Everybody knows about the India’s one of the most expensive move Bahubali: The begining, but do you know about the the largest monolithic statue of Bahubali in India? Bahubali (One With Strong Arms) was the son of Rishabhanatha, the first tirthankara of Jainism. The Gomateshwara Statue is situated on the top of Shravanabelagola hill, in the State of Karnataka, India. Gomateshwara is also known as Lord Bahubali. The statue was built by Chamundaraya, a minister belonging to the Western Ganga Dynasty between the years 978 to 993. A single large stone was used in the construction of the Gomateshwara Statue.

Here are five facts about the largest monolithic statue of Bahubali you Did not Know.

The most important pilgrimages for Jains:
The Gomateshwara Statue is the most sacred places for Jains. The ceremony of Mahamastakabhisheka is performed here once in every 12 years. Devotees Sprinkle 1008 vessels of water from the top of the statue during the celebration of Mahamastakabhisheka festival. After the sprinkling of water, the bathing of the statue is done with a tons of sugarcane juice, milk, and the paste from the saffron flower. The next festival is expected in 2018.

Has an astonishing 614 steps:
You have to climb over 600 steps to get to the top of this statue.  "Ancient Jain heritage site, famous for statue of Bahubali, famous for Mastakabhishek function taken place once in a period of 12 years. Located in Karnataka state and is 158 km from Banglore. Chandragiri hills, Vidhyagiri is a notable place to visit," HolidayIQ traveller Sumit said.

Stunning 18 metres high:
The statue is considered as the world’s biggest monolithic statue at a stunning 18 metres high. In the pole of the wonders of ancient India, it was voted first with 49% of the votes.

Timeless Inscriptions:
The Gomateshwara Statue is a completely stripped Statue. It was built according to Jain ethnicity. There are several inscriptions were found at the bottom of the Gomateshwara Statue. The inscriptions are written in Kannada language that, describes the ancient Kannada literature.

Place caught the fancy of many photographers in British India:
The view from top remains stunning. You will found several pictures of the place in the Curzon Collection's "Souvenir of Mysore" Album. It was a wonderful experience to stand in front of the big statue and take some pictures.

How to reach:
The nearest airport is Bangalore at 157 km away from the place and it is about 52 km away from the Hassan railway station. There are excellent roads connectivity from Bangalore and Mysore. The easiest way to reach Shravanabelagola is by road. Bus services are frequently available from all the major cities of the Karnataka state to Shravanabelagola.

Nandini