The statue was commissioned by the T.R. Chandrashekar Foundation.
Construction of the statue took approximately 15 months to complete.
The statue is seated on a base that houses a small inner sanctum.
The project was inaugurated in 2006.
The location was selected specifically to overlook the historic city of Vijayapura.
Shivagiri Temple in Vijayapura features a massive 85-foot-tall monolithic statue of Lord Shiva, one of the tallest in the country. The statue is depicted in a seated meditative posture and is constructed from reinforced concrete. The site is situated on a hillock, providing an elevated vantage point over the surrounding landscape of the Karnataka plateau. The temple complex is characterized by its stark white aesthetic and open-air layout. Devotees visit primarily to view the statue and participate in quiet meditation within the temple grounds. The site is maintained by the Shivagiri Trust and is part of a larger initiative to promote spiritual tourism in the region.
The path leading up to the hill provides the best angle to capture the full scale of the Shiva statue against the sky.
Bring a hat and sunscreen, as there is very little shade in the outdoor viewing area.
Wear comfortable, slip-on footwear as you will need to remove them frequently to access different sections of the temple grounds.
Visit during the late afternoon to experience the sunset, which highlights the statue against the horizon.
Avoid visiting during the peak heat of the afternoon, as the concrete ground becomes extremely hot.
Modest dress is required; ensure shoulders and knees are covered. Remove shoes before entering the temple sanctum and designated prayer areas.
