Gommateshwara statue

The Gommateshwara statue is dedicated to the Jain figure Bahubali. It was built around 983 A.D. and is one of the largest free standing statues in the world symbolizing Peace, Non violence, sacrifice worldly affairs and simple living.

An event known as Mahamastakabhisheka attracts devotees from all over the world. The Mahamastakabhisheka festival is held once in 12 years, when the Gommateshwara statue is anointed with milk, saffron, ghee, sugarcane juice etc. from the top of the statue. Heinrich Zimmer attributed this anointment as the reason for the statue's freshness. The next abhisheka will be in 2030.