Bahubali Statue
A 39-foot monolithic granite statue of the Jain figure Bahubali, standing atop Ratnagiri hill above Dharmasthala and modelled on the celebrated Gomateshwara colossus at Shravanabelagola. Carved from a single block of granite and consecrated in 1973 under the patronage of Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade, the statue depicts Bahubali, the Jain figure venerated for renouncing worldly conquest, in the same standing meditation pose as the far larger tenth-century Gomateshwara at Shravanabelagola. Set on the low Ratnagiri hillock a short walk above the main temple complex, it underscores Dharmasthala’s Hindu-Jain shared heritage and draws its own stream of visitors distinct from the Manjunatha temple below.
Bahubali Statue at a Glance
Essential information about Bahubali Statue.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
Carved from a single block of granite and consecrated in 1973 under the patronage of Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade, the statue depicts Bahubali, the Jain figure venerated for renouncing worldly conquest, in the same standing meditation pose as the far larger tenth-century Gomateshwara at Shravanabelagola. Set on the low Ratnagiri hillock a short walk above the main temple complex, it underscores Dharmasthala’s Hindu-Jain shared heritage and draws its own stream of visitors distinct from the Manjunatha temple below. Bahubali Statue sits at an elevation of 145 m and is typically explored in about 1 hour. The most favourable months to visit are November, December, January, and August, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Vindyagiri Hill, Chandragiri Hill, and Shravanabelagola Lake. Other notable highlights include 39-foot monolithic granite colossus on Ratnagiri hill, panoramic views of Dharmasthala temple town below, and peaceful climb up 300+ steps to statue. It falls within Dakshina Kannada district and Karnataka, India.
Highlights
- 39-foot monolithic granite colossus on Ratnagiri hill
- Panoramic views of Dharmasthala temple town below
- Peaceful climb up 300+ steps to statue
- Jain pilgrimage atmosphere with chanting and offerings
- Nearby Manjusha Museum with antique clocks and artifacts
- Evening aarti at Sri Manjunatha Temple nearby
Getting There
Things To Do
Climb the 600+ steps to the statue’s base
Ascend the well-maintained stone stairway from the foothill parking area up to Ratnagiri hill, where you can pause at shaded rest spots and take in panoramic views of the surrounding paddy fields and the Dharmasthala temple complex below.
45 minutes (one way, with rests)
Observe the ritual abhisheka (anointing) ceremony
If you time your visit during the early morning or festival days (like the Mahamastakabhisheka, held every 12 years), watch as priests pour water, milk, and sandalwood paste over the statue from a special platform, accompanied by chanting and bell sounds.
30–45 minutes (depending on timing)
Rest at the shaded garden and bench area beside the statue
Sit on the stone benches under the neem and banyan trees near the statue’s left side, where a small garden with flowering plants offers a cool spot to rest, sip water, and enjoy the gentle breeze while watching other pilgrims.
30 minutes
View the statue from the elevated viewing platform
Stand on the concrete platform built slightly above the statue’s base to get a close-up look at the fine details of the granite carving, including the curly hair and the serene half-closed eyes, while a guide explains its 10th-century origin.
15 minutes
Take the downhill path to see the carved inscriptions and small shrine
Walk down the short, sloping path from the statue’s rear side to a small Jain shrine with a stone inscription tablet that describes the statue’s installation history, then continue along the same path to rejoin the main steps for the descent.
20 minutes
Walk the circumambulation path around the statue
After reaching the top, walk clockwise around the 39-foot monolithic Bahubali statue on the paved pradakshina path, observing the intricate carving of the Jain figure, including the vines carved around his legs and the serene facial expression.
20 minutes
Travel Tips
Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds
The open hilltop gets very hot by mid-day, especially between March and May. Start your visit right after the temple opens (around 7:30 AM) to enjoy cooler weather and fewer people, making it easier for the group to move together.
Carry minimal belongings and wear sturdy footwear
The path from the lift to the statue platform involves some walking on uneven stone and gentle slopes. Leave backpacks and large bags in the cloakroom at the base, and wear non-slip, comfortable shoes to avoid tripping.
Combine with Dharmasthala temple visit but allow extra rest time
The statue is about 5 km from the main Dharmasthala temple complex, and many groups visit both in one day. After the climb, plan a 30-minute rest break at the nearby cafeteria or under shade before driving back, and keep water bottles handy throughout.
Plan for the climb and use the lift
The statue is atop a hill, and while there is a stairway, senior travellers should use the free ropeway/lift facility available near the base. Confirm the operating hours at the entrance, as it may close during lunch or peak crowd times.
Keep group members together with a fixed meeting point
The viewing platform and surrounding garden can get busy, and there are no loudspeaker announcements. Before entering, agree on a simple meeting spot (like the base of the flagpole or the ticket counter) in case anyone gets separated, and set a time to regroup.
Frequently Asked Questions
The statue is located atop a small hill called Ratnagiri, about 1 km from the main Dharmasthala temple complex. You can either walk up a paved, gently sloping path (about 15-20 minutes) or take a free shuttle bus that runs regularly from the base. For those with mobility issues, the bus is the best option, and there are resting benches along the path.
Yes, the 39-foot tall monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali is visible from the Dharmasthala town below, especially during clear weather. Photography and videography are allowed on the approach path and around the statue base, but please be respectful during prayers and avoid using flash near the sanctum. Drones are not permitted without prior permission from the temple authorities.
There is no entry fee, and no strict dress code, but modest clothing is appreciated as it is a sacred Jain pilgrimage site. It is advisable to remove footwear before climbing the final steps to the statue platform, and you can leave shoes at a designated counter near the base. Carrying a small cloth bag for your shoes is recommended.
Early morning, between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, is ideal as the weather is cooler and the crowds are thinner, allowing for a peaceful darshan. Late afternoon, after 4:00 PM, is also good, especially during winter months (October to February). Avoid midday, as the stone platform gets very hot under the sun.
Plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours, including the shuttle ride, walking, darshan, and some time for photos. Restrooms are available near the base and at the top near the statue, and there are small snack stalls selling water, tea, and light refreshments. For a full meal, you can return to the main Dharmasthala complex, which has several pure-vegetarian restaurants and the famous free Annapoorna dining hall.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Bahubali Statue
Day 1
Arrive in Dharmasthala in the morning and settle into the peaceful rhythm of this pilgrimage town. Spend the day exploring the main temple complex and the surrounding sacred sites, building up to a gentle climb towards the Bahubali statue in the late afternoon when the light is soft and the crowds are thinner.
- Visit the Sri Manjunatha Temple, the heart of Dharmasthala, and observe the morning rituals and the unique tradition of offering free meals to all devotees.
- Walk through the temple museum (Sri Manjunatha Museum) to see ancient artifacts, sculptures, and a collection of vintage cars and royal paraphernalia.
- Take a slow, shaded walk up the paved path to the Ratnagiri hill, stopping at the smaller shrines along the way, and reach the 39-foot monolithic Bahubali statue for a quiet sunset view over the Netravati River.
Day 2
Dedicate the first half of the day to a more detailed visit to the Bahubali statue and its hilltop surroundings, including the smaller Jain temples nearby. After lunch, unwind along the riverbank and explore the lesser-known corners of Dharmasthala, such as the Annappa Swamy temple and the local craft village.
- Return to the Bahubali statue in the morning for a closer look at the intricate carvings, the inscription at the base, and the panoramic views of the Western Ghats from the hilltop.
- Explore the small cluster of Jain temples and the meditation hall adjacent to the statue, learning about the story of Bahubali and the significance of his penance posture.
- Walk down to the Netravati River ghats, where you can watch the evening aarti (prayer ceremony) and see devotees performing ritual baths, then stroll through the local handicraft and spice shops near the main bus stand.
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Tour Packages for Bahubali Statue
Dharmasthala
Karnataka
3 place(s) covered within Dharmasthala
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