About Gommateshwara Statue
The Gommateshwara Statue at Shravanabelagola is a 57-foot monolithic statue of Bahubali located atop Vindhyagiri Hill in Hassan District, Karnataka. Commissioned in 981 CE, it is one of the largest free-standing statues in the world and a major Jain pilgrimage center. Carved from a single block of granite, it represents the Jain principle of renunciation and attracts pilgrims and tourists for its scale, hilltop setting and historical importance.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a climb of approximately 600 stone steps to the summit of Vindhyagiri Hill to reach the colossal standing statue of Bahubali in Kayotsarga posture. The hilltop complex includes the statue surrounded by an enclosure, smaller Jain shrines, carved pillars such as Tyagada Brahma Pillar, and panoramic views of Shravanabelagola town, Chandragiri Hill and surrounding countryside. The site is an active pilgrimage place with priests, devotees and interpretive signage.
Key highlights
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57-foot monolithic statue of Bahubali carved from a single granite block, among the tallest monolithic statues in the world
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Located atop Vindhyagiri Hill with panoramic views of Shravanabelagola and Chandragiri Hill
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Commissioned in 981 CE by Chavundaraya, minister of the Western Ganga dynasty
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Center of the Mahamastakabhisheka anointing ceremony held every 12 years
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Surrounding Jain basadis and Tyagada Brahma Pillar with intricate carvings
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Important Jain pilgrimage center for Digambara tradition
History of Gommateshwara Statue
Commissioned in 981 CE by Chavundaraya, commander and minister under Western Ganga King Rachamalla IV, the statue depicts Bahubali, son of the first Jain Tirthankara Rishabhanatha. It is considered one of the finest examples of Western Ganga art and an early monolithic sculpture in India, symbolizing Jain ideals of renunciation and self-conquest.
Culture & Context
One of the most important pilgrimage sites for Digambara Jains, representing the Jain values of ahimsa and renunciation. The site hosts the Mahamastakabhisheka festival every 12 years when the statue is anointed with milk, saffron, ghee and other offerings, drawing thousands of devotees. The hill complex with its basadis reflects centuries of Jain religious and architectural tradition.