Gomteshwara
The Gomteshwara statue, a massive monolithic statue, is situated at a height of the 143 meter granite Vindhyagiri Hill. This was built in the 9th century to pay homage to prince Bahubali, son of first Jain Tirthankara. Every 12th year, it is the focus for Jain pilgrims from all across India to celebrate the Mastakabhisheka – a sacred head-anointing ceremony.
To reach the Gomteshwara temple one has to climb up 700 steps. After some steps on the way, some small shrines are built like – Odeagal Basti, the Brahmadeva Mandepa, the Akhanda Bagilu and the Siddhara Basti. All these shrines were built in the 12th century and are intricately carved.
After covering 700 steps, visitors reach a nude carved statue which adequately displays the tranquility typical of Buddhist and Jain art. The state of meditation is well-perceived through the spiraling creepers shown growing up his legs and arms and by the ant hill and snakes at his feet.
