Its the first blog post for the year, and I am continuing with my series on Shravanabelagola, a travel guide for all those who are planing a visit to the place for the historical Mahamasthakabhisheka event scheduled from 15th Feb to 25th Feb this year.
Here is the post about Akhanda Bagilu - the Monolithic Gateway.
As we ascend the Vindhyagiri hill further ahead of Odegal Basadi and take few steps, we stand in front of the Akhanda Bagilu or the Monolothic Gateway. Carved out of a single boulder, the gateway has Gajalakshmi panel above the door lintel. Goddess Lakshmi is seated on a lotus, flanked by two elephants who anoint the goddess with pots in their trunks. Crocodiles and lions form the upper part of the panel. Showcasing one of the best craftsmanship of Ganga dynasty, this is considered to be one of the finest and largest reliefs of Gajalakshmi in the country.
On either side of the gate way are small shrines dedicated to Bharatha and Bahubali. A big boulder adjoining the left shrine has inscriptions and carvings of many Jain monks. They are said to be Bharatha's sons, called Mooka Makkalu or dumb children. While few call them dumb, other write ups say, they kept silent by choice. All these monks are said to have attained enlightenment with their grand father, the first thirthankara, Adhinatha.
While the doorway is assigned to 980AD, the two shrines are said to be added around 1130AD by Bharathamayya, a general of king Hoysala Vishnuvardhana.
Check our the complete Mahamasthakabhisheka Series here.
Check our the complete Mahamasthakabhisheka Series here.
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