Gommateshwara Statue, Karnataka

An event is held there every 12 years and is celebrated with great pomp and grandeur called the Mahamastakabhisheka when the revered Gommateshwara statue is consecrated with ghee, milk, saffron, etc. This great and exceedingly popular event is attended by many travellers and distinguished personalities. Many account this event as a predominant reason behind the Gommateshwara statue remaining fresh.

The statue also holds another distinction as it was voted as the inaugural wonder of the Seven Wonders of India on August 5, 2007 with over 49% of votes going its way.

The prolong meditative pose of Bahubali is what the statue portrays. The statue image has got large ears and curly ringlets. The eyes are open in such a manner that it genuinely gives the impression that he is looking at the world with total detachment of all sorts. The faint smile at the corner of the lips exemplifies complete calmness pervaded with inner bliss. He has very broad shoulders with the figure being devoid of any support from the thigh upwards. An anthill is there in the background of the statue signifying his relentless patience. The whole statue is standing on an open lotus. Two enthralling chauri bearers are found standing on either side of the Gommateshwara statue, one of which is yakash and the other yakshini. Both these highly ornamented and wonderfully carved figures complement the main figure i.e. the Gommateshwara statue.

The Lord Gommateshwara temple is located atop a hill which is an 650+ step stair travel for the pilgrims from road below.