Shravanabelagola Jain Temples and The statue of Gomateshwara Mysore

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About Shravanabelagola Jain Temples and The statue of Gomateshwara:

One of the most important of Jain pilgrim centers in India is located in the small town of Sravanabelagola, atop the Indragiri hills about 84 kms from Mysore. There are 14 basadis or temples and several monasteries here. Of the basadis, the Chamundaraya basadi, built in 982 is the most popular. However the best attaction for tourists here is the colossal statue of Bahubali or Gommateshwara who renounced his kingdom and left to lead a life of penance and meditation, attaining Nirvana. The statue is naked, and 58ft high and 26 ft wide with 10ft long feet and was carved out of the hill’s black granite and exudes serene charm. Thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka or sacred anointment, a spectacular ceremony held once in 12 years. Hundreds of pots containing curds, milk, honey, vermilion, coconut water, turmeric paste and even gold and precious jewels are poured over the statue’s head by priests. The next Mahamastakabhisheka will be held in 2006 AD.

General Information about Mysore:

Location: Mysore

State: Karnataka

Capital: Bangalore

Language: Kannada, Malayalam, English

Temperature: Max 30˚C, Min 21˚C (summer), Max 21˚C, Min 11˚C (winter)

Best Season: November to April

How to Reach Mysore:

By Air:

The nearest airport to Mysore is Bangalore (139 km). All the domestic airlines in the country operate their flights to Bangalore from all the major cities in the country. Some international airlines too have flights to Bangalore. Bangalore is to have an international airport shortly.

By Rail:

Mysore is connected with a number of trains to Bangalore. The super fast luxury train the Shatabdi Express connects Mysore to Madras. The quickest and most comfortable way to reach Mysore is via Bangalore.

By Road:

Mysore is 139kms to the south west of Bangalore. The state highway that connects these two cities is very well maintained. Travelling from Bangalore to Mysore by road is a pleasant experience and will take about 3hrs. The Karnataka Road Transport Corporation has excellent bus service to Mysore. There are ordinary buses, semi-luxury buses and luxury buses operated by the Government of Karnataka. Every half an hour there is a non-stop bus to Mysore from Bangalore Bus Station. Corporations of other states and private tour operators have buses plying to Mysore as well. All these facilities have made Mysore extremely accessible by road.