Gommata Colossus in Sravana Belgola

In the article "Gommata Colossus in Sravana Belgola," S. K. Ramchandra Rao recounts how the legendary Bahubali (Gommatesvara) is celebrated in Jainism. The article begins with the story of Rishabhadeva and his sons Bharata and Bahubali. When Rishabhadeva divided his kingdom, Bharata demanded submission from his brothers. Bahubali refused and challenged Bharata, leading to a contest of eye‑staring, boxing and wrestling that Bahubali won. At the moment of victory he renounced his kingdom, practised severe austerities and meditated motionless until vines and creepers grew over his body. He attained omniscience (kevala jnana) and liberation. Rao explains that the local Kannada name ‘Gommata’ may derive from the benefactor Gummadi or simply mean ‘excellent.’ He reviews the three famous Bahubali statues: the 17.4‑m statue at Shravanabelagola consecrated around 983 CE by the Ganga minister Chamundaraya, a 12.7‑m image at Karkala (1432) and a 10.7‑m image at Venur (1604). The Sravana Belgola colossus stands on Vindhyagiri hill about 31 miles from Hassan and remains visible for miles. Rao recounts the legend of the humble old woman (Gulakayajji) whose small pot of milk miraculously bathed the colossal statue when Chamundaraya’s lavish offerings failed; the episode inspired the Mahamastakabhisheka, a head‑anointing ceremony held every twelve years. The article lists historical dates for this festival, beginning in 1398 and continuing into the twentieth century, and notes that scholars interpret the statue’s face as expressing the bliss of kayotsarga and kaivalya. Rao argues that the Gommata colossus is not merely an engineering marvel but a symbol of Jain ideals of renunciation, humility and non‑violence.

Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.