Gomateshwara Statue : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

The Gomateshwara Statue is a representation of Lord Bahubali or Gomata, a large monolithic stone statue situated on the Vindyagiri Hill at Shravanabelagola, India. It has become a symbol of Jain heritage and devotion in South India. Measuring 57 feet in height, the statue is the largest monolithic stone statue in the world and was built in the 10th century by the Ganga dynasty minister Chamundaraya. It is a marvel in stone sculpture and stands tall to represent Jainism’s devotion and reverential attitude towards religious beliefs and its practices. This blog looks to share facts about the impressive Gomateshwara Statue, information about its construction and symbolism as well as ideas of how to best experience it during a visit to the town.

Interesting Facts About Gomateshwara Statue

1. The Gomateshwara Statue, built in 983 AD, is the tallest and largest monolithic structure in the world. Standing at a breathtaking height of 57 feet (17.4 meters), the statue weighs more than 200 tons.

2. It is believed that, during construction, more than 1300 tons of granites had been used to make up the statue.

3. The Gomateshwara Statue was built in dedication of the Jain saint, Chavundaraya. An inscription of the saint’s pranitapadiyappa, dating back to 982 AD is inscribed on the statue.

4. To honor the great scientist and philosopher, Acharya Bharati, a village at the top of Shravanabelagola hill was given the ephithet of “Vikrampur” in the 13th century AD.

5. Since 1982, the Gomateshwara Statue has become a symbol of the Jain festivals such as Mahamastakabhisheka, Paryushana, and Das Lakshana.

6. During the Mahamastakabhisheka festival, held every 12 years, the statue is anointed with milk, saffron, ghee, etc., and priests chant the mantras.

7. The Gomateshwara Statue is a symbol of triumph of Jainism and a testimony to the patronage of the Rashtrakuta rule of Kannadigas during 10th century.

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History & Information About Gomateshwara Statue

The Gomateshwara statue, located at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka, is one of the most spectacular monuments in India. This massive monolithic statue, one of the largest of its kind in the world, stands at 17 meters in height, atop a hill known as Vindyagiri, and is made of granite.

The statue was commissioned in 983 A.D. by a man named Chamundaraya, a supporter of the Jaina tradition that is deeply ingrained in Indian culture. The site itself is deeply steeped in history and is believed to have developed sometime in the 3rd century BC. Shravanabelagola is said to have been the scene of a number of miracles performed by Bhagwan Mahaveer in the first century.

The statue is a figure of the ascetic Gomateswara, known more often by his Jain name Lord Bahubali. According to Jain legend, Lord Bahubali renounced the worldly life, meditated in the hill for one year and attained enlightenment. The statue of Gomateshwara symbolizes his achievement and is a place of pilgrimage for thousands of Jain devotes from all over the world. Every 12 years, thousands of devotees come together at Shravanabelagola to perform ritual baths, known as Mahamastabhishekha. The last such bath occurred in February 2006.

The statue of Gomateshwara has been designated a protected monument by the Government of Karnataka. It is also subject to rigorous conservation measures and attracts global scholars and researchers intent on studying its significance.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Gomateshwara Statue

Shravanabelagola is a popular tourist destination located in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is home to the famous Gomateshwara statue, which is believed to be the world’s tallest monolithic statue. This historical site is visited by both pilgrims and tourists from all over the country. Here is a travel guide that will help you plan a memorable visit to the Gomateshwara Statue.

How to Reach:
Shravanabelagola is easily accessible from Bangalore, with numerous options of buses, taxis and even the Karnataka State Tourism bus services available to reach your destination. It is around 150 km from Bangalore and over five hours away. Local auto-rickshaws are also available for hire to take you around the city.

Best Time to Visit:
October to February is the best time to visit Shravanabelagola, when the weather is at its best. During the months of March and April, you can witness the Mahamastakabhisheka, which is a unique event where the statue is covered with holy water and flowers to pay obeisance to Lord Bahubali.

Places to See:
The most prominent destination in Shravanabelagola is the archaeological wonder- Gomateshwara Statue. Apart from that, you can also visit Chandragiri Hill, which offers stunning views of the surrounding cityscape. If you are looking for a peaceful experience, you can take a dip in Sanakall temple’s sacred waters and visit the nearby temples, such as Adinath Jain Basadis and Brother Ambariyappa Temple.

Local Cuisine:
A visit to Shravanabelagola would not be complete without tasting the local delicacies. Some of the popular dishes that you must try are Maddur Vada, Neer Dose, Kodubale, Saaru Dose, Jolada Roti, and BisiBelebath.

What to Buy:
Shravanabelagola has several shops which offer traditional Karnataka handicrafts, hand-loomed and hand-crafted items, statues of gods and goddesses, and jewelry. Make sure to also pick up some of the local specialties, such as Ragi Balls, Tirupathi Laddu, and Sahli Halwa.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Gomateshwara Statue

Q. Where is Gomateshwara Statue located?
A. The Gomateshwara Statue is located at Shravanabelagola, Karnataka, India.

Q. When was the Gomateshwara Statue built?
A. The Gomateshwara Statue was built in the 10th century CE.

Q. What is the height of the Gomateshwara Statue?
A. The Gomateshwara Statue is 57 feet tall.

Q. Who built the Gomateshwara Statue?
A. The Gomateshwara Statue was built by the dasa Chalukya ruler of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.

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