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Observations on Gommata, Gommataraya and Gommata Deva

By B. K. Khadabadi

Vol. 25 · No. 4April - 1991pp. 147–151English
Epigraphical Evidence Analysis

Summary

The article examines scholarly views on the names associated with the famous monolithic statue at Sravana Belagola, exploring whether "Gommata," "Gommataraya" and "Gommata Deva" refer to Bahubali or other figures. It reviews various theories on the derivation of the term, referencing scholars and inscriptions. The piece discusses epigraphic evidence and historical reports about Gommatadeva and the role of Chavundaraya in erecting the statue, and concludes that the different names refer to the same figure—Bahubali—but that "Gommata" likely originated as a local pet name. It underscores the importance of regional languages and historical records in clarifying such terminological debates.

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Conclusion

Despite varied interpretations, the study affirms that the names Gommata, Gommataraya and Gommata Deva all denote Lord Bahubali. Linguistic and epigraphic evidence suggests "Gommata" originated as a local honorific rather than a Sanskrit term. By analysing inscriptions and scholarly theories, the article reasserts that the celebrated monolith at Sravana Belagola depicts Bahubali and that debates over nomenclature can be resolved through regional historical sources.

Key passages

Chosen by AI from the article's text. Each one is checked word for word against the text before it is shown.

  • “Later Dr, A. N. Upadhye put forth a theory* that gom(m)ata is not derived from any Sanskrit or Prakrit vocable, but is a local word found in slightly varied forms in Kannada, Telugu, Konkani and Marathi languages and used in the sense of good, handsome, benefactor etc.”
  • “Some say that the colossal monolithic image on the Vindhyagiri (or Gommatagiri) was named 'Gommateévara' because Gommata was the other name of Camundaraya, the Prime Minister of Ganga Racamalla IV, who caused it to be carved.”
  • “Hence the date of the concerned inscription mentioning 'Gommatadeva' cannot be said to be 910 A,D. and predating Camundaraya.”

Works cited in this article

  1. Anekanta, Vol, IV, 3-4
  2. Gommatesvara Comme noration Volume, Sravanabelagola, Thid., pp. 40-41
  3. The Belgolian Bahubali and Western Indian Notices
  4. Archaeological Survey of Mysore, Annual Repors for 1914, (1914/92), Ed, R. Narasimbachar
  5. Epigraphia Carnatica, Vol. XTV, Mysore, 1943

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In this issue

Vol. 25 · No. 4
147–151Observations on Gommata, Gommataraya and Gommata DevaB. K. KhadabadiCurrent article152The CreatorsAshutosh Jindal153–177Views of Jainism in Sikh ScripturesSushil Jain178–184Power and Tranquility—a Profile of Jaina Martial Class of KarnatakaVasanta Kumari185–192Identification of Some Rsis as Depicted in SutrakrtangaArun Pratap Singh193–194Report on the First National Prakrit Conference, BangaloreM. A. Jaychandra

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