Gomateshwara Temple is in Shravanabelagola Karnataka. It is famous for the big statue of Bahubali. He is a Jain god. The statue is 57 feet high and made from one stone. It is the biggest one-stone statue in the world. It was built in 983 AD by Chavundaraya who was a minister in the Ganga dynasty. The place is between two hills Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri. Many Jain temples are there and people come for pilgrimage. It is very important for Jains.
Bahubali was the son of the first Jain Tirthankara Adinatha. He stood still for one year and vines grew on him. The statue shows that moment. Every 12 years there is a big festival called Mahamastakabhisheka when they pour milk and honey on the statue. The last one was in 2018 and the next is in 2030. In 2025, normal visits will happen. The place has history from the 3rd century BC when Ashoka built some temples there. The statue can be seen from 30 km away. It is carved from granite rock and many inscriptions are there, the oldest in Kannada and Marathi.
To reach the statue you have to climb 652 steps on Vindhyagiri Hill. It is hard but worth it for the view. The temple is a peaceful place to pray and think. Many visitors come from all over the world. In 2025 more visitors are expected as travel is open again. The place is clean and green with a lake nearby. People take photos but must respect rules and not wear shoes inside. This temple shows the Jain way of life, non-violence, and simple living. Bahubali gave up his kingdom for peace and that is the message here. Visit in the morning to avoid heat, carry water, and wear light clothes. It is good for history lovers and spiritual people.
TTD ₹300 Special Entry Darshan 2025: A Complete Guide
Overview Table Gomateshwara Temple
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Shravanabelagola Hassan district Karnataka |
| Built Year | 983 AD |
| Built By | Chavundaraya Ganga dynasty minister |
| Statue Height | 57 feet |
| Material | Granite one stone |
| Festival | Mahamastakabhisheka every 12 years, next in 2030 |
| Steps to Climb | 652 on Vindhyagiri Hill |
| Importance | Jain pilgrimage site, biggest monolithic statue in the world |
Temple Timings Gomateshwara
| Day | Morning Time | Afternoon Time |
|---|---|---|
| All Days | 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM | 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
| Special Days | Same but check for festivals | Same |
Gomateshwara Sevas and Darshans
| Seva or Darshan | Timing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Darshan | All open hours | Free |
| Special Close View | Morning only | ₹200 to ₹500 per person if available |
| Pooja Offering | Any time | Donation based |
| Group Prayer | On request | Free or small fee |
How to Reach the Temple
Gomateshwara Temple in Shravanabelagola is easy to reach from big cities. The nearest airport is Bangalore, 157 km away. From there take a taxi or bus, it takes about 3 hours by road. The NH75 highway is good for driving. Many buses run from Bangalore bus stand to Shravanabelagola every hour for about ₹200.
By train, there is Shravanabelagola station on the Bangalore–Hassan line. Trains from Bangalore come daily. From the station, the temple is 2 km and you can take an auto for ₹50. From Hassan it is 50 km away and from Mysore it is 85 km (about 2 hours drive). The nearest big town is Channarayapatna, 12 km away. Once you reach the town, climb the hill for the temple. No vehicles go up the hill, only walking or doli for old people (₹500 up and down). Best time to visit is winter. Avoid rainy season. Carry an ID for checks.
How to Book Darshan Ticket
For Gomateshwara Temple darshan, mostly no booking is needed. It is free. You just climb the hill and see the statue. If there is special darshan or crowd, tickets may be at the counter at the temple base.
No online booking like big Hindu temples. The temple website (shravanabelagola.org) has info but no ticket system. If a big festival like Mahamastakabhisheka happens, then booking is needed. In 2025, no such event is planned, so walk-in is fine. During peak hours, they may give free passes at the base. Carry ID proof. Foreign visitors also register at the office but it is free. Call the temple at 08176 257258 to check crowd before going.
Nearby Attractions
- Chandragiri Hill – Opposite Vindhyagiri, has old Jain temples and caves.
- Odegal Basadi – At the base, three temples in one building.
- Belur – 50 km away, famous Hoysala temple with carvings.
- Halebidu – Near Belur, same style old temples.
- Mysore – 85 km away, big palace and zoo.
- Coorg – 100 km, hills and coffee farms.
- Shettihalli Church – 72 km, an old church partly in water.
- Markonahalli Dam – 62 km, picnic spot.
- Sakaleshapura – 92 km, green hills.
- Melukote – 35 km, hill temple with view.
Important Instructions for Visitors
Dos
- Take bath before coming
- Wear clean and modest clothes
- Remove shoes before climbing the hill
- Walk slowly on steps, help old people
- Pray silently
- Carry water (non-plastic bottle)
Don’ts
- No eating inside temple
- No leather items like belts
- No smoking or drinking
- No loud talking
- No touching the statue
- No photos if not allowed
- No littering
Accommodation Options
| Place Name | Type | Price per Night | Distance from Temple |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jain Dharamshala | Basic rooms | ₹500 | 1 km |
| Hotel Raghu | Lodge | ₹1000 | In town |
| SDK Residency | Hotel | ₹1500 | 0.5 km |
| Vidyanand Nilaya | Guest house | ₹800 | Near base |
| Aarya Mansion | Hotel | ₹2000 | 10 km in Hassan |
| Downtown PR Groups | Resort | ₹2500 | 5 km |
FAQs About the Temple
Q1. What is the height of the statue? 57 feet
Q2. When was it built? 983 AD
Q3. How many steps to climb? 652 steps
Q4. Is there entry fee? No, free
Q5. Best time to visit? Morning or evening in winter
Q6. Is festival in 2025? No, next in 2030
Q7. Can old people go? Yes, doli is available for a fee
Q8. Is food nearby? Yes, vegetarian hotels
Q9. What to wear? Modest clothes, no shoes
Q10. How long to see? About 2 hours for climb and darshan