Gomateshwara Statue

Contents: History Description Weather How to Reach   [History] Sravanabelagola is one of the most important and famous Jain pilgrim centers of India. This city is situated in the Hassan district in the State of Karnataka (South India). In the name Sravanabelagola, ‘Bel' stands for white and ‘Kola' for pond in Kannada language. It is believed that this city reached its peak under the patronage of Gangas of Talakad as per architectural and sculptural activities are concerned. And the Gomateshwara Statue in Sravanabelagola is an ideal example of that brilliance. Gomateshwara Statue Sravanabelagola is a gigantic structure. This colossal and massive of Gomateshwara Statue is located at Sravanabelagola city 158 km away from Bangalore. Lord Gomateshwara was a popular Jain saint who was also known as Bahubali, Gomata, Kamadeva and Prathama Mokshagami. And this statue was consecrated to him only. The importance of this huge statue lies in its structure Karnataka Monumnets. The sculpture is said to be carved out of a single block of granite. In Sravanabelagola, the Gomateshwara Statue is set atop Vindhya Giri also called as Indragiri and Large Hill. The Gomateshwara Statue depicts hermit Gomateshwara in a complete nude posture as per belonging to Jain custom. This magnificent statue is 55 ft high. You can see this huge statue from even a distance of 30 km. Gomateshwara Statue Sravanabelagola is considered to be one of the biggest monolithic statues in the world. It is believed that this colossal size statue of the lord is the creation of Chamundraya, a minister of the Ganga King, Rajamalla. It was in 983 that this holy structure was built by him Karnataka Monumnets. During the Mahamastakabhishekam festival in Sravanabelagola this gigantic image of Gomateshwara is bathed in milk, curd, saffron, ghee and gold coin. However, this festival is observed once in 12years. And this statue was consecrated to him only. The importance of this huge statue lies in its structure. The sculpture is said to be carved out of a single block of granite. In Sravanabelagola, the Gomateshwara Statue is set atop Vindhya Giri also called as Indragiri and Large Hill. [Description] The 58 feet high statue of Gomateshwara is 10 feet long feet. Carved from the black granite found in the hills, this statue is the epitome of tranquility and equanimity. Once in 12 years devotees gather here to participate in the sacred festival of anointment, and this ceremony is known as Mahamastakabhisheka. In these festival liters of milk, curd, coconut milk and gold and jewelry are poured on the head of Gomateshwara. The Mahamastakabhisheka Ceremony was last held in 2006. How to Reach Sravanabelagola Temple of Gomateshwara: [Weather] Sravanabelagola offers pleasant climate in winters and warm climate in summers. Summers (March to May) have a maximum temperature of about 37°c and a minimum temperature of about 24°C. May is the hottest month and typically tourists avoid this month. Monsoons (June to September) offer medium to heavy rain showers making the atmosphere humid. The hilly terrains look beautiful in rains. Winters (December to February) have pleasant climate with temperature in the band of 19°C to 30°C. October to April is ideal for Sravanabelagola visit. Jain pilgrims throng to the temple during this season. May is generally avoided by tourists. Local people visit the shrine during this period. June to September is attractive with scenic nature. [How to Reach] Bangalore is the nearest airport and the nearest railway station. So, you can come to Bangalore and then hire a bus or a private car that would reach you to the Temple premise.