16 May 2015
People visiting Shravanabelagola usually see the Bahubali statue on Vindhyagiri hill but skip the Chandragiri hill. Either they are not aware of Chandragiri hill or simply too tired from climbing the big hill. I belonged to the former category when I visited Shravanabelagola several years ago. Chandragiri hill looked impressive from Vindhyagiri. But I could not see the place due to lack of time.
But I had decided to climb the hill sometime later. To provide a perspective of Chandragiri’s importance, it has 92 out of 106 memorials in Shravanabelagola. So when Chaya and I visited Shravanabelagola last week, the itinerary just included Chandragiri hill and other less-visited places.
Chandragiri hill is on the other side of Vindhyagiri. The entrance is located just across the main road. Like in Vindhyagiri, it is required to walk barefoot on Chandragiri.
Climbing Chandragiri is very easy compared to Vindhyagiri. As we climbed up, the scenery became better and better. Bahubali statue on the other hill could 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 in time.
The important Basadi is Chavundaraya Basadi. The outer walls are plain, but the parapet and tower are ornate. A narrow passage inside Basadi leading to the upper storey was locked.
Another interesting Basadi was Terina Basadi. While the Basadi was a simple structure, the chariot stone structure in front of the Basadi was 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.
There is a small cave outside the Temple complex. Nothing exiting but it provides a nice view of the Temple complex. Not to be missed.
We never expected the visit to be so memorable. It exceededall our expectations.
R Niranjan Das
Magnificent captures. Chandragiri is definitely less explored.
Vineeta Yashswi
Seems very interesting place… Beautiful captures and nicely written…
Aravind GJ
Niranjan, Vineeta,
Thanks for your comments.
sureshjain dr
Thanks for highlighting the importance of Chandragiri.