The Gommateshwara Statue, also known as Bahubali, stands tall on Vindhyagiri Hill in Shravanabelagola, Karnataka. It was erected in the 10th century by Chavundaraya, the minister of the Ganga dynasty, and it symbolized peace, non-violence, and renunciation. The statue is 57 feet high, made entirely of granite from one rock, making it the world’s largest monolithic statue. This monolithic sculpture represents a meditative mood of the Jain monk Bahubali. The statue draws pilgrims and tourists across the globe and is therefore regarded as a work of art. Besides, the Gommateshwara Statue also hosts the annual Mahamastakabhisheka festival.
About Gommateshwara Statue
Image Credit: Subha.khowai for Wikimedia Commons
Chavundaraya, a Ganga dynasty minister in the 10th century, commissioned the Gommateshwara Statue in honour of the Jain Saint Bahubali. This monolithic stone structure is located upon Vindhyagiri Hill in Shravanabelagola, Karnataka State, India. Bahubali, the son of the first Tirthankara Rishabhanatha, attained enlightenment by carrying out austerity and meditation for several years, as the legend has it. The purpose of making this statue was to honour Bahubali’s virtues and encourage spiritual contemplation.
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Tourist Attractions Near The Gommateshwara Statue
If you think that this place only has one statue, then you are wrong; here is a list of places to visit near the statue:
1. Chandragiri Hill
Image Credit: Dineshkannambadi for Wikimedia Commons
Chandragiri Hill is situated adjacent to Shravanabelagola and is a significant Jain place of pilgrimage, most noted for the ancient temples and monuments located here. It is home to several Jain bases, some of which date back over a thousand years, including the renowned Chandragupta Basadi, dedicated to Chandragupta Maurya, who is said to have died as a Jain monk in his old age. The hill itself offers breathtaking scenes of the countryside. The journey up involves taking almost 200 steps.
Distance from Gommateshwara Statue: Approximately 1.5 kilometers.
Entry Fees: No entry fee
Timings: Open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
2. Kambadahalli
Image Credit: Dineshkannambadi for Wikimedia Commons
About 18 kilometres from Shravanabelagola, Kambadahalli is a small village famous for the ancient Jain temple complex. Dravidian style architectural beauty characterizes the complex with its pillars and carvings. One of the most renowned temples is the Panchakuta Basadi, which contains five shrines that house different Tirthankaras. In contrast to other sites, this serene environment experiences fewer people, showcasing what this region holds regarding its rich Jain legacy and craftsmanship.
Distance from Gommateshwara Statue: Approximately 18 kilometers
Entry Fees: No entry fee
Timings: Generally open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
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3. Halebidu
Image Credit: Anks.manuja for Wikimedia Commons
About 80 km from Shravanabelagola is Halebidu, a town famous for its excellent Hoysaleswara Temple, a typical example of Hoysala temple architecture. This temple was constructed around the 12th century and has intricate carvings illustrating Hindu gods, mythological scenes, and day-to-day activities. It served as the capital city of the Hoysala Empire; hence, its monuments are magnificent. Other historical buildings found here include Kedareswara Temple, among many others.
Distance from Gommateshwara Statue: Approximately 80 kilometers
Entry Fees: The Hoysaleswara Temple does not charge an entry fee; however, some museums or specific sites in Halebidu might charge a nominal fee.
Timings: Hoysaleswara Temple: Open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
4. Shravanabelagola Lake
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Shravanabelagola Lake is within the town of Shravanabelagola and provides a tranquil and picturesque environment ideal for visitors. With verdant surroundings and beautiful scenery, the lake offers an escape from the busy pilgrimage centres. Shravanabelagola Lake offers relaxation, picnics, and strolls in ideal surroundings. The reflection of the hills and temples nearby makes the area more beautiful due to the peaceful stillness of its waters, and visitors can also enjoy silence.
Distance from Gommateshwara Statue: Adjacent to Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri Hills.
Entry Fees: No entry fee
Timings: Accessible during daylight hours.
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5. Gorur Dam (Hemavathi Reservoir)
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The Hemavathi Reservoir, popularly known as the Gorur Dam, is located about 65 kilometres away from Shravanabelagola. It is a critical dam constructed on the Hemavathi River to cater to the immediate surrounding area’s irrigation and drinking water needs. It is an ideal picnic spot for nature lovers because it provides a beautiful scenic background with calm waters surrounded by hills and vegetation. The monsoon season experiences heavy inflow, leading to the increasing water level characterized by admirers who visit this site in large numbers.
Distance from Gommateshwara Statue: Approximately 65 kilometers
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to the dam area. However, nominal fees apply for specific activities or facilities.
Timings: Open during daylight hours.
How To Reach The Statue
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Reaching the Gommateshwara statue in Sharvanabelagola is quite manageable. This place is in Karnataka, 145 Kilometers from Bangalore city and 83 Kilometers from Mysore town. The nearest airport is in Bangalore, known as Kempegowda International Airport. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from there to get to Shravanabelagola village. You can board a bus that regularly operates from cities such as Bangalore and Mysore, among other nearby towns. If travelling by train, Hassan is the nearest railway station, approximately 52 kilometres away. It is connected by trains that run frequently to and from major cities such as Bangalore and Mysore.
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Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next vacation to witness the mesmerising Gommateshwara Statue and its nearby attractions plan your trip to Karnataka to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities, and book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gommateshwara Statue
What are the visiting hours of the Gommateshwara Statue?
The statue is open for visitors from early morning to evening, however, the specific timings vary seasonally.
Is the Gommateshwara Statue accessible to differently-abled people?
Yes, the site is accessible with ramps and facilities for differently-abled individuals.
When is the best time to visit the Gommateshwara Statue?
The best time to visit the Gommateshwara statue is during the annual Mahamastakabhisheka festival which is held once every 12 years or during any major Jain festivals.
Are guided tours available for the Gommateshwara Statue?
Yes, guided tours are available at a nominal fee. They provide insights into the history, architecture, and significance of the statue.
How long did it take to carve the Gommateshwara Statue?
According to the historical records, it took around 12 years to carve the statue, completed in the 10th century AD.
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