Gomateshwara

Gomateshwara is a monolithic statue standing at convert|60|ft|m above a hill in a place called Shravanabelagola in the Hassan district of Karnataka state, India. The statue was built by the Ganga minister and commander Chamundaraya in honour of Lord Bahubali. It was built in the 10th century AD and is the size Jains believe humans used to be. 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 [ [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2256323.cms And India's 7 wonders are The Times of India ] ] . 49% votes went in favor of this marvel.

Overview

The colossal monolithic statue of Gomateshwara is situated at Shravanabelagola, 158 km away from Bangalore. This gigantic statue of lord Gomateshwara, 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 of the Jain saint, Lord Gomateshwara. The statue of Gomateshwara shows the recluse completely nude, in the Jain custom. This statue of lord Gomateshwara is 17 m. (55 ft) high and is visible from a distance of 30km.

This statue is regarded as one of the largest monolithic statues in the world. This statue of lord Gomateshwara was created around 983 AD by Chamundaraya, 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 Thirthankaras. 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.

References

See also

* List of statues by height