Gomateswara Statue is a monolithic statue, which is located on Vindyagiri at Shravanbelagola in Karnataka. Gomteswara Statue is dedicated to the jain figure of Bahubali. The statue was built around 983 A.D.; it is one of the largest free standing statues in the world. The construction was commissioned by the minister and commander of Ganga Dynasty named Chavundaraya. The festival "Mahamastakabhisheka" is a popular one, which takes place once in 12 years. In this event, the statue of Gomteswara is anointed (abhisheka) with milk, saffron, ghee and sugarcane juice from the top of the statue. In 2007, the statue was voted as the first of Seven Wonders of India in a newspaper poll, on which 49% of the total votes went in favor of it.
Iconography of Gomteswara Statue
Gomteswara Statue is depicted in the posture of meditation (kayotsarga). The statue has curly hair and large ears with open eyes. The face of the statue is moulded with perfect features with a light touch of smile to exhibit the calm inner peace. The shoulders are broad with arms stretching down straight; the figure has no support from the thigh upwards. The statue stands on an open lotus, which signifies the totality, which was attained in constructing the statue. On the both sides of Gommateshwara Statue, there stand two tall and majestic chauri bearers in the service of the lord. One of them is a yaksh and the other one is a yakshini.
Visiting Information to Gomteswara Statue
Shravanabelagola Railway Station and Bengaluru International Airport are the nearest to visit the statue. National Highway 16 connects Shravanbelagola to other cities of India.
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