श्रवणबेलगोला मंदिर कर्नाटक राज्य के मैसूर में स्थित एक प्रसिद्ध जैन तीर्थ है। 17 मीटर या 58 फीट ऊंची यह मूर्ति पूरे विश्व में एक पत्थर से निर्मित (एकाश्म) सबसे विशालकाय मूर्ति है। इस मूर्ति को गंग वंश के राजा राजमल्ल एवं उसके सेनापित चामुंडराय नें बनवाया था। यहां पर यात्रियों को कन्नड़ व तमिल भाषा में लिखे लेख देखने को मिलते हैं। इन लेखो में राजा एवं उसके जनरल द्वारा मूर्ति को बनाये जाने के प्रयासों की प्रशंसा की गई है।
हजारों भक्त, खासतौर पर जैन, 12 साल में एक बार मनाये जाने वाले उत्सव महामस्ताभिषेक में यहां आते हैं। महामस्ताभिषेक उत्सव में गोमतेश्वर प्रतिमा का का अभिषेक किया जाता है। दुनिया की सबसे ऊंची इस एकाश्म मूर्ति को केसर, घी, दूध, दही, सोने के सिक्कों तथा कई अन्य वस्तुओं से नहलाया जाता है।
The major tourist attraction in Shravanabelagola is undoubtedly the famous Gomteshwara statue. Having a height of around 17 mts, this statue of Lord Bahubali is the tallest monolithic statue in the world. The image was installed by Chavundaraya in 988 AD, who was the minister of Ganga King Rachamalla Sathyavakya. Located at the top of Indragiri hill, it is surrounded by many sacred Jain temples. A very famous festival is also associated with this town. The best time to visit this pilgrim centre in Karnataka is during the Mahamastakabhisheka festival, that is held once in 12 years. The festival was recently concluded in the year 2006 and is scheduled next in 2018. The main highlights of this festival are the various rituals and rites performed. Enjoy seeing the great statue bathed in milk, sugarcane juice and saffron paste. Devotees offer flower petals, sandalwood powder and turmeric powder. However, the best part of the festival is the end when millions and trillions of flower petals are thrown from a helicopter on the statue.
How to reach:
Air – Nearest Airports are at Bangalore (157 kms) and Mangalore (230 kms). Regular flights of Jet and Indian Airways connect these cities with the rest of the country.
Rail – the nearest railhead is at Hassan (50 kms). Regular trains connect Shravanabelagola to Hassan and further to the rest of the state.
Road – Well linked roads connect Shravanabelagola to Bangalore, Mysore and Hassan. Buses from Hassan are frequent.
Nearby places:
Bangalore 160
Belgaum 480
Belur 89
Bijapur 621
Dharmastala 173
Halebeedu 80
Hassan 50
Hubli 364
Humcha 210
Jab Falls 270
Kanakagiri 145
Karkala 259
K.R Sagara 93
Mangalore 225
Moodabidre 238
Mysore 89
N.R Pura 219
Srirangapattana 75
Tumkur 150
Venur 210
