Gomatheshwara Statue - Karkala

Pilgrimage

Photo Credit: Flickr

Distance (From Udupi): 37 Kms

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 1 Hour

Transportation Options: Bus / Cab

Travel Tips: Following places can be visited along with this place:

1. Chathurmukha Basadi - Karkala (< 1 Km)
2. Neninath Basadi - Karkala (< 1 Km)
3. Sri Venkata Ramana Temple - Karkala (< 1 Km)
4. Ananthashayana Temple - Karkala (< 1 Km)
5. St. Lawrence Church - Attur (8 Kms)

At a distance of 37 Kms from Udupi & 50 Kms from Mangalore, Gomatheshwara Statue (Lord Bahubali) is located on a rocky hillock called Bahubali Betta in Karkala. It is situated near Chaturmukha Basadi (about 1 Km).

This single stone 42-foot statue of Gomateshwara is the second tallest in Karnataka, after Shravanabelagola.Veera Pandya Deva, the King of Bairarava family built this monolithic statue in his honor and also installed the Brahmadeva Pillar in front of the statue in 1436.

The Maha Masthakaabhisheka festival, sacred bathing of the statue with saffron paste, milk and water, held in every 12 years. During this period thousands of Jain devotees visit this place to carry out the Mahamastakabhisheka.