Gomateshvara Statue the World’s tallest monolithic statue.
Built by Chamundaraya, a poet and minister from the Western Ganga Dynasty, between the years 978 and 993 CE, this statue serves as a famous pilgrimage site for Jains all over the world. Every 12 years devotees flock to the statue to celebrate the Mahamastakabhisheka festival during which 1,008 vessels filled with water are sprinkled over the statue. Following the sprinkling of water, the devotees bathe the statue in milk, sugarcane juice, and paste made from the saffron flower. The ceremony continues through several rounds before the people leave valuable offerings of silver and gold at the statue’s feet.
