Vindhyagiri Hill

Vindhyagiri Hill
Steps leading to the summit

Vindyagiri (Kannada: ವಿಂಧ್ಯಗಿರಿ) is one of the two hills in Shravanabelagola in the Indian state of Karnataka. The other one being Chandragiri.

The Large Hill is first referred to as "Per kavappu" (Large - Kalbappu) in 8th Century, but its history begins with that of Gommateshwara in the Late 10th century. A century and half later the town is named Gommatapura, after the colossus, but the hill itself is not identified with a distinctive name. The present name "Vindhyagiri" is said to be derived from vim, spirit and dhya, meditation, as being the spot consecrated by rishis observed in the meditation on the supreme spirit.

The hill is located about 3,288 Feet from Mean sea Level and 438 Feet above the ground. The colossus of Gommateshwara at the summit dominates the valley. Jain mythology informs us that the first colossus of Bahubali was installed by Bharata at Paudanapura, it is described to be about 525 spans (Maru - about a meter) high. The 58' 8" high Bahubali image on the Large Hill with 438' high granite mass forming its pedestal.

In 981 A.D., Chavundaraya, a Ganga minister converted a tor standing at the summit into a colossus. Choosing a strategic opening between boulders, he also constructed a gateway (the present Akhanda Bagilu) with a large Gajalakshmi panel adorning its upper portion.