BAHUBALI SYMBOL OF PEACE AROUND KARKALA

The Gomateshwara hill in Karkala features the 42 feet high monolithic statue of Bahubali, well known as Gomateshwara. This is one of the five monoliths of Gomateshwara, in Karnataka. The nearly 583 year old Gomateshwara monolith of Karkala, built in 1432 CE, is the second largest monolith of Gomateshwara after Shravanabelagola.

The monolith of Bahubali on the peak of a granite hill, was erected by king Virapandya of Kalasa-Karkala kingdom in 1432 CE on the advice of his preceptor Lalitakirti. Measuring 42 feet in height, it stands on a nearly 5 foot high moulded platform and is further enclosed by high brick walls.