I had been to ShravanBelagola twice this year on April 21st and May 28th to witness the spectacular MahaMastakabhisheka poojas at ShravanBelagula that is celebrated once in 12 years. Last i had been to Belagola was when i was a child. So i didnt have strong memories of either that occasion or the magnificent statue of Bhagavan Bahubali.

To start with a brief history of the place, ShravanBelagola is a major Jain pilgrim centre in South India. A small village town surronded by two hillocks called VindhyaGiri (DoddBetta) and ChandraGiri (ChikBetta). Atop the larger first hill, stands tall one of the greatest  architectural splendours of all times, the monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali or Gommateshwara. It was built by a Kingsman Chavundaraya in the 10th century. Its the tallest monolithic spectacle in the world. Other than this VindhyaGiri also has few Basadis or Jain temples. ChandraGiri on the other hand is flooded with numerous Basadis and other monuments.  Records tell that, Chandra Gupta Maurya, the great Mauryan spent his final days here with his Guru and followers.

            
      
                                                                                                                                                       

The legend of Bahubali or Gommata goes like this. Bahubali and Bharatha are two sons of first Thirtankara Rishabdev. At old age, Rishabdev retires to forest giving his sons respective shares in the Kingdom. While Bahubali is a simple honest ruler, Bharatha is a very ambitious one. He sets on trail to become a Chakravarti. Conquering most powerful kings in land, he comes back to his Kingdom only to learn from his devine powered victory Wheel that his campaign is incomplete since he hasent yet conquered his own brothers' Kingdoms. Later as he demands all his brothers surrender thier Kingdoms to him and go to forest. But Baubali would not buckle down to this demand. So war results between the two brothers. To avoid bloodshed between brothers, wise ministers on both sides suggest a one-one fight between Bharatha and Bahubali to decide the winner. Both brothers agree to this.

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