The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes
- Marcel Pronst
I was under the impression that travelling could be an experience only if I travel solo. I was completely fascinated by the tales of solo travelling. But my trip to Shravanabelagola in Hassan at Karnataka broke that myth.
Well! Solo travelling might work for many but for me, a trip with somebody who would just like to travel can work. I have cautiously and deliberately avoided the words ‘share the same passion’. After this trip, I firmly affirm the above-mentioned quotes. Travelling is not about seeking new places but new perspectives.
When I look back, this trip proved to be the most wonderful trip ever.
The experience and that ‘so good feeling which you feel from inside’ could not have happened if I had travelled solo. The 600 steps to reach the biggest monolithic statue would have been a big hurdle if I had travelled alone. I could not have managed them by myself.
Those hours, we spent under the shade of a rock after climbing majority of the steps chatting about personal, professional and worldly things made the experience more personal. A slight breeze that blew during those hours made it more memorable.
Neither am I against solo travelling nor am I making a sweeping generalisation. My point is: if you love travelling, grab any opportunity that comes on your way. Whether it is solo or group does not make a difference. It’s all about you and your personal experience.
We travelled to Hassan from Bangalore. As it was an unexpected trip, we started off a bit late. It took around four hours to reach Hassan. Once you are out of the chaos of city traffic, the rural landscape will make your drive a pleasant experience. When you reach Shravanabelagola, you can see the statue from afar.
As I am a person who does not love being amidst a crowd, the month of September proved to be the right time.
At the entrance, I saw her.
As footwear are not allowed, you can buy socks from the local vendors for Rs 60. After the visit, most of us discarded them in a dustbin kept there.
If you think you cannot handle the steps, there is chair - carrier like a palanquin.The views are different and mesmerizing after climbing each steps. It’s all about rocks.
This white pond and the view is majestic.
When you think that you have finished the Herculean task of climbing the steps, this appears. You can sit for a while here and start the next phase of climbing.There is no doubt that you will get thirsty after climbing all those steps. There are big tanks set up for drinking water.
Now let's get some facts about the statue
The 58 feet tall statue of Jain deity Gomateshwara is the tallest monolithic statue in the world.
Shravanabelagola has two hills Chandragiri and Vindhyagiri. The statue is located on the Vindhyagiri.
The statue is one of the most important thirthas ( pilgrimage destinations ) in Jainism.
The base of the statue has inscriptions in Devnagari script, dating from 981 AD. The inscription praises the king who funded the effort and his general, Chavundaraya, who erected the statue for his mother.
Every 12 years, thousands of devotees come here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka, a spectacular ceremony in which the statue is anointed with water, turmeric, rice flour, sugar cane juice, sandalwood paste, saffron, and gold and silver flowers. The next Mahamastakabhisheka will be held in 2018. It is called 'Statue of Gommateshvara' by Kannadigas, but the Jains refer to the same as "Bahubali".
A view of the city and the sky from the temple
The descent was much easier. We returned by around 6 pm.
- Shalet Jimmy
PS : All pics are copyrighted
published in bfirst as UNEXPECTED DELIGHTS
- Marcel Pronst
I was under the impression that travelling could be an experience only if I travel solo. I was completely fascinated by the tales of solo travelling. But my trip to Shravanabelagola in Hassan at Karnataka broke that myth.
Well! Solo travelling might work for many but for me, a trip with somebody who would just like to travel can work. I have cautiously and deliberately avoided the words ‘share the same passion’. After this trip, I firmly affirm the above-mentioned quotes. Travelling is not about seeking new places but new perspectives.
When I look back, this trip proved to be the most wonderful trip ever.
The experience and that ‘so good feeling which you feel from inside’ could not have happened if I had travelled solo. The 600 steps to reach the biggest monolithic statue would have been a big hurdle if I had travelled alone. I could not have managed them by myself.
Those hours, we spent under the shade of a rock after climbing majority of the steps chatting about personal, professional and worldly things made the experience more personal. A slight breeze that blew during those hours made it more memorable.
Neither am I against solo travelling nor am I making a sweeping generalisation. My point is: if you love travelling, grab any opportunity that comes on your way. Whether it is solo or group does not make a difference. It’s all about you and your personal experience.
We travelled to Hassan from Bangalore. As it was an unexpected trip, we started off a bit late. It took around four hours to reach Hassan. Once you are out of the chaos of city traffic, the rural landscape will make your drive a pleasant experience. When you reach Shravanabelagola, you can see the statue from afar.
As I am a person who does not love being amidst a crowd, the month of September proved to be the right time.
At the entrance, I saw her.
As footwear are not allowed, you can buy socks from the local vendors for Rs 60. After the visit, most of us discarded them in a dustbin kept there.
If you think you cannot handle the steps, there is chair - carrier like a palanquin.The views are different and mesmerizing after climbing each steps. It’s all about rocks.
This white pond and the view is majestic.
When you think that you have finished the Herculean task of climbing the steps, this appears. You can sit for a while here and start the next phase of climbing.There is no doubt that you will get thirsty after climbing all those steps. There are big tanks set up for drinking water.
Now let's get some facts about the statue
The 58 feet tall statue of Jain deity Gomateshwara is the tallest monolithic statue in the world.
Shravanabelagola has two hills Chandragiri and Vindhyagiri. The statue is located on the Vindhyagiri.
The statue is one of the most important thirthas ( pilgrimage destinations ) in Jainism.
The base of the statue has inscriptions in Devnagari script, dating from 981 AD. The inscription praises the king who funded the effort and his general, Chavundaraya, who erected the statue for his mother.
Every 12 years, thousands of devotees come here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka, a spectacular ceremony in which the statue is anointed with water, turmeric, rice flour, sugar cane juice, sandalwood paste, saffron, and gold and silver flowers. The next Mahamastakabhisheka will be held in 2018. It is called 'Statue of Gommateshvara' by Kannadigas, but the Jains refer to the same as "Bahubali".
A view of the city and the sky from the temple
The descent was much easier. We returned by around 6 pm.
- Shalet Jimmy
PS : All pics are copyrighted
published in bfirst as UNEXPECTED DELIGHTS
A very popular and well known tourist place,Shravanabelagola is a pride of Karnataka.I am happy that you got a good company to relish and savour the scenic beauty of the place.Even the road travel to Hassan from Bangalore is breathtaking.I can never enjoy such places without the company of family or friends.
ReplyDeleteClimbing those steps will keep one healthy.
ReplyDelete