The torso of the Gomateswara statue towers above the temple atop granite rock and can be seen from miles away. You only get to see the 58-foot figure (the largest monolithic stone carving in the world) in full when you enter through the doorway of the Bhandari Basadi temple. Jain pilgrims from across the country gather here to honour their last prophet.

The statue represents Bahubali, a prince who renounced his kingdom after realising the emptiness of worldly pursuits. He meditated for 12 years atop Vindhyagiri mountain until his brother joined him, and they both attained enlightenment.

Throughout history, Shravanabelagola has been ruled by various dynasties, including the Ganga, Chola, and Hoysala. Emperor Chandragupta Maurya embraced Jainism here. The town is a significant Jain pilgrimage centre, and the Akhara monastery, on the neighbouring hill, has been a hub for Jain scholars and monks for centuries.