Gommata statue gets ready for holy ceremony

Even as massive preparations are underway for the world-famous Mahamastakabhisheka of the 57-foot Gommateswara at the well-known Jain pilgrim centre Sravanabelagola in the neighbouring Hassan district in February next, a small little Jain centre in Mysore district is readying for a similar anointing ceremony of 16-foot Bahubali.

The 56th annual Mastakabhisheka of 600-year-old monolith statue atop the small 100-foot hillock at Gomatagiri, 20 kms from Mysore, will take place on October 23 at 12 noon in the presence of Hombuja Jain Mutt head Devendrakeerthi Bhattaraka Pattacharya Swamiji.

Offering of holy water kept in 108 'kalashas' or vessels followed by liquids like milk, honey, sandal paste and other holy items will be performed on that day, apart from a jathra. The KSRTC will be running special buses from Mysore.

Gomatagiri Kshetra Seva Samithi President D Prabha Mandal told the reporters here today that the pilgrim centre lacked basic amenities like drinking water, lighting and good roads, although the Karnataka government had declared the place as a tourist centre.

All the three roads leading to the place were in a horrible stage. Quarrying still continued, despite a ban. The centre needed a cow shelter, police sub-station and hospital facilities.

If the 100-acre barren land around the hillock was handed over to the committee, the Jain pilgrim centre could be developed as a big Jain centre, as Jain personalities and NRIs are ready to fund the projects, he said.

The granite statue stands on the hillock having about 80 rock cut steps. It is visible from a distance. From atop the hillock, the backwaters of Krishnarajasagar reservoir provide an enchanting view. At the bottom, near the foothill, are located the 'Padakoota' of Neminatha, the 24th Jain Theerthankara, Kailasagiri and Jina Mandira. There are a number of Jain Basadis near the hillock.

The 57-foot statue at Sravanabelagola is the tallest statute of Bahubali.

There are smaller statues of Gommateswara at a few other Jain pilgrim centres in Karnataka, including Gommatagiri near Mysore.