Sravanabelagola is located 148km from Bangalore.It is one of the most popular Jain pilgrimage centers in South India, and is known for its colossal monolithic statue of Gomateswara, on top of a hill. The temple to Gomateswara is built on top of a hill, -at a height of 3000 feet above sea level. A flight of 500 steps provides access to this temple. Views of the neighborhood from the top of the hill are spectacular.The 1,800 years old 17m high statue of Lord Gomateswara, a Jain Saint, sits on top of the Indragiri Hills and is thought to be one of the tallest and loveliest monolithic statues of the world. It is symbolic of letting go of worldly possessions. The neighboring area abounds in 12th Century Jaina bastis (shrines or Temples) and several images of the Jaina Theerthankaras. The Mahamastakabhishekam festival is held once in 12 years, and this is when the image of Gomateswara is bathed in milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins.