Bahubali

Situated at a kilometre from the bus stand on the west and a kilometre from the Manjunatha temple from east is the shrine of Bahubali on the top of the Ratnagiri Hill. This shrine, around 39-foot high, was sculpted in 1973 by Renjala Gopalkrishna Shenoi and positioned inside the temple in February 1982 by Veerendra Heggade.

Bahubali is respected as a figure of sacrifice and selflessness, by Jains. Bahubali and his elder brother Bharatha, were both prince, who contested against each other in a war to gain supremacy.

When Bahubali won the battle, he spared his brother’s life but realised the pointlessness of a killing and war in order to gain power. He gave up his kingdom to Bharatha and joined the Digambara Jain sect. From then on Bahubali followed the way to atonement by standing unclothed until he achieved enlightenment. Even the shrine of Bahubali is depicted in this posture.

By  climbing steps of the hill for about 20 minutes or by road, this shrine can be reached. The best time for the tourists to visit this temple is in the morning to get away from humidity and sunny weather. On top of the hill, there are shelters and drinking water facilities being arranged for travellers.

Timing :  8:00 a.m – 10:00 a.m, 6:00 p.m – 7:00 p.m