Explanation: Shravanabelagola is a significant pilgrimage site for Jains located in the Hassan district of Karnataka, India. The site is renowned for its monolithic statue of Gommateshwara, also known as Bahubali, which is a symbol of Jainism. The statue, carved out of a single block of granite, stands at a height of 57 feet and is one of the largest free-standing statues in the world. It is located on top of a hill called Vindhyagiri and is a major attraction for pilgrims and tourists.
The statue of Gommateshwara was erected in the 10th century by Chamundaraya, a minister of the Ganga dynasty. The statue represents the Jain saint Bahubali, who is believed to have attained enlightenment after standing in meditation for years. The site is particularly significant for the Digambara sect of Jainism, which believes in the practice of nudity as a symbol of renunciation and detachment from material possessions.
Shravanabelagola is not only a religious site but also a cultural and historical landmark. The site includes several other Jain temples and monasteries, including the Chandragiri hill, which houses the Chaturmukha Basadi, a four-faced temple dedicated to the Tirthankaras of Jainism. The annual festival of Mahamastakabhisheka, where the statue of Gommateshwara is anointed with various substances, is a major event that attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists from around the world.
In contrast, the other options listed are significant for different religious communities. Udupi is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, particularly for devotees of Lord Krishna, and is known for the Sri Krishna Matha temple. Sringeri is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site for followers of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy and is home to the Sringeri Sharada Peetham. Gokarna is a Hindu pilgrimage site known for the Mahabaleshwar temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. These sites are not major pilgrimage sites for Jains.
Therefore, Shravanabelagola is the correct answer as it is a very important pilgrimage site in Karnataka for Jains.