Gommateshwara statue, Monolithic statue in Shravanabelagola, India.
Description
Gommateshwara is a 57-foot (17.9-meter) tall granite sculpture standing on Vindhyagiri Hill in Shravanabelagola, India. Bahubali appears in meditation posture with precise carvings across the entire body.
History
Minister Chavundaraya of the Western Ganga Dynasty commissioned this monument in 983. It remained the tallest free-standing statue in India until 2016.
Culture
Climbing vines wrap around the legs to show the meditator's indifference to nature. Anthills at the base reinforce this message of complete renunciation in Jainism.
Practical
Visitors must climb 620 steps to reach the statue and remove their shoes before entering. The site opens daily from sunrise to sunset.
Did you know?
Every twelve years, the Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony bathes the statue with water, milk, saffron, and flower petals from specially built scaffolding. Devotees view this ritual as an act of worship and spiritual renewal.
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