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Gomateshwara Statue
Karkala, Karnataka, IndiaAbout
Gomateshwara also known as Bahubali according to Jain Scriptures was the second of the one hundred sons of the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabha and king of Podanpur. A monolithic statue of Gomateshwara built by the Ganga minister and commander Chamundaraya is situated at 60 feet (18 m) above a hill in a place called Shravanabelagola in the Hassan district of Karnataka state, India. It was built in the 10th century AD.[citation needed] Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, devotees and tourists from all over the world flock to the statue once in 12 years for an event known as Mahamastakabhisheka. On August 5, 2007, the statue was voted by Indians as the first of Seven Wonders of India[1]. 49% votes went in favor of this marvel. Contents [hide] 1 Gomateshwara at Shravanbelagola 2 List of statues of Gomateshwara 3 References 4 See also [edit]Gomateshwara at Shravanbelagola The colossal monolithic statue of Gomateshwara or Bahubali is situated at Shravanabelagola, 158 km away from Bangalore. This gigantic statue of lord Bahubali, the Jain saint, is carved out of a single block of granite and stands majestically on top of a hill. For centuries, Shravanabelagola has remained a great Jain center and thousands of pilgrims flock to see the magnificent, gigantic statue. The saint is shown completely nude, in the Jain custom. It is 17 m. (55 ft) high and is visible from a distance of 30 km. This statue is regarded as one of the largest monolithic statues in the world. It was created around 983 AD by Chavundaraya, a minister of the Ganga King, Rachamalla (Raachmalla SathyaVaak IV 975-986 AD). The neighbouring areas have Jaina bastis and several images of the Jaina Tirthankaras. One can have a beautiful view of the surrounding areas from the top of the hill. At Shravanabelagola the Mahamastakabhisheka festival is held once in 12 years, when the image of Gomateshwara is bathed in milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins.
