Bahubali Gommateshwara Statue Shravanabelagola -- HD Wallpaper

Share

About this image

The Gommateshwara statue at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka is one of the most awe-inspiring works of religious art on earth -- a 57-foot (17.4 metre) monolithic statue of Bahubali carved from a single granite outcrop on the summit of Vindyagiri hill, standing completely still in the Kayotsarga meditation posture. No joints, no sections -- a single piece of stone transformed by ancient hands into a figure of absolute serenity. The statue has stood for over 1,000 years (it was commissioned by Ganga Minister Chamundaraya in 981 CE) and is visible from 25 kilometres away. At its base, a Jain temple complex spreads in miniature. Vines and creepers have grown up the statue's legs over the centuries, just as described in the story of Bahubali himself: he stood in meditation for so long without moving that vines grew around his legs and a snake nested at his feet -- yet he did not stir. Bahubali (also called Gommateshwara) was the son of Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara, and the brother of Bharata (the first Chakravarti emperor of the current cosmic cycle). After defeating his brother in battle and then renouncing his victory, Bahubali became a monk and stood in meditation for an entire year in the forest. He ultimately attained liberation. Every twelve years, the Jain world performs the Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony -- the great head-anointing, in which hundreds of thousands of devotees gather as pots of saffron, milk, ghee, and sandalwood paste are poured from scaffolding over the head of the statue. This HD wallpaper captures the monumental presence of this sacred figure. Free download.

Tags

Explore Jain