Shravanabelagola

Site of the monolithic statue of Bahubali, carved from a single granite outcrop and anointed once every twelve years at the Mahamastakabhisheka.

Two hills facing each other across a tank, and on Vindhyagiri the monolithic figure of Bahubali — carved from a single granite outcrop around 981 CE and standing some seventeen metres.

Bahubali is not a Tirthankara. He was, in tradition, the son of Rishabhadeva who won a duel against his brother and renounced everything at the moment of victory, standing in meditation until creepers grew around his limbs — which is how he is always shown.

Once in twelve years the figure is anointed at the Mahamastakabhisheka, when scaffolding is raised and milk, saffron, sandalwood and flowers are poured over it from above. It is among the largest gatherings in the Jain year.

Worth knowing

• The climb to Vindhyagiri is around six hundred rock-cut steps, taken barefoot.

For opening times and access, check the temple's own announcements — they change, and we would rather list nothing than send you to a closed door.

Written for Jain Times. Corrections are welcome — see sources and licences.