Gommateshvara is known as Bahubali – The One With Strong Arms. Among Jains, Bahubali is a figure much revered. He was son of the first tirthankara of Jainism, Rishabhanatha. Bharata Chakravartin was his younger brother. As per the Adi Purana, on the final day of Bahubali’s 12 month long fast, he is worshipped in all humility, respect and veneration by Bharata. It is believed that for 12 years he meditated in standing posture, in a motionless state. Climbing plants grew around his leg during this time. Gommateshvara attained Kevala Gyana – omniscience after his year of meditation.
Kammateshwara Gommateshwara is the other name of Bahubali. The Gommateshwara statue is dedicated to Bahubali. A 57 foot statue of Bahubali is located atop a hill in Shravanabelagola in Karnataka’s Hassan district, in India. This free-standing statue carved from a single piece of rock, is the largest across the globe. It was built in circa 981 AD by commander Chavundaraya and Ganga Dynasty Minister.
Bahubali was born in Ayodhya during the Ikshvaku Dynasty to Sunanda and Rishabhanatha, as per Jain texts. He studied floriculture, archery, medicine and knowledge about precious gems. He had a son named Somakirti also called as Mahabala. On becoming a monk, Rishabhanatha divided his kingdom amongst his hundred sons. Bahubali was allotted the Asmaka kingdom from Southern India with Podanapur with its capital. When Bahubali attained Kevala Gyana – omniscience he was revered as Kevali – an omniscient being. Bahubali, the Digambara monk finally attained Moksha – liberation and became a liberated and pure soul.
