Wedged between two star rocky hills, this legendary pilgrim center and shrine of the Jains. The monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara, a Jain saint and an object of worship for centuries, standing atop one of the hills (Indragiri) is 18 meter high and is said to be the tallest monolithic statue in the world. 

The symmetry in stone was created around 983 AD by Chamundaraya, a general and minister of the Ganga King Rachamatta. The Mahamastakabhisheka festival, an elaborate ritual, held here once every 12 years, attracts devotees from all over the World. 

Priests climb up to pour pots of coconut water, turmeric paste, vermilion powder over the statue head.

Just opposite is the smaller Chandragiri hill where some Jain temples and tomb of Chandra Gupta Maurya, famous patron of Jainism can be seen.

Halebid, which also houses some famous temples is approx.83 Kms via Hassan from Shravanabelagola, the other nearby famous place is Belur (approx. 86 Kms via Hassan), which has fantastically carved temples. 

Statue of Lord Bahubali 
The serene 1000 years old giant statue of Bahubali popularly known as Gommateshwara is located at the top of Indragiri. The statue is 57 ft(17 Mt.) high and carved out of a single rock. It is the World's tallest monolithic statue. Chavundaraya, a General in the service of the Ganga king, Rachamalla installed this colossal statue in the year 981 AD

Once in 12 years, the Mahamastabhishekha or the Great head Annocriting ceremony of Bahubali takes place. The huge status is bathed pouring thousands of pots of milk, coconut water, chandan, sugarcane juice, turmeric etc. The spectacular event attracts lakhs of devotees to the place from all parts of the country. The last Mahamastabhishekha took place in February 1993.

Chandragiri Hills
Also called as Chikkabetta, Chandragiri hill is smaller than Indragiri. Here one will get a glimpse of civilization as it existed 2500 years ago and the culture influence of Jainism had on the life and culture of people during that period. The monuments in the hillock are all in the Dravidian style. Chandragupta Basthi is said to have been built by the Emperor Ashoka the Great is situated here. The panels and inscriptions here are carved on highly polished black stone, depicts the Life of the Chandragupta Maurya and his Guru Bhadrabhahu Muni.

Chavundaraya Basthi
Built by the Ganga General Chavundaraya around 982 A.D, this Basthi is one of the oldest on the Chandragiri hill. 

Mahastambha
This monolithic pillar is 60 ft high .This mantapa stands in front of the Parshwanatha Basthi.

Bhadrabahumani Cave
Bhadrabahumani is said to have attained Nirvana in this cave. His foot prints are engraved on a stone slab in the cave. It is also believed to be the place where Chandragupta Maurya attained Nirvana after 12 years of penance. 

Air: The nearest Airports are Bangalore-145 Kms & Mangalore 210 Kms approx. 

Rail: The nearest Railway stations are at Hassan 52 Kms and Arasikere 63 Kms.

Road: Sharavanabelagola town is at a distance of 52 Kms from Hassan(the district headquarters) and 14 Kms from Channarayapatna, a Taluk centre. It is also connected by roads from major towns and cities. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation operates regular bus services from these places. Some of these routes are: 
Bangalore-145 Kms, Mysore-83 Kms, Hassan-52 Kms, Channarayapatna-14 Kms, Arasikere-63 Kms.