Glory be...Statue of Bahubali

Religion and beauty seem to be inextricably intertwined in Shravanabelagola and it's hard to tell what you will find more breathtaking - its sun-kissed mountains, aqua green lakes, beautifully sculpted buildings or the giant statue of Bahubali and its numerous basadis.

This astoundingly quiet place, set between two stony hills Chandragiri and Indragiri, has been a Jaina religious centre from the 3rd century AD. While Chandragiri functions as a centre of art and learning, Indragiri is famous for the giant statue of Bahubali, a Jaina ruler who renounced his kingdom for the life of an ascetic after being overcome with guilt and sadness for having defeated his brother who had challenged his authority.

The statue, the largest monolith in the world, is an edifice of sacrifice and renunciation. It's of great religious significance because Jainas believe Bahubali was the first to attain moksha (freedom from cycle of birth and death), something that's higly valued in the Jaina tradition. The statue, simple and sublime, leaves visitors wonderstruck.

James Fergusson had once said, "Except in Egypt, something so huge is found nowhere in the world. Nowhere does a taller monolithic statue exists and as for all round artistic merit only Bahubali can match Bahubali." Apart from the Bahubali statue, the centre also has many other monuments that serve as basadis and lecture halls and are considered as great examples of Jaina art. Endowed with such rich tradition, it's no wonder that the place has been a source of inspiration for many a great poet like Pampa, Ranna, Chavundaraya and Boppana for over 1800 years now.