Shri Shravanbelagola Tirth

The mother of Sri Chamundrai who was a minister of king Sri Gangras, in Vikram year 1037 (1981 A.D.) was proceeding to Podanpur for offering prayers to and worshipping Sri Bahubali Bhagwan. She halted for rest on the way to Chandragiri hills located just opposite to the Vindhyagiri range of mountains. Here in a dream, she was inspired and directed by invisible divine forces to install the idol of Sri Bahubali Bhagwan on one of the hills of Vindyagiri and the minister Chamundrai on being told about it immediately took a decision with joy and enthusiasm to act accordingly. Making the best use of his wealth he erected the shrine here spending a considerable amount of money. Its 1000th anniversary was celebrated with an unprecedented acclaim in the year 1981 A.D.Every twelve years a Mahamastabishek of the idol takes place and on that occasion lakhs of people from all corners of India gather here for devout prayers. During the ceremony of abhishek, flowers are showered on the image by the help of planes and helicopters. Upto some years ago, the first offering of prayers was made by the Maharaja of Mysore. About 2000 years ago there was a devastating famine in North India lasting for about 12 years and at that time Acharya Sri Bhadrabahuswami with thousands of saint disciples had migrated to this place and lived on the mountain opposite to the Vindhyagiri range. With them had come Emperor Chandragupta also who after practicing intense austerities on this Mount shuffled off his mortal coils and went to heaven. May be, that is the reason why the mount was named Chandragiri.On Vindhyagiri there are other seven temples, and opposite to Chandragiri hill there are 14 more temples which include the oldest one of Sri Adhishvar Bhagwan. Here, Foot-Prints of Sri Bhadrabahu Swami are enshrined. It is believed that the standing idol which is half buried in the soil on Chandragiri Hill is of Sri Bharat Chakravarti, son of Sri Adhishvar Bhagwan. In one of the seven temples in the town of Shravanbelagola at the base, a Jain Math exists founded a long time ago. Ahattarak Sri Charukirtiswamiji has his seat here and devotees are given an opportunity and benefit to have sight therein of 17 idols made out of nine precious jewels.The idol of Sri Bahubali Bhagwan strikes one as of a very recent make in spite of its being older than a thousand years. Its contemplative mood so serious, quiet and sober together with its tall and magnificent height helps sprouting spontaneously spring of devout emotional favor in one’s heart. From the point of view of sculpture art, this is an outstanding example of Indian sculpture. The scenery around the temple is captivating. The large reservoir located in the middle of Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri Hills has a thrilling charm of its own.