Gommateshwara Statue
The Colossal Monolith of Bahubali
Overview
The Gommateshwara Statue at Shravanabelagola, Karnataka, India, is a 57-foot (about 17-metre) monolithic image of the Jain figure Bahubali, carved from a single block of granite around 981 CE at the behest of Chavundaraya, a minister of the Western Ganga dynasty. Standing atop Vindhyagiri hill, reached by a barefoot climb of some 600-plus rock-cut steps, it is among the tallest free-standing monolithic statues in the world. It depicts Bahubali in kayotsarga meditation, with creepers climbing his limbs. Every twelve years the grand Mahamastakabhisheka anointing is held. MyTripMyTravel arranges an escorted early-morning ascent.
The Gommateshwara, Bahubali, is one of the great sculptural feats of the ancient world: a 57-foot figure hewn from a single outcrop of granite around 981 CE, standing serene and unadorned on the summit of Vindhyagiri hill. It was raised by Chavundaraya, minister and general of the Western Ganga kings, and has drawn Jain pilgrims for over a thousand years.
It portrays Bahubali in kayotsarga, the standing posture of total meditative renunciation, so absorbed that creepers are shown twining up his legs and arms and anthills rising at his feet, the sign, in Jain tradition, of how long he stood in contemplation. Reaching him means a barefoot climb of roughly 600-plus steps cut into the rock, part of the pilgrimage itself.
Every twelve years the statue is the focus of the Mahamastakabhisheka, a spectacular head-anointing festival watched by hundreds of thousands. MyTripMyTravel arranges an escorted early-morning ascent, cooler for bare feet and quieter for the summit, with an expert on the Jain and Ganga context.
At a glance
Gommateshwara Statue in brief
What to see
Highlights
The colossal figure
The 57-foot single-granite Bahubali, among the tallest free-standing monolithic statues on earth.
The kayotsarga pose
The standing meditation with creepers on the limbs and anthills at the feet, marking his long contemplation.
The barefoot pilgrimage climb
Roughly 600-plus rock-cut steps up Vindhyagiri, part of the devotional experience.
Summit shrines & inscriptions
The surrounding Jain basadis and ancient stone inscriptions on the hilltop.
Chandragiri hill view
The panorama across the tank to Chandragiri, the second sacred hill of Shravanabelagola.
Visitor information
Our tips
Climb at first light, the steps are barefoot and the granite heats fast after mid-morning.
Carry water and go at your own pace; palanquin carriers are available for those who cannot manage the steps.
Dress modestly for an active pilgrimage site and be ready to leave footwear at the base.
If your dates align with a Mahamastakabhisheka year, we advise well ahead, crowds are immense.
Good to know
Gommateshwara Statue, your questions
How tall is the Gommateshwara statue?
About 57 feet (roughly 17 metres), carved from a single block of granite around 981 CE, among the tallest free-standing monolithic statues in the world.
Do I have to climb barefoot?
Yes, the ascent up Vindhyagiri is a barefoot pilgrimage of some 600-plus rock-cut steps. We time it for the cool early morning; palanquins exist for those who need them.
What is the Mahamastakabhisheka?
A grand head-anointing ceremony held once every twelve years, when the statue is bathed in milk, saffron, and other offerings before vast crowds.
Why are creepers carved on the statue?
They symbolise how long Bahubali stood in kayotsarga meditation, so still that vines grew up his limbs and anthills formed at his feet.
How long does the visit take?
About 2 to 2.5 hours including the climb, the summit shrines, and time with the statue.
Visit with us
See Gommateshwara Statue, properly.
A private, chauffeured visit with a licensed expert guide, timed for the best light and the smallest crowds. We fold Gommateshwara Statue into a wider Shravanabelagola and South India itinerary, built entirely around you.
- Skip the queue where possible, at the right hour
- Licensed local guide who brings the story to life
- Private car and chauffeur, door to door
Plan your trip
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