Gomateshwara (Bahubali) Temple - Karnataka

Introduction to Gomateshwara Temple

Shravanabelagola town is situated in Channarayapatna, Hassan district, Karnataka. It is 12 km from the Bangalore–Mangalore highway. Shravanabelagola is the most renowned Jain pilgrimage center in South India. The Gomateshwara Temple's sculptural and architectural works are greatly admired. The temple is famously known as Bahubali Temple. It is one of the eminent heritage sites in Karnataka.

Legend of the Gomateshwara Temple

According to the Jain texts, Bahubali was the second son of the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabdeva (Adinath). Rishabdeva had a hundred sons. When he left his kingdom, there was a scuffle between his sons, Bharatha and Bahubali, for the empire.

Bahubali defeated Bharatha in battle. But he was not happy about the enmity between them. So, he handed over his kingdom to his brother and went to attain Kevala Jnana (Absolute Knowledge).

The Architecture of Gomateshwara Temple

The Gomateshwara Temple lies on the Vindhyagiri hilltop at a 3347-foot height. Pilgrims can reach the temple by climbing 620 steps. Chamundaraya, a minister of the Ganga King Rajamalla, built the 57-feet height monolithic statue of Gomateshwara or Bahubali in 983 CE. It is one of the world's tallest freestanding monolithic statues. Bahubali statue is carved out of a single block of granite. People can view the gigantic Gomateshwara statue at a 30 km distance.

The statue is depicted in the kayotsarga (standing still) pose. The sculpture portrays Gomateshwara in a state of nudity. The eyes are half-open, and they gaze downwards at the nose. It conveys a sense of detachment from the material world. The subtle smile on the corner of his lips symbolizes inner peace and vitality. The facial features are firmly sculpted, the shoulders are broad, and the arms extend straight down.

On either side of the Bahubali statue, one can see two standing Chauri bearers, Yaksha and Yakshi. There is an anthill behind the Gomateshwara statue, which represents his constant penance. Creepers rise from the anthill and twine around his legs and arms. The huge figure stands on an open lotus. There is also a ditch for collecting water and other items used for the statue's holy bath on the anthill's posterior side.

Around the statue, there is a large, pillared Mandapa. Pilgrims can see forty-three carved images of the Jain Tirthankaras on the pillars. Gangaraja, who erected the Mandapa, was a general of the Hoysala king, Vishnuvardhana. At the statue's bottom, people can see Kannada inscriptions. A large outer wall fences the Gomateshwara Temple. There are carved images of Jain figures, fish, cows, female figures, lions, and monkeys on the wall. This magnificent Gomateshwara statue was conferred the top spot among the country's seven wonders in 2007. Karnataka people refer to this statue as the Gomateshwara statue, and the Jain community refers to this imposing statue as Bahubali.

Festivals in Gomateshwara Temple

Maha Mastakabhisheka is an anointing ceremony that takes place here every twelve years. Jain people gather in the Gomateshwara Temple for the colorful ceremony. The temple priests and people pour hundreds of pots of curd, milk, vermilion, honey, turmeric paste, coconut water, and gold and precious jewels over the statue's head using specially erected scaffolding. The whole statue appears in different colors, which is worth seeing. The temple conducted the latest Maha Mastakabhisheka in 2018.

Benefits of Worshipping at Gomateshwara Temple

Jains and others worship Gomateshwara for his teachings on non-violence and compassion. Worshipping at the Gomateshwara Temple can encourage individuals to nurture these virtues and promote inner peace, spiritual connection, and empathy toward all living beings.