The colossal rock cut statue of  saint Gommata at Shravanabelagola is the most magnificent among all Jaina works of art.  It was built in circa 982 AD and is described as one of the mightiest achievements of ancient Karnataka in the realm of sculptural art.

Also referred to as Lord Bahubali, the image is nude an stands upright in the posture of meditation known as kayotsarga, reaching a height of 17.38 meter (58 ft) atop the Vindyagiri of Doddabetta hills accessible through a flight of 500 steps.

The image of Gommata has curly hair in ringlets and long, large ears. His eyes are open as if viewing the world with detachment. His facial features are perfectly chiseled with a faint touch of a smile at the corner of his lips and  embody calm vitality.

His shoulders are broad, his arms stretch straight  down and the figure has no support from the thigh upwards There is an anthill in the background which signifies his incessant penance.

From this  anthill emerge a snake and a creeper which twine around both his legs and his arms culminating as a cluster of flowers and berries at the upper portion of the arms. The entire figure stands on an open lotus signifying the totality attained in installing this unique statue.

The Mahamasthakabhisheka of Lord Bahubali at Karkala will be held during January 21-31, 2015 under the auspices of the Sri Bahubali Swamy Mahamasthakabhisheka Samithi. The towering 41.5 ft. granite monolith of Bahubali - also known as Gommateshwara - is built on an elevated platform on top of a rocky hill, known locally as Gommata Betta.

Gommateshwara is also known as Gommata, Gomata and Gomateshwara. The colossus was consecrated on 13 February 1432 A.D. by Veera Pandya Bhairarasa Wodeyar, scion of the Bhairarasa Dynasty, feudatory of the Vijayanagar Rulers.