Sravanbelgola is one of the oldest and most important Jain pilgrimage centres. It has a long history dating back to the 3rd century BC when Chandragupta Maurya came here with his guru, Bhagwan Bhadrabahu Swami after renouncing his kingdom. The town is famous for the Gommateshwara statue, sacred to Jains. Erected at sometime between AD 980 and 983, just over 17m high, the statue represents the saintly prince Bahubali, son of the first Tirthankar, after he had gained enlightenment. Nearly 700 steps carved in the steep granite slopes start near the village tank and the path up gives excellent views. There are several small shrines on the way to the statue on top. The carved statue captures the tranquility typical of much Buddhist and Jain art. The stone looks as fresh as if newly quarried, due to its being profusely anointed at intervals of 12 years. Every 12th year it is the focus for Jain pilgrims from across India to celebrate the 'Mastakabhisheka' - the magnificent sacred head anointing ceremony.