Chandragiri hill in Shravanabelagola

16 May 2015

People visiting Shravanabelagola normally go to see Bahubali statue situated on Vindhyagiri hill. Either they are not aware of Chandragiri hill or simply too tired from climbing big hill that they decide to skip the smaller one. I belonged to the former category when I visited Shravanabelagola several years ago. Chandragiri hill looked impressive from Vindhyagiri. But I could not visit due to lack of time.

Out of 106 memorials in Shravanabelagola, 92 are located in Chandragiri. So when I and Chaya visited Shravanabelagola last week, the itinerary just included Chandragiri hill and other less visited places. Keep it simple!!

Chandragiri hill is just one the other side of Vindhyagiri. The hill is situated just across the main road. Like in Vindhyagiri, it is required to walk bare foot on Chandragiri.

Climbing Chandragiri is very easy compared to Vindhyagiri. As we climb up, the scenery becomes better and better. Bahubali statue on the other hill can be seen clearly.

At the entrance of the Temple complex is Kuge Brahmadeva Pillar known as Manasthambha.

There is a small statue of Bharata, brother of Bahubali. The statue below the thigh was mutilated at some point of time.

The important Basadi is Chanvundaraya Basadi. The outer walls are plain but the parapet and tower are ornate. A narrow passage inside Basadi leads to the upper storey. It was locked.

Another interesting Basadi is Terina Basadi. While Basadi is simple structure, the chariot stone structure in front because of which the Basadi got is name is beautiful.

Other important Basadi is Chandragupta Basadi which is associated with Chandragupta Maurya.

There are many inscriptions on the hill. Many of them are preserved under glass covering.

The place is so serene, peaceful and clean. There was handful of people at the time of our visit. At the same time we could see hundreds climbing the bigger hill!! The place is simply beautiful.