The Gommateshwara Statue: A Monument of Jain Heritage
The Gommateshwara statue stands as a monumental testament to the Jain religion and its values. Located on Vindhyagiri Hill in Shravanbelagola, Karnataka, India, this 57-foot (17 m) high monolithic statue is carved from a single block of granite, making it one of the tallest monolithic statues from the ancient world. The statue is dedicated to Bahubali, a revered figure in Jainism, and symbolizes the Jain ideals of peace, non-violence, sacrifice, and simple living.
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Constructed around 983 AD during the reign of the Western Ganga dynasty, the Gommateshwara statue is not only a marvel of ancient engineering but also a significant religious monument. It was the tallest Jain statue until 2016 and remains one of the largest free-standing statues in the world. The construction was commissioned by Chavundaraya, a minister and commander of the Ganga dynasty. The surrounding area is rich in Jain heritage, with numerous temples and images of Tirthankaras, making Shravanabelagola a significant Jain pilgrimage site.
Mahamastakabhisheka: A Festival of Devotion
The Mahamastakabhisheka festival, held once every 12 years, is a significant event that attracts devotees from across the globe. During this festival, the Gommateshwara statue is anointed with milk, saffron, ghee, and sugarcane juice, among other substances. This ritual bathing is believed to be the reason for the statue’s well-preserved state, as noted by German Indologist Heinrich Zimmer. The next Mahamastakabhisheka is scheduled for 2030.
In 2007, the Gommateshwara statue was voted as the first of the Seven Wonders of India in a poll conducted by the Times of India, receiving 49% of the total votes. It is also listed by the Archaeological Survey of India as part of the Adarsh Smarak Monument group in Shravanabelagola.
Iconography and Artistic Significance
The statue’s iconography is rich with symbolism. It depicts Bahubali in a state of deep meditation, standing in the kayotsarga posture, which led to the growth of climbing vines around his legs. The nude figure of Gommateshwara, with its detailed facial features and calm expression, embodies inner peace and vitality. The anthill in the background, along with a snake and a creeper twining around Bahubali’s legs and arms, signifies his prolonged penance. The entire figure stands on an open lotus, symbolizing the totality attained in installing this unique statue.
The presence of two chauri bearers, a yaksha and yakshini, alongside Gommateshwara, adds to the statue’s grandeur. These figures are richly ornamented and beautifully carved, complementing the main figure. The rear side of the anthill features a trough for collecting water and other ritual ingredients used for the sacred bath of the statue.
A Legacy of Peace and Renunciation
The Gommateshwara statue is more than just an architectural marvel; it is a symbol of the Jain values of renunciation, harmony, and peace. Visitors, regardless of their religious affiliations, have been moved by the statue’s serene presence and the profound ideals it represents. The statue’s grandeur and artistic excellence are a testament to the advanced craftsmanship of the time and the deep spiritual reverence of its creators.
The legend surrounding the statue’s first Mahamastakabhisheka, involving Chavundaraya and the disguised Kushmandini, underscores the themes of humility and devotion that are central to Jainism. This story, along with the statue itself, continues to inspire and attract devotees and tourists alike, making the Gommateshwara statue a timeless symbol of Jain heritage and spirituality.
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