________________
3
THE ETERNAL MESSAGE OF GOMMATADEVA
On the day I went from Mysore to Sravanabelgola to have the darsana of Gommatesvara, there was a special puja. It was an auspicious occasion and convenient to me. I climbed up the numerous steps and reached the corridors of the spot where the monolythic statue of Lord Gommatesvara has been standing for a thousand years. I stood near the feet of the statue. I was overwhelmed by the majesty and the grandeur of the statue. I saw that there was a ladder and a scaffolding around the staue of Gommata erected for the sake of mastakabhişeka. I was eager to climb near the top of the statue by the ladder and to see for myself the head. But I was feeling helpless as there was no one to support me and hold the ladder firm while I climbed. I had gone to the place alone. I, as a mortal, cannot reach the heights as Gommaţadeva would, I thought. If I had to climb, I had to do so singlehanded without any one's support.
V. K. GOKAK
And finally, I did climb and stood firm near the head of the statue. While I climbed every step, I found that my vision was broadening, with the expanding horizon. I glanced at the sculptured curly locks of hair of the head. I passed my hand on the circlets of the sculptured hair on the head. It was a unique experience.
I looked down and around from the top and felt giddy. Far off on the horizon was the Camundi hill. I was later told that the Camuṇḍi hill was about 45 miles from Indragiri, the mount on which Gommatesvara stood. It was difficult for me to remain there for a long time.
The modest feat of mine in climbing up the ladder to the top gave me a new experience and a new vision of greatness and grandeur, not only in physical height. but in spiritual ecstacy. I could rouse the spiritual heights that Gommatdeva had
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
