Saturday, December 7, 2024

Gomateshwara Temple, Karnataka

Gomateshwara Temple is also known as the Bahubali Temple in India. It is located in Shravanabelagola, a hamlet around 158 km from Bangalore and 83 kilometers from Mysore in Karnataka. It is renowned as the city of ponds and temples.

Its most famous Jain pilgrimage in South India is well-known as one of Karnataka’s most popular historical landmarks. The statue is carved of a single block of granite. It stands as the tallest monolithic statue in India and is visible from 30 km away.

Lord Gomatsheshwara, also known as Lord Bahubali, was the son of Adhinata, the first Jain Tirthankara Lord. When his brother Bharatha challenged him for the throne, Bahubali faced off against Bharatha in a duel using three forms (Drishtiyuddha, Mallayuddha and Jalayuddha).

Although Bahubali was ultimately victorious, he was overwhelmed by his immense and futile desire for material wealth – a pursuit that led to the rivalry between the brothers. He then renounced his kingdom and all other worldly pleasures.

Bahubali remained in deep meditation, radiating a spiritual calm. In 981 AD, Chavundaraya, the prime minister and commander-in-chief of the Ganga kingdom, consecrated the statue of Bahubali in his meditative form.

Directly opposite is the smaller Chandragiri Hills, where you can see some Jain temples and the tomb of Chandragupta Mourya, a famous patron deity of Jainism.

Quick Facts

  • Address: Vindhyagiri Hills, Karnataka
  • District: Hassan
  • Deity: Bahubali
  • Affiliation: Hinduism
  • Entry Fee: Free
  • Timings: 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM, 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM
  • Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
  • Dress Code: decent outfit recommended
  • Best Time to Visit: October to February

The Gomateshwara statue is the largest monolithic statue in the world. It is a living proof of history that has been passed down for thousands of years. Historians claim that the statue of Lord Gomateshwara is both magnificent and attractive.

They describe her as a stunning yet serene sight. It is this incredible beauty that gives Gomateshwara its unique appeal. The statue is 57 feet tall and has beautiful plants carved all over its body in exquisite and fascinating ways. There is a huge stone at the base to support its weight.

The statue depicts Lord Gomatshavara as a man with broad shoulders and arms pointing straight down. He faces north in an upright, meditative posture known as “Kayotsarga”. Kayotsarga is a practice of achieving liberation through renunciation, self-control and complete mastery of the self.

The Digambar (naked) structure of the Jain tradition symbolizes a person’s victory over the worldly desires and attachments that hinder his spiritual journey towards divinity. The Lord is a symbol of non-violence and peace and remains a beacon of light for those who come to him seeking relief from their daily problems.

By Air

Hassan does not have an airport and the nearest airport is Bangalore from where one can take flights to other major destinations in India and abroad.

By Train

Hassan is connected by rail to Bangalore, Mysore, Hubli, Shimoga and Mangalore.

By Road

Hassan is well connected to Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Madikeri, Chickmagalore. It is around 187 km from Bangalore and 115 km from Mysore. One can get frequent Govt. buses to Hassan from these cities/towns.

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