Gommateshwara Statue (Bahubali)

The Gommateshwara Statue stands 57 feet tall on Vindhyagiri Hill, carved from a single granite block around 981 AD under minister Chavundaraya. It depicts Bahubali in deep meditation, with anthills and creepers sculpted around his legs. Pilgrims climb 614 rock cut steps barefoot to reach the summit shrine. Every twelve years the Mahamastakabhisheka festival draws crowds who anoint the statue with milk, turmeric, and sandalwood paste in an elaborate ritual.