The drive up to Karkala is splendid in the rainy season, especially the stretch after Hessian when the road curves into the Siradhi Ghats and then twists, turns and bends – sometimes at an incline of almost 60*. These ghats receive 4,500 mm of rain every year, so evergreen forests cover their slopes and make the drive itself memorable

When one tops the crest of the Ghats and beholds panoramic valley tumbling waterfalls and gurgling streams that grow into the Netravathi and Gurpur rivers one con’t help but stop awhile along the way and look around. You are lucky you might even spot wild orchids blooming high in the canopy. If you are lucky you might even spot the black – hooded king cobra, slithering on the wet rocks seeking a little light and warmth

After such an auspicious beginning through nature at her primordial best, Karkala, in parts appears as aged as mother nature herself. Ancient shrines rub shoulders with newer temples. Mangalore tiled cottages nestle amidst modern concrete monstrosities and the Jains, attired like their brethren up North, speak the local language of Kannada Tulu and Konkani with a distinctly deferent accent.

Jainism is believed to have taken root in Karnataka in the 6th century BC when Lord Mahavir traveled to these parts and won over king Jivandhara of Hemangada and his courtiers, who became his disciples by the 10th century, Jainism had spread all along the Karavali coasts and in the towns and villages along the western Ghats bestowing piety and some of the most famous monuments in India to Karnataka, Kerala is among the most important of these sacred places. From the center of this picturesque little town rises the 300 ft hifh Gommata Betta crowned with a 41.55 ft monolith of Lord Bahubali the first Jain Tirthankara. Visible for miles around the colossus sends a regal welcome to pilgrims, tourists and trekkers alike.

Bahubali Monolith

A wide staircase carved into the rock ends before towering granite walls and an ornate gateway at the heart of Karkala. Overlooking the sprawling stone flagged courtyard stands the majestic statue of Gomateshwara, or Bahubali. The colossus was consecrated and February 13, 1432 AD by the Bhairasa Dynasty, feudatories of the Vijayanagara rulers. Climb up to the pedestal for a close examination of the gigantic statue, of Karkala and for birds eye view of the paddy green countryside.

A Mahamastakabhisheka or ceremonial anointment of the statues is performed every 12 years ( the last one was in 2002 ) and is a big event in the jain calendar. Wter is poured in a purification rite from 1,008 Kalashas ( pots ). This is followed by abhisheka ( ceremonial bathing ) heralded with bugles and the beating of drums. Hundreds of containers of milk are emptied on to Bahubali’s head followed with rice powder that cascades down in clouds of white. The statue is than anointed with coconut water sugarcane juice, liquid turmeric and red sandalwood pasts.. 

As waves of ecstasy wash over the thousand of assembled jain pilgrims the monks shower rose petals, before washing the statue. Then oil lamps are lit all around. It is a sight to behold, as stunning in its simple beauty as the evening aarti at Har Ki Pauri Ghat on the River Ganga in the holy Hindu city of Haridwar. 

Where to stay and eat

Hotel Suhag
Ph : 08258 – 731991
Tariff : Rs 230 – 650

Pancharatna International 
Ph : 738152 
Tariff : Rs 230 – 650

Mavani Comforts 
Ph : 706311 /3 
Tariff : Rs 100 – 650

Soans Resort 
Ph : 736261
Tariff : Rs 750 – 4000