Statue Of Gomateshwara

The awe-inspiring history of Karnataka brings us our next popular attraction, the 57-feet statue of Gomateshwara, also known as Bahubali. Known among the must-see historical monuments in Karnataka, the massive statue is one of the largest free-standing statues in the world. Even more inspiring is, the one in 12 years’ ritual where the lord is bathed in milk, saffron, turmeric, and other holy things.

Dating to the year 981, built during the rule of the Ganga dynasty, the massive statue is a vision and to date inspires awe. Visit Shravanabelagola for it is an important Jain pilgrimage site in India, one of the unmissable highlights of Karnataka heritage tours.

History of Statue of Gomateshwara

According to the Jain texts, Bahubali or Gomateshwara was the second son of the first Tirthankara of Jains, Rishabdeva or Adinath. It is said that Adinath had in total 100 sons. When Rishabdev left his kingdom, a tussle took place between two of his sons – Bharatha and Bahubali for the empire. Although Bahubali defeated Bharatha in combat he was not happy due to the sourness between him and his brother. Thus, he decided to give his kingdom to Bharatha and went to achieve Kevala Jnana (Absolute Knowledge).

The statue is referred to as ‘The statue of Gomateshwar’ by the Kannada people of Karnataka and the same is referred to as Bahubali by the Jains. Every twelve years, at the Shravanabelagola hill, thousands of devotees, tourists come to celebrate the ‘Mahamastakabhisheka festival’. Devotees sprinkle water on the statue from a high platform. After the water is sprinkled, the statue is bathed with tons of milk, sugarcane juice, and the saffron flowers paste. The next Mahamastakabhisheka festival is expected to be held in the year 2030.

In the year 2007, this marvelous statue was conferred with the top spot among the country’s seven wonders.

Architecture of Statue of Gomateshwara

The Shravanabelagola Gomatheeswara statue is the largest monolithic idol in the world. It spans centuries with different ruling dynasties and kings adding their contributions and so is living historical evidence of the last millennia. Historians describe the idol of the Lord as both magnificent and munificent – both beautiful and graceful, breathtaking yet serene.

It is this impossible combination of beauty and serenity that gives the Shravanabelagola its unique appeal. Standing 57 feet tall, the Lord is a beacon for the world-weary who flock here to shed their worldly burdens and to embrace a life of peace and ahimsa, meaning non-violence.