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Gommateshwara Statue

The Gommateshwara statue is a towering monolithic image of Lord Bahubali on Vindhyagiri Hill in Shravanabelagola, Karnataka. Carved from a single block of granite, it is among the tallest monolithic statues in the ancient world and one of the largest free-standing statues anywhere. Built around 983 CE during the Western Ganga dynasty, it was commissioned by minister and commander Chavundaraya. The statue is dedicated to the Jain figure Bahubali and represents peace, non-violence, sacrifice of worldly affairs, and simple living. It is also a major Jain pilgrimage site, especially during Mahamastakabhisheka, the ritual bathing held once every 12 years.

Gommateshwara Bahubali statue with ritual streaks, framed by a decorated scaffolding structure and a smiling man in orange robes in the foreground.
Gommateshwara Bahubali stands amid a decorated scaffolding structure during a ritual ceremony.
August 2018 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
A multi-tiered stone shrine overlooking a hazy green landscape under a clear sky.
A stone shrine associated with Gommateshwara rises above the surrounding landscape.
October 2016 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Collection of philatelic items featuring the Gommateshwara statue.
Philatelic items showing the Gommateshwara statue in stamp and postcard designs.
March 2020 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
A long granite bench with a carved floral support at Gomateshwara.
A granite bench with carved detailing is shown at the Gomateshwara temple site.
© · CC BY-SA 4.0
A long stone corridor with massive carved pillars and bright light at the far end.
A low-angle view down an ancient stone corridor with carved pillars and textured flooring.
© · CC BY-SA 4.0

Identification

NameGommateshwara statue
Alternative namesGomateshvara; Gomateshwara; Bahubali statue
TypeMonolithic colossal statue

Historical context

Date of constructionLate 10th century, around 983 CE
DynastyWestern Ganga dynasty
Religious traditionJainism
Meaning of nameBahubali means "one with strong arms"
Associated figureBahubali, also called Gomateshvara, son of Rishabhanatha and brother of Bharat

Creator

Commissioned byChamundaraya (also spelled Chavundaraya), minister and commander of the Ganga dynasty
Purpose of commissionIn honor of Bahubali
Builder's roleMinister of King Ganga Rachamalla IV (Raachmalla SathyaVaak IV, 975–986 AD)

Discovery and provenance

Listed byArchaeological Survey of India
Official monument statusAdarsh Smarak Monument in Shravanbelagola

Physical characteristics

HeightAbout 18 meters
MaterialSingle block of granite
TechniqueCarved from a single block of granite
DepictionA nude figure of Bahubali shown in kayotsarga posture, with arms straight down, broad shoulders, curly hair ringlets, large ears, and half-open eyes resting on the nose

Appearance

Flanking figuresTwo richly ornamented chauri bearers identified as a yaksha and yakshini
Rear featureA trough carved on the rear side of the anthill
BaseOpen lotus
Facial expressionA faint smile conveying calm inner peace and vitality
Iconographic elementsClimbing vines around the legs, an anthill, a snake and creeper twining around the legs and arms, and a cluster of flowers and berries near the upper arms

Iconography and meaning

SymbolismSymbolises Jain precepts of peace, non-violence, sacrifice of worldly affairs, and simple living
Meaning of baseSignifies the totality attained in installing the statue
Meaning of anthillSignifies incessant penance
Meaning of sizeIts height reflects the original stature that Jains believed human beings had

Location and ownership

AccessVisitors reach the summit by climbing 614 rock-cut steps
Distance from Bangalore158 km
VisibilityVisible from a distance of 30 km
Nearby hillChandragiri, the other hill at Shravanabelagola and a seat of several ancient Jain centres
Nearby featuresJain basadis and several images of the tirthankaras
LocationVindhyagiri (Indragiri), Shravanabelagola, Hassan district, Karnataka, India

History and restoration

Associated ritualMahamastakabhisheka, a Jain ritual held once every 12 years
Ritual actionsThe statue is bathed or anointed with milk, curd, ghee, saffron, sandalwood, coconut water, sugarcane juice, water, and other consecrated substances; devotees also offer flower petals, precious stones, gold, and silver
Next ritual bathing2030
Last ritual bathing7–26 February 2018
Event attendeesPilgrims, devotees, tourists, and notable visitors including Krishna-Rajendra Wodeyar in 1910, and Narendra Modi and Ramnath Kovind in 2018
Legendary consecration storyA legend says that after completion Chavundaraya organized a mahamastakabhisheka with five liquids, but the liquid did not flow below the navel until Kushmandini intervened, after which the abhisheka was performed from head to toe

Significance

Religious importanceOne of the holiest sites in Jainism and one of the religion's most important rituals
World rankingRegarded as the tallest monolithic statue in the world and one of the largest free-standing statues in the world
Historical rankingRegarded as the tallest Jain statue until 2016
RecognitionVoted the first of the Seven Wonders of India in a Times of India poll on 5 August 2007, with 49% of the votes