Shravanabelagola

57-foot monolithic Bahubali (Gomateshvara) statue, carved 981 CE. The Mahamastakabhisheka head-anointing is held every 12 years.

Shravanabelagola is the most important Digambara Jain pilgrimage in South India. The 57-foot Bahubali statue, carved out of a single granite rock atop Vindhyagiri Hill, was commissioned by the Ganga minister Chamundaraya in 981 CE. Every twelve years, the Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony anoints the statue with milk, water, sandalwood, and other offerings — drawing millions of pilgrims. Chandragiri Hill opposite has older basadis and the Bhadrabahu cave, where the great Acharya Bhadrabahu attained samadhi.