Shravanabelagola is a historical town in Karnataka State in India. This historical town of Shravanabelagola is a treasure house of historical relies and shrines and temples. Belonging to the Jain era the natural stone formations coupled with greenery makes this place unique tourist's delight. The rare sense of town planning during the Jain religious era which has been proved to be scientific now stands as a testimony to the ingenuity that prevailed in that period. The Shrutakevali Bhadrabahu caves. Jain temples and Basadis speak volumes of the religious fervour and the architectural marvels clubbed together in this town.
         Largest number of Digambar Jain Basadis in India is found at Shravanabelagola and its suburbs. The temples or Basadis range from about 9th A.D. to the 19th century. The earliest on the Small Hill can not be dated with accuracy, but none of the existing temples of this hill is later than 1125 A.D. The early temples on the Small Hill, all the Basadis on the Large Hill, and one in the town are built of granite blocks.

         Largest number of inscriptions in India, concentrated in a single centre is found at Shravanabelagola. Of the 523 published so far, 271 are on the Small Hill, 172 are on the Large Hill, while 80 more are with in the town precincts. Another 50 records found in the neighboring villages, are in one way or another associated with Shravanabelagola. These inscriptions range from about 600 A.D. to 19 century. The inscriptions are carved on on the rock bed, on pillars, columns, temple surface and lithic as well as metal images.

        Shravanabelagola is as much a town of ponds as of temples. It is nearly impossible to reach any monument of this centre without first encountering a pond. Some ponds slumber under a still surface, while some others gently sway the lotus bed. The foundation of this holy centre was laid around 'bili-gola' (white pond) apparently a natural pond either on the Small Hill or in the valley.