Shravanabelagola is an important Jain pilgrimage Centre in South Karnataka. Shravanabelagola is home to the 18 m high statue of Lord Gometeshwara; considered to be one of the world’s tallest free-standing monolithic statues.
The revered Gomateshwara, also known as Bahubali, was the second descendent of Rishabdeva (Adinath), the first Tirthankara of the Jain religion. He had 100 sons. A tense situation between Rishabdeva's sons Bahubali and Bharatha for the empire developed when he departed his realm. Although Bahubali beat Bharatha in the battle, the animosity between him and his brother made him unhappy. He deliberated for a long time before deciding to give his gained kingdom to Bharatha and continued on his path to obtaining Kevala Jnana (Absolute Knowledge).
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The Jains refer to this revered statue as the Bahubali, whereas the Kannada people of Karnataka call it the Gomateshwara statue. Every twelve years, the Shravanabelagola hill hosts the big Jain celebration known as the "Mahamastakabhisheka festival," which draws visitors and devotees from all over the world. The majestic monument is doused with water during the "Mahamastakabhisheka festival" by devotees standing on a high platform. The figure is then rinsed with copious amounts of milk, sugarcane juice, and saffron paste.
The magnificent statue, erected in 983 A.D., portrays Bahubali in a serene state of deep meditation, depicted through the kayotsarga pose. Climbing vines near his legs symbolize the growth that arises from this meditative state. Meticulously sculpted, the statue exhibits broad shoulders and straight arms, while the absence of backing from the thighs upwards adds to its awe-inspiring presence. Intricate details grace his curly hair, large ears, and half-open eyes gazing inward, reflecting detachment from worldly affairs. A subtle smile adorns his lips, signifying inner peace and vitality.
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An anthill can be spotted in the background, denoting his infinite atonement. A snake and a creeper emerged from the anthill coil at the upper portion of the arms, both the legs and arms pinnacle as a cluster of flowers and berries. The entire sculpture stands on an open lotus embodying the completeness acquired in establishing this fantastic statue.
Two Chauri bearers, Yaksha and Yakshini, stand on either side of the vast Bahubali or Gomateshwara. These richly embellished and beautifully sculpted figurines complement the central sculpture. Inscribed on the posterior side of the anthill is also a trench for accumulating water and other ceremony components used for the holy bath of the statue.
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