Karkala Shri Gommateshwara Statue

The Gommateshwara statue at Karkala was commissioned by the Pandya king Veera Pandya Bhairarasa Wodeyar I in 1432 AD. It was erected on top of a rocky hill known as Gommatagiri. Karkala was an important Jain center during the reign of the Alupa dynasty and later under the Vijayanagara Empire. The installation of the statue was a significant event, solidifying Karkala's position as a prominent Jain pilgrimage site. Over the centuries, the statue has been well-maintained, and periodic Mahamastakabhisheka ceremonies (head-anointing ceremonies) are performed, drawing devotees from across the globe. These ceremonies involve the ritual bathing of the statue with milk, saffron, sandalwood paste, and other auspicious substances. The statue stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Jainism in the region and the artistic prowess of the artisans of that era.