Gomateswara

The famous Jain pilgrimage centre is located on the top of Vindhyagiri hills 3000 ft. above sea level at Sravanabelagola 93 km. away from Mysore, Karnataka. The gigantic monolith statue of Gomateswara was built in the 9^th century in memory of the first Jain Theerthankara's son Prince Bahubali. It was carved out of a single block of granite 50 metres. Creepers growing spirally on the legs and arms denote the state of meditation. Access to the Gomateswara temple is through a flight of 500 steps. At some places on the way, there are small shrines beautifully carved out. Every 12^th year the Masthakabhisheka festival is celebrated by bathing the statue of Gomateswara in milk, ghee, curd and saffron. Gomateswara is one of the biggest standing statues in the world.