Gommateshwara Statue - The Tallest Monolithic Sculpture in the World

The gigantic Hassan Gommateshwara Statue is an important symbol for the Jain, and it is situated on top of the Vindhyagiri Hill. It’s a well-known sight and it’s regularly visited by people from around the world due to its spiritual excellence.

Quick Glance

Location: Indragiri Hills, Shravanabelagola, Karnataka, India

Built for: Dedicated to Jain deity Bahubali

Construction: 978 AD - 993 AD

Height: 17.5m (57 ft)

Material Used: Granite

Visiting Hours: Open 24 hours

Entry Fee: Free

Important Information

Distance from Bangalore: 89.4 miles

Mode of travel: Buses, Cabs

Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

Best time to visit: November to January

Additional fee: small fee to keep your shoes (you have to climb the mountain barefoot)

The time required: An entire day

Essentials to carry: Carry a hat, water bottle, socks, sunglasses, Camera

The famous statue of the Bahubali is in the small town Shravanabelgola near the Hassan district in Karnataka. The famous statue of Bahubali, which is also called the Gomateshwara statue was built in the 10th century and is known as the tallest monolithic statue made with a single granite stone. The history behind this famous statue is interesting enough to compel you to visit this place.

The splendor of this location can be seen while you climb up the stairs to reach the temple, there are around 600 steps to climb before you reach the entrance to this temple. The statue of the Bahubali also has other statues on either side of the main figure that represents his assistance. Tourists visit this place especially to enjoy some of the famous rituals during Mahamastakabhisheka. This festival is very important and it takes place after every 12 years.
 
You will have a great chance to explore the culture and tradition of the place. Apart from its religious significance, this place also has a lot of tourist attractions due to its brilliant location. Let’s find out some astonishing things about the history of this place.

Traveling

Due to the famous attraction Gommateshwara Statue in Hassan, Shravanabelagola receives frequent tourists to this place. It’s about 145 km (90 miles) away from Bangalore and 52km (32.31 miles) from Hassan railway station.
You will find a lot of routes to Shravanabelagola, you can visit the town by road or by bus. The easiest way to reach the location is by road, and apart from cars, there are government buses available frequently from all the major cities of Karnataka.

History

The history of this place is very interesting that consist of the tale of two brothers. Lord Gomateshwara or Bahubali and Bharata were the sons of Lord Adinatha-the first Jain Tirthankara. Bahubali was challenged by his brother over the succession of the throne. However, Bahubali was completely against fighting over materialistic things and insisted on peace. The combat between two brothers became an important part of the religious history of this place. The strength of Bahubali on fighting his brother involved three different forms, such as Drishtiyuddha, Mallayuddha and Jalayuddha.

Bahubali won the fight against his brother. However, he completely despised the wealth, power, throne, and the all materialistic things that became the cause to set brother against brother. He denounced his kingdom and sat in a deep meditation due to which his statue is built to celebrate the tranquility of spiritual glow.

Interesting Facts about the Hassan Gommateshwara Statue

This gigantic statue has untold history and unfolded facts about its existence. There are a lot of things that are strange and astonishing about this brilliant statue. Researchers conclude some of the following:

•  You will be astonished to know that the statue of Bahubali is carved out of single granite stone which is around 57 feet (17.4 meters) in height.

•  The legend has it that the statue was carved by a non-professional. He didn’t have much knowledge about idol making and he used simple instruments in constructing this statue.

•  The statue is built with an amazing angle that the idol mostly doesn’t have any shadow.

•  Mother of the king, Lord Chamundraya Gommateshvara dreamt about a very tall Bahubali Statue and hence the idol was made with that inspiration. 

•  The king of that time promised the sculptor to pay gold in place of the amount of sand that gets out while carving. However, the sculptor’s mother was a devotee of Bahubali and she stopped her son from accepting anything in return.

•  The famous festival called the Mahamastakabhisheka takes place every 12 years, and the central government helps the Karnataka State government in arranging the festival.

 
Apart from these interesting facts, there is another story about the Mahamastakabhisheka, which is the pouring milk/water from the head of the statue. This ceremony after the completion of the idol was carried out, but the king has said to develop so much pride and ego that the milk disappeared before reaching the foot of the idol. He withheld an old lady from visiting the grand ceremony, but finally the old woman climbed the top of the statue and poured a very little amount of milk which bathed the whole statue. As a result, the king realized his mistake.
 
These facts are extremely interesting and somehow it gives a very strong background if you are planning to visit this statue soon. Apart from visiting the Gommateshwara Statue in Hassan, if you want to see some of the other wonders in the surrounding location, then take a look at these attractions near the town.

7 Attractions near Shravanabelagola

Apart from the brilliant Bahubali Statue in Hassan, you will also be able to explore some of the other locations nearby that are equally famous among the tourists. Some of the places are as follows:

1. The Ghati Subramanya
2. Vindhyagiri Temple
3. Chandragiri Hills
4. Bandipur Forest Reserve
5. Nrityagram
6. Cauvery Fishing Camp
7. Sri Ramadeva Katte Waterfalls

These places will help you gather the best memories and spiritual experiences. You will discover the sacred beauty in temples and rediscover nature. Convince your family and friends and visit the beautiful sight to see the Hassan Gommateshwara Statue.

See More:  7 Brilliant Places to Visit in Shravanabelagola, Hassan