Gommateshwara Statue: A Must-Visit from Bangalore

Bangalore to Shravanabelagola: Gommateshwara Monolithic Statue

Jain pilgrimage sites in India are well known, and one such site is Shravanabelagola. It receives thousands of visitors annually. The atmosphere in the town is peaceful, spiritual, and has history.

The best attraction at Shravanabelagola is the Gommateshwara Bahubali. It is erected on a hill and is a symbol of peace and spiritual victory. It is a blog that contains all the information that a traveller in Bangalore can find. It discusses the history, the travel routes, tips for the visitors and facts that matter.

Shravanabelagola is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in India, which makes it a tranquil and motivating leave from the city. The route from Bangalore to Shravanabelagola is preferred by travellers in search of spirituality and cultural experience. This sacred town boasts the tallest figure of Gommateshwara Bahubali, peaceful surroundings, and a Jain history that goes back centuries. This is a smooth journey and a memorable destination when travelling with family, friends, or alone. This blog is a complete guide covering travel details, history, and useful tips to plan your trip to Bangalore to Shravanabelagola.

How far is Shravanabelagola from Bangalore?

Shravanabelagola is approximately 145km away from Bangalore. The distance covered in hours is between 3.5 and 4.5 hours, based on the traffic.

NH75: This is the most frequented route:

Bangalore → Nelamangala → Kunigal → Channarayapatna → Shravanabelagola.

The road is tarmac with a few toll points. This explains why it is a perfect day trip or a weekend outing.

What is the significance of the Gommateshwara (Bahubali) statue?

The Gommateshwara statue is an important statue in Jainism. It symbolises Bahubali, who is the son of the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha.

The statue symbolises:

Non-violence and peace

Denial of worldly things.

Spiritual victory over ego

This holy site is on the Tentative List of the UNESCO World Heritage. The old Mahamastakabhisheka festival is performed every 12 years. In this ceremony, the statue is smeared with milk, water and sandalwood paste. The next festival will be in 2030.

Who built the Gommateshwara statue, and when was it built?

The Gommateshwara is a statue that was built in 981 AD. It was commissioned by a minister of the Ganga dynasty called Chavundaraya.

The sculpture is made of a piece of granite. It stands on Vindyagiri Hill. It is an approximately 57-foot monolithic statue, making it one of the largest in the world.

This masterpiece demonstrates the good artistry of the time. Visitors are inspired by its composed facial expression and perfect posture.

How do I reach Shravanabelagola from Bangalore?

By Road

You may take your personal car or take a taxi. The highway NH75 is in good condition. The way has several restaurants and rest stops. Tolls are medium and convenient to pay.

By Bus

KSRTC and private carriers run regular buses out of Bangalore. The boarding is available at the Majestic or Satellite Bus Stand. It is a comfortable and affordable trip. The most suitable day trip is the early morning buses.

By Cab (Tejas Travels)

Tejas Travels also offers the possibility of booking a cab. They provide tempo travellers, SUVs and sedans to have a smooth ride.

Benefits of booking with Tejas Travels:

Professional drivers

Convenient pick-up and drop schedules.

Round-trip options

Comfortable vehicles

The booking of Tejas Travels is made via their website or customer service.

What can I see at Shravanabelagola apart from the statue?

Shravanabelagola is not only the statue. It is a heritage site that has several attractions.

Chandragiri Hill: It contains the old Jain temples and the tracks of respected Jain saints.

Vindyagiri Hill: This hill is the place of the statue of Gommateshwara. It contains approximately 600 steps to the top, made of stone.

The Pond (Belagola): This town derives its name from this pond. It lies between the two hills.

Inscriptions and Architecture: By inscription, ancient Kannada and Prakrit inscriptions are available on stone.

Visiting these sites will provide an insight into the Jain culture that is centuries old.

Is the climb to the Gommateshwara statue difficult?

The climb has about 600 steps. It is a little expensive, particularly on hot afternoons.

Tips for visitors:

Begin in the morning or in the evening to get out of the heat.

Shoes must not be worn on the hill. There are lockers located at the base.

Bring water and carry light, comfortable clothes.

The senior visitors will be able to make brief pauses during climbing. The top view justifies the climb.

What is the best time to visit Shravanabelagola?

Its most favoured time is between October and March. The climate is cool and ideal for sightseeing.

It is advisable not to visit during the day in the summer seasons, as the open steps are likely to be hot.

In case you are interested in the Mahamastakabhisheka, visit it in the year of the festival. However, be ready to meet huge masses.

Are there any entry fees or timings for the statue visit?

The Gommateshwara statue has no entry fee.

Timings: Sunrise to Sunset.

Photography can be taken, but never interfere with the sanctity of the site. Drone photography can be a matter of special permission.

Can I visit Shravanabelagola as a day trip from Bangalore?

It is definitely an ideal day trip.

Suggested itinerary:

Depart Bangalore by 6:00 AM.

Arrive at Shravanabelagola by 10:00 AM.

Explore both Chandragiri and Vindyagiri and climb the hill.

Eat lunch in a local restaurant or dharmashala.

Depart at 3.30 PM and arrive at Bangalore in the evening.

You will have enough time to visit in this plan.

What are the accommodation options near Shravanabelagola?

There are budget hotels and dharmashalas that are located close to the site. These are simple but clean.

The closest town is Channarayapatna, approximately 12 km.

A more luxurious place to stay would be Hassan, around 50 minutes away. Numerous hotels are well furnished.

Is Shravanabelagola safe for solo or family travel?

Shravanabelagola is a very secure place for families, individuals, and groups.

Individuals are accommodating and helpful. Nevertheless, obey local traditions, particularly within temple areas.

Always have light medications, sunblock and a hat in case you decide to walk the stairs during the day.

Are guided tours available to Shravanabelagola?

Well, there are a number of alternatives.

Tejas Travels provides guided tours of day trips around Bangalore with flexibility.

Guides on local history and cultural importance are present at the site.

Group heritage walks are held in the course of festivals.

One can also make the visit interesting with a guide who tells them little-known stories.

Shravanabelagola is an ideal combination of history, spirituality and beauty. A visit to this place makes the mind relaxed and learns more about the Jain culture.

The Gommateshwara Bahubali is a sculpture that represents abdication and inner power. The destination is open to any type of traveller, whether it is family members, individual travellers, religious travellers, or history lovers.

Tejas Travels offers the best car rental service in Bangalore to Shravanabelagola, so that you can have a comfortable ride. You will have a pleasant and stress-free visit with a good road, good timing, and good rides.

One day at Shravanabelagola is not a mere holiday; it is an experience.

How old is the Gommateshwara statue?

No specific dress code is fixed, but it is advisable to dress modestly. Put on clothes that cover the shoulders and knees.

Do not wear tight or flashy dresses; this is a religious place. The climb would be best in light cotton clothes.

Is there any dress code for visiting Shravanabelagola?

There is no strict dress code, but modest clothing is recommended. Wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees.

Avoid tight or flashy outfits, as this is a religious site. Light cotton clothes are best for the climb.

Can elderly people visit the statue?

Yes, old folks are always welcome.

The processes can be dealt with in brief intervals. Numerous families help in supporting the elders in the climb.

There are walking sticks and lightweight chairs that can be rented near the base. It is preferable to do climbing in the early years, when it is cool.

Is Shravanabelagola open on weekends?

Yes, it is open every day, even on weekends.

There tend to be more visitors on weekends. You can come on a weekday morning, in case you want to have a quiet experience.

Is photography allowed at the statue?

Most areas are permitted to use photography.

But do not be disrespectful of rituals and pious people. Do not use close shots of people praying. Drones can require special authorisation by governments.