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Gommateshwara Statue is a 57-foot (17 m) high monolithic statue located at Shravanbelagola in the Indian state of Karnataka. The statue is dedicated to the Jain god Bahubali. It was built in around 983 A.D. and is one of the largest free standing statues in the world. The construction of the statue was commissioned by the Ganga dynasty minister and commander, Chavundaraya. Neighboring areas have Jain temples known as basadis and several images of the Tirthankaras.
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One can have a beautiful view of the surrounding areas from the top of the hill. An event known as Mahamastakabhisheka attracts devotees from all over the world. The Mahamastakabhisheka festival is held once in 12 years, when the Gommateshwara statue is anointed with milk, saffron, ghee, etc. to maintain its freshness. On August 5, 2007, the statue was voted as the first of Seven Wonders of India; 49% of the total votes went in favor of it.
Iconography
The statue depicts the prolonged mediation done by Bahubali. Motionless contemplation in kayotsarga (standing still) posture lead to the growth of climbers around his legs. In the introduction to his English translation of the Gommatsāra, J.L. Jaini writes:
Monoliths
There are 5 monolithic Gommateshwara statue in Karnataka measuring more than 6 m (20 feet) in height.
