What to expect
Highlights
- The colossal monolithic Bahubali figure and its serene expression.
- The Mahamastakabhisheka head-anointing ceremony held once every twelve years.
- Wide views over Shravanabelagola and Chandragiri hill from the summit.
Gommateshwara Statue
The Gommateshwara statue at Shravanabelagola is a 17.5 m (about 57 ft) monolithic image of the Jain saint Bahubali, carved from a single block of granite around 983 CE by the minister Chavundaraya. It stands atop Vindhyagiri hill and is one of the tallest free-standing monolithic statues in the world.
Practical guide
Plan Gommateshwara Statue
Typeheritage
Nearest baseShravanabelagola
Best timeOctober to February and early morning to avoid heat on the barefoot climb
Time needed2 to 3 hours including the climb
EntryFree (doli/palanquin hire extra)
Nearest town/baseShravanabelagola
DistrictHassan
Place typeheritage
Time needed2 to 3 hours including the climb.
The Gommateshwara statue at Shravanabelagola is a 17.5 m (about 57 ft) monolithic image of the Jain saint Bahubali, carved from a single block of granite around 983 CE by the minister Chavundaraya. It stands atop Vindhyagiri hill and is one of the tallest free-standing monolithic statues in the world.
Bahubali is shown in kayotsarga, a standing meditation pose, with climbing plants carved around his legs to signify his years of penance. The site is among the most important Digambara Jain pilgrimage places in India.
Visiting
Gommateshwara Statue — at a glance
Timings~6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Best timeOctober to February; early morning; Mahamastakabhisheka once in 12 years
Entry: Free (doli/palanquin hire extra)
Getting here
How to reach Gommateshwara Statue
Shravanabelagola, ~50 km from Hassan near Channarayapatna
~600–700 barefoot rock-cut steps up Vindhyagiri — go early, carry water and socks.
Getting there
How to visit
- Shravanabelagola is ~50 km from Hassan and off the Bengaluru–Hassan highway near Channarayapatna; buses and taxis serve it.
- Reaching the statue means climbing ~600–700 rock-cut steps up Vindhyagiri barefoot; go early, carry water, and a doli (palanquin) is available for those who cannot climb.
Distance by road
- Bengaluru185 km
- Mysuru120 km
- Mangaluru170 km
- Chikkamagaluru55 km
- Madikeri (Coorg)115 km
Road km to Hassan; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Timing
Best time
October to February and early morning to avoid heat on the barefoot climb. The twelve-yearly Mahamastakabhisheka (next around 2030) draws huge crowds.
Weather in Gommateshwara StatueSeasonal guide
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Visitor notes
- The climb is barefoot on bare rock that gets hot by midday — go early and carry water and socks.
Safety
Good to know
On the map
Where Gommateshwara Statue is
Photos
Gommateshwara Statue in pictures
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What’s near Gommateshwara Statue
Good to know
Gommateshwara Statue — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Gommateshwara Statue?
October to February and early morning to avoid heat on the barefoot climb. The twelve-yearly Mahamastakabhisheka (next around 2030) draws huge crowds.
What are the entry fee and timings at Gommateshwara Statue?
Entry: Free (doli/palanquin hire extra). Timings: ~6:30 AM - 6:00 PM. Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Gommateshwara Statue?
Shravanabelagola is ~50 km from Hassan and off the Bengaluru–Hassan highway near Channarayapatna; buses and taxis serve it. Reaching the statue means climbing ~600–700 rock-cut steps up Vindhyagiri barefoot; go early, carry water, and a doli (palanquin) is available for those who cannot climb.
How much time do I need for Gommateshwara Statue?
2 to 3 hours including the climb.
What else is near Gommateshwara Statue?
Nearby you can pair Chandragiri Hill (910 m), Lakshminarasimha Temple, Nuggehalli (17.5 km), Bucesvara Temple, Koravangala (40.0 km), Hasanamba Temple (45.4 km).
Read next
More stories, legends & guides from Hassan
Image credits
- Gommateshwara Statue:Ananth H V, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0