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sculptural activities are concerned. And the
Gomateshwara Statue in Sravanabelagola is an ideal example of that
brilliance.
Gomateshwara Statue Sravanabelagola is a gigantic structure. This
colossal and massive statue of Gomateshwara is located at
Sravanabelagola city 158 km away from Bangalore. Lord Gomateshwara
was a popular Jain saint who was also known as Bahubali, Gomata,
Kamadeva and Prathama Mokshagami. And this statue was consecrated to
him only. The importance of this huge statue lies in its structure.
The sculpture is said to be carved out of a single block of granite.
In Sravanabelagola, the Gomateshwara Statue is set atop Vindhya Giri
also called as Indragiri and Large Hill.
The Gomateshwara Statue depicts hermit Gomateshwara in a complete
nude posture as per belonging to Jain custom. This magnificent
statue is 55 ft high. You can see this huge statue from even a
distance of 30 km.
Gomateshwara Statue Sravanabelagola is considered to be one of the
biggest monolithic statues in the world. It is believed that this
colossal size statue of the lord is the creation of Chamundraya, a
minister of the Ganga King, Rajamalla. It was in 983 that this holy
structure was built by him.
During the Mahamastakabhishekam festival in Sravanabelagola this
gigantic image of Gomateshwara is bathed in milk, curd, saffron,
ghee and gold coin. However, this festival is observed once in 12
years.
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