Why the
Gomateshwara Statue
in Karnataka State
is special

Although it looks like a relatively new statue and has a somewhat modern appearance, this impressive 18-meter (59-foot) high free-standing statue was sculpted more than a thousand years ago.

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Gomateshwara Statue
tips & insights

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About the subject

According to tradition, the king Gomateshwara (also known as Bahubali) renounced his kingdom and worldly possessions so he could meditate. He eventually attained nirvana and is now worshipped by numerous Jain devotees.

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Clothing

There is none. The Gomateshrawa Statue is nude in keeping with the Jain religion custom.

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Setting

The Gomateshrawa Statue stands on a hilltop overlooking Shravanbelagola village and distant landscapes. You must climb over 600 steps to reach the image's foot.

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Mahamastakabhisheka
Festival

Milk, curds, ghee, and even gems and gold coins are poured over its head. This fascinating anointment draws Jain pilgrims from afar and takes place only once every 12 years. The last one was in 2006 and the next will be in 2018.

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Statue photo by Ashok Prabhakaren CC BY 2.0

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