriptions, and the site where Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya is believed to have lived as an ascetic under the guidance of Acharya Bhadrabahu. The 800+ inscriptions preserved on both hills, which span the 6th through 18th centuries, provide profound insight into the historical development of both Jainism and the Kannada script.
The Shravanabelagola Experience
A visit here is not just a sightseeing tour but a spiritual experience that transcends boundaries of faith. The chants of monks, the fragrance of sandalwood, and the vast open sky imbue a sense of calm introspection. Early morning climbs reveal mist-covered hills, while evenings offer ambient tranquillity—the perfect setting for meditation and reflection. Visitors are asked to maintain silence and respect religious customs, as Shravanabelagola remains an active place of worship and pilgrimage. Photography is permitted, but one should be mindful of the site's sanctity.
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Stay at Hoysala Village Resort: Your Gateway to Shravanabelagola
At just over an hour’s drive away, Hoysala Village Resort in Hassan makes the perfect base for exploring Shravanabelagola. Blending traditional design with modern comfort, the resort offers a range of accommodations, including heritage cottages and luxury villas, all set within beautiful landscaped gardens. Savour authentic Karnataka cuisine at the open-lawn restaurant, unwind by the pool, or join guided day trips to Shravanabelagola arranged by the resort’s travel desk. Guests can easily combine their pilgrimage with visits to the nearby Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebeedu, both UNESCO-recognised landmarks famous for their exquisite Hoysala dynasty stone carvings and architecture. It provides a seamless itinerary that brilliantly encapsulates the cultural, spiritual, and architectural essence of Karnataka.
The Charm of Hassan
Apart from the heritage sites, Hassan also has nature trails that you can enjoy. Take some peaceful lakeside walks and some photography sessions along the Hemvathy Reservoir and Dam. For an indulging lunch, Hassan invites you with culturally unique and healthy dishes such as Akki Roti made with rice flour primarily, Ragi Mudde made with finger millets as the name suggests, and some heart-warming Filter Coffee that lingers on your tastebuds even hours later.
A Paradise of the Past & the Present
The breezy wind from the past hits you the moment you step into Hassan. A rich heritage molded carefully by ancestors that invites you to admire them. The Earth paints its canvas over lakes and reservoirs for your eyes. So take that unforgettable journey. Make memories that become stories– stories that, one day, will return like a cool, breezy whisper at a family gathering. A splendid blend of heritage, nature and adventure is waiting to be brewed by you, come make a filter coffee-from-Hassan kinda memory with us, the one that lingers even a long time later!
Where to Stay on a Hassan Trip from Bangalore?
On your getaway trip from Bangalore traffic to Hassan, in a refreshing new setting, we hope to make your trip more peaceful. At Hoysala Village Resort, we offer only the best that Hassan has to give. A picturesque stay with many additional facilities that help you relax, unwind and rejuvenate. At Hoysala, you explore outside the resort, as well as inside– because we present many strands of charming culture -be it Malnad’s rich cuisine, cottages with handmade Athangudi tiles and more. Come sip a hot brew as we add to your Hassan experience.