Mahamastakabhisheka: The bathing of a God
The statue of Gomateshwara, often referred to as the 'monk on the hills', has attracted millions of people, from devotees and tourists to lovers of art, since it was erected in 981 AD by Chavundaraya, prime minister and commander-in-chief of the Talakad Ganga kingdom.
It was erected in memory of Lord Bahubali, a victorious king who renounced all worldly pleasures for spiritual pursuits.
Bahubali stands erect in the Kayotsarga pose, arms dangling free. He is visible to a distance of around 16 kilometres, and continues to hypnotise a thousand years after he first set his sights on humankind.
Image: Devotees pour turmeric paste on the head of the Gomateshwara statue.
Also See: Fair of the Faithful: Holy Dip