Lord Gomateshwara, or Bahubhali, was the second son, amongst the 100 sons, of the first, Jain Tirthankara named Rishabhanatha/Adinath. Tirthankaras were the Spiritual Gurus. According to, the Jaina text, when Rishabhanatha, left his kingdom to be a monk, his empire was transferred to his 100 sons. But when, 98 brothers, of Bahubhali, surrendered their portion of the property to Bahubhali, and became monks, he ordered, even his, elder brother to give, his property to him. However, when Bharatha, Bahubhali’s elder brother disagreed, a war broke, between the two.
Even though the ministers, of both parties, intervened to stop the war, it was futile. Finally, when Bahubhali, won the war over his brother, his elder brother was humiliated. Seeing him like that, Bahubhali was disgusted and anguished for waging a war against, his own brother. Hence, he left everything, including the possessed kingdoms, wealth, jewelry, and clothes, to become a monk. So, to attain Moksha or Kevala Gnana, he meditated, motionless for a year, in the standing position. Even though creepers/anthills, started growing around, his legs and arms, nothing could divert, his mind.
In the meanwhile, Bahubhali’s elder brother, Bharatha approached him on the last day of his penance and worshiped him, with devotion, and respect. This gave peace of mind, to Bahubhali, who had been somewhat perturbed, till then. After this, relieved Bahubhali could destroy, all four karmas, and attain Kevala Gnana or Moksha. Gomateshwara, is another name, of Bahubhali.
Bahubhali, or Gomateshwara is the, main deity worshiped by, Jains. Mahamastikabhishekha to the lord, is a significant event, celebrated by Jain devotees, once in 12yrs. Bahubali which means, the ‘One with Strong Arms’, is a legendary figure known for his Strength, Power and Intellect.
Here are the places, where the mammoth statues of Lord Gomateshwara are present, in Karnataka.
1 – 57 feet monolithic statue at Shravanabelagola
Shravanabelagola, is a place situated in Channarayapatna, of Hassan district. It is about 12 kilometers, from the Bangalore – Mangalore highway, NH 48 and at a distance of almost 160 kilometers from Bangalore. Shravanabelagola, is one of the major pilgrimage destinations for Jains. This religious place reached its zenith, via its exquisite architectural/sculptural activity under the aegis of, Western Ganga dynasty, of Talakad. The great emperor Ashoka’s father, king Chandragupta Maurya, is said to have died, in Shravanabelagola, after becoming a jain Monk.
Millions of devotees, from across the world, come to Shravanabelagola, to have the darshan, of the lord. The word, Shravanabelagola precisely, means “The white Pond of Shravana.” Bel means “White” in the language of Kannada, and Kola means “Pond,” in the same language. There is also a captivating pond, by the same name, in this place. As per a legend, Shravanabelagola, got its name from a folklore which says, – An old woman, was visiting this temple regularly, and used to offer milk abhishekam, to Lord Gomateshwara.
As she carried milk, in a “gullakayi,” and prayed to Lord Gomateshwara everyday, this place got its name Shravanabelagola. This place is surrounded by Chandragiri and Vindhyagiri mountains. The monolithic, colossal statue of Lord Gomateshwara was built by the king of Gangas, known as Chandrayana. The lush greenery, and tranquil pristine clear water of the pond, makes this pilgrimage, a picturesque one.
These environs have attracted plenty of monks to meditate, peacefully in this place. Lord Gomateshwara statue, in Shravanabelagola, is the largest monolithic statue, standing at an altitude of, 57ft.in the whole world. It dates back to, centuries, when different kings, from various dynasties ruled, this religious place.
Each of the kings have contributed, something or the other, for the betterment of this, holy place. Historians describe the idol of the Lord as, both magnificent and munificent – both beautiful and graceful, breathtaking yet serene. Lord Bahubali/Gomateshwara, offers the path, to gain endless happiness, by helping people live a life, accustomed to the natural world around him, and not causing any kind of harm to any living being.
Jains, believe that Lord Gomateshwara, guides them to lead life, in the right path of attaining Moksha. In every, twelve years an auspicious occasion called “Mahamastakabhisheka,” is celebrated in this place. On that day, devotees flow-in from various parts of the world, to be a part of this grand festivity. On this day, disciples pour thousands of liters, of milk, curds, ghee, saffron, and gold coins, on the Lord in the form, of abhishekam. The last Mahamastikabhisheka, was held in 2018, and the next will be in 2030. You, can visit this place, all through the year.
2 – 42 feet monolithic statue in Karkala
The mammoth, Gomateshwara statue in Karkala was built, by Veera Pandya Bhairarasa Wodeyar, on February 13th, 1432 A.D. He was the ruler of the Bhairarasa Dynasty, who was the mentor of the Vijayanagara kings. Gomateshwara statue is situated on a huge rock. The rock has been chiseled, to create steps for the visitors. You can also climb the rock, if you wish to. You need to scale 500-steps to reach the zenith of this peak. The riveting thing about this place is that, you won’t be able to have the glimpse of Lord Gomateshwara until you have almost reached the hilltop. As the statue is encircled with lush greenery, you can have a good time climbing if the weather is ideal.
This tall monolithic statue, is placed at an elevation of 42ft, stands on a platform in the midst of a bulwarked temple complex. Just, opposite the statue, you can find a stoned pillar, with a carved yaksha image sitting, inside a marquee on its top. Both the statue, and the pillar are built in such a way, they face each other. Bahibhali statue stands erect in a Kayotsarga posture.
3 – 39 Feet Monolithic statue at Dharmasthala
Lord Bahubhali/Gomateshwara temple, is situated just a kilometer from, Dharmasthala Sri Manjunatha temple, amidst the alluring landscape. Standing at a height of 39-feet, Bahubhali statue was carved in 1973 by the acclaimed sculptor Renjala Gopalakrishna Shenoy, under the patronage of Sri Ratnavarma Heggade. The statue was then transported, to the pinnacle of Ratnagiri Hill, in February 1982, by Dr. Sri Veerendra Heggade, after the demise of his father, Sri Rathnavarma Heggade.
The shrine can be reached by ascending the steps/traveling by road, for twenty-minutes. The best time for the tourists to visit this statue is, in the morning to stay away from, humidity and sunny weather. But, to have a majestic view visit, at night to witness the illumination of lamps. Once, you reach the hilltop, there are facilities, such as shelter and drinking water kiosks. The monolithic stone sculpture of Lord Bahubali, symbolizes renunciation, self control and conquest of the ego, as the first step towards salvation. The digambara form of Bahubali, symbolizes complete triumphs over the worldly desires and needs, which forms the rockpile, for spiritual ascendance towards divinity.
4 – 35 Feet Monolithic statue in Venur
The monolithic statue, of Gomateshwara in Venur is, a 38ft structure that was, installed by the Jain ruler, Timmanna Ajila in 1604. Timmanna Ajila, was the direct descendant of Chamundaraya, who constructed the Gomateshwara statue in Shravanabelagola. This statue which is facing westwards, and is on an elevated platform, was said to have been constructed by Beeru Kalkuda. Gomateshwara statue is located on the banks of the river Phalguni in Belthangady Taluk, of Dakshina Kannada district. The statue of Venoor Bahubali Statue is one of the four giant monoliths, found in Karnataka, sculpted by Amarashilpi Jakanachari.
5 – 20 feet monolithic statue at Gomatagiri
Gomatagiri, is one of the Jain pilgrimages, in Karnataka. Nestled in the district of Mysore, in Bettadoor, this place is renowned for its mini Gomateshwara statue. The monolithic, granite statue of the Lord, is standing at an altitude of 6ft. This mini statue is said to have been built, 700yrs ago. Gomatagiri, the hill on which Gomateshwara statue, is located is about 50 meters high, from ground level.
Once a year, this monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara, is adorned with abhishekam, by pouring liters of milk, and other divine ingredients. The Mahamastikabhisheka, in this place, is celebrated in the month of September. From the pinnacle of Gomatagiri hill, you can have a magnificent panoramic outlook of Mysore City, and KRS Dam. The monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara was installed during Vijayanagara rule.
You can reach Gomatagiri which takes 153kms, and from Mysore, you can reach by traveling 22kms. Mysuru airport is 32 kms away and Mysuru city is the nearest railway station. From Mysuru Gomatagiri can be reached, by hiring a taxi.
6 – 20 feet monolithic statue at Mandaragiri
Located, at about 75kms from Bangalore, and 10kms from Tumkur’s Pandithanahalli, Mandaragiri is one of the Jain religious places in Karnataka. This hill is popularly known as Basadi Betta. It is one of the ideal weekend getaway from Bangalore. One of the most resplendent Jain temples, Mandaragiri temple’s dome, is embellished with peacock feather patterns. The trek to this hillock is rather easier compared to other hillocks, in Karnataka. It has 450- odd steps. You can reach the hilltop, within fifteen minutes. The panoramic view of the villages from the peak of this hill looks beautiful.
The summit comprises four temples, which were constructed between the 12th and 14th century. You can also find a small pond to dip your toes in. Once you come back to base, do not miss out, visiting the pinchi-shaped, 81-feet tall Guru Mandir.The exterior of the temple, adorns the hues of blue, green, and orange on the peacock feather-shaped dome. The deity inside this shrine is a tall idol of Chandranatha Thirthankara, which is a smaller Gomateshwara statue, compared with Shravanabelagola.
As the temple on the hilltop will be mostly closed, disciples can contact the temple caretakers/authorities, to go inside this temple.
