Bahubali Hill (Shravanabelagola) near Bangalore:
- The Monolithic Statue: This hill is world-famous for the 57-foot tall statue of Lord Bahubali (also known as Gommateshwara), which is carved out of a single block of granite.
- Historical Legacy: Built in the 10th century (around 981 AD) by Chavundaraya, a minister of the Ganga Dynasty, it is a masterpiece of ancient Indian sculpture.
- The Climb: To reach the top and see the statue, you need to climb approximately 600 to 700 steps carved into the rocky hill.
- Religious Significance: It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Jains and symbolizes peace, non-violence, and self-sacrifice.
- Mahamastakabhisheka: Every 12 years, a massive festival is held where the statue is bathed in milk, turmeric, saffron, and gold coins, attracting millions of devotees.