Jain Art, Architecture and History: Shravanabelagola Gomateshwara Bahubali Statue

A wonder!

Photo by Sarah Welch

The uniqueness of this Gomateshwar Bahubali statue is that this is the world's highest monolithic statue without external support. The statue is 17.6 Meters (58.8 feet) high, situated on a hill called Indragiri (also known as Vindhyagiri) at Shravanabelagola town.

Carved in a single granite stone in 983 C.E., the statue is in standing pose, very proportional, attractive and naked. It was carved by Chaavundaraay, a General of king Marsinha of Gang dynasty.

Shravanabelagola is a pilgrimage center for Jains, the followers of Jainism from ancient time. This is the place where Chandragupt Maurya, the first emperor of Mauryan dynasty spent his last days as a Jain ascetic. His spiritual Guru Acharya Bhadrabahu also spent his last days here.

A close up view of the face of the statue

Photo by Jag E Bangalore

Historical Importance of Gomateshwar Statue

This statue has historical importance. Important for historians, archaeologists as well as for linguists. The statue is evidence of spread of Jainism in south India, and the royal patronage to it. For archeologists, the statue is important because it is the greatest presentation of Indian sculpture.

Religious Importance of Gomateshwar Statue

The statue is very important for followers of Jainism. Because of this statue, this ancient place got more importance as Jains and others from all over India got attracted to this place. In recent few decades, the statue has become an attraction for worldwide tourists, especially from Europe and America. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people come here to see the wonder.

Every 12th year, there is a big ceremony called Mahamastakabhishek. In that year, about 2 millions of people visit this place.

Photo by Mahaveer Sanglikar PCMC

There are many charitables guest houses (Dharmshalas) at Shravanabelogola where you can stay for few days. There are many Bhojanshala where you can get Jain food and Karnataka/South Indian vegetarian dishes.

Steps to the Gomateshwara Bahubali staue