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Introduction
Nestled in the serene hill town of Karkala in the Udupi district of Karnataka, the Gomateshwara Temple stands as a monumental testament to Jain devotion, artistic brilliance, and spiritual heritage. This sacred site is renowned for its gigantic monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali, also known as Gomateshwara, which majestically overlooks the town from a hilltop. Towering at about 42 feet, the statue is one of the tallest free-standing monolithic statues in the world and a significant symbol of Jain religious tradition.
The Karkala Gomateshwara statue is believed to have been installed in 1432 AD by Veera Pandya Bhairarasa Wodeyar, a ruler of the Jain-influenced Kalasa-Karkala kingdom. Inspired by the larger and more famous Gomateshwara statue at Shravanabelagola, this monument was created to echo the values of renunciation, self-control, and non-violence—virtues embodied by Bahubali, the son of the first Jain Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhanatha.
The temple complex is situated atop a granite hill known as Gomata Betta, and the imposing statue is carved out of a single granite rock. With its serene expression, curly locks, and vines entwining the legs, the sculpture artistically portrays Bahubali’s deep meditation and detachment from worldly affairs. The base of the statue features beautifully carved inscriptions in old Kannada, chronicling the history of the monument and the patronage of the Jain kings of the region.
The site is not just an architectural marvel but also an important pilgrimage center for Jains, who gather here in large numbers, especially during the Mahamastakabhisheka—a grand anointing ceremony held every 12 years, in which the statue is bathed with milk, sandalwood paste, turmeric, and saffron, among other sacred substances.
Surrounded by a complex of basadis (Jain temples), stone inscriptions, and smaller shrines, the Gomateshwara Temple in Karkala represents a glorious chapter in Karnataka’s rich Jain heritage. It continues to attract not only devotees but also scholars, historians, architects, and tourists who are captivated by its historical significance, spiritual ambience, and breathtaking beauty.