2025-05-17 Sat

Jainism from the very beginning received significant support from several ancient Indian rulers, which suggests its principles were compatible with political authority. Notable examples include:

Chandragupta Maurya (4th century BCE) - According to Jain Tradition, the Mauryan emperor embraced Jainism in his later years, abdicating the throne to become a Jain monk. His reign, influenced by Jain advisors, may have reflected Jain values like non-violence and ethical governance. Kharavela (2nd–1st century BCE) - The Kalinga King, a Jain follower, promoted Jainism while maintaining a strong #Military and administrative system, as evidenced by the #Hathigumpha inscription.

Rashtrakutas, Western Ganga Dynasty (8th–10th century CE), and other dynasties - These South Indian dynasties of Karnataka patronized Jainism, building temples and supporting monastic communities, indicating that Jain principles were integrated into their political ethos. Jain monks often served as advisors to kings, offering ethical guidance. Their influence likely encouraged rulers to adopt policies aligned with Jain values, such as protecting animals, supporting vegetarianism, and fostering religious tolerance.

In Jainism, Bahubali (meaning "one with strong arms") is a significant figure revered as a symbol of renunciation, self-discipline, and spiritual victory. He is prominently associated with the Digambara sect of Jainism, though he is also respected in the Svetambara tradition. Bahubali’s story, drawn from Jain texts like the Adipurana and Mahapurana, highlights his journey from a warrior-prince to an enlightened ascetic.

The name Shravanabelagola is derived from the Sanskrit term 'Shravana,' meaning 'ascetic,' and 'Bela-gola,' which translates to 'white pond' in Kannada. The town features a prominent tank at its center and is home to 37 Jain temples constructed between the 8th and 18th centuries CE. It also contains over 800 inscriptions dated from 600 CE to 1830 CE. One of the important landmarks in Shravanabelagola is the Statue of #Gommateshwara Bahubali.

Completed around 983 CE, it is recognized as the tallest free-standing monolithic sculpture in the world. Standing at a height of 18 meters, it is situated atop a large granite hill known as Vindhyagiri. The statue is artistically rendered with vines growing from the ground and entwining around Gommateshwara Bahubali’s legs and arms, signifying his rigorous asceticism. This masterpiece was commissioned by Chamundaraya, a minister and general in the court of #RachamallaIV of the Western Ganga Dynasty.

Gommateshwara Bahubali is a distinguished figure in Digambara Jainism, being the son of #Rishabhanatha, the first #Tirthankara of Jainism. According to Jain traditions, he overcame human passions through meditation and became the first individual of the Kalpa (world age) to attain liberation. His dedication to prolonged meditation enabled him to free himself from worldly desires. The sculpture depicts him in the #kayotsarga position—a meditative stance in which an individual stands upright on the ground.

The statue is honored through a ceremonial event known as #Mahamastakabhisheka (head anointing) which takes place every 12 years. This tradition is said to have originated with Chamundaraya himself.

On 09 February 1981, India Post issued a commemorative stamp to mark the Millennium of the Statue of Gommateshwara Bahubali at Shravanabelagola, celebrating its #historical and cultural significance.