Jain Journal 2005 07

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 16

S.P. PADMAPRASAD: JAIN FOLK SONGSANDLEGENDS OF KARNATAKA
the carving of the gigantic statue of Lord Bahubali Gomateśvara, goddess Kūşmāņdini Devī, etc..
One legend about Gomațeśvara statue narrates what circumstances lead the Cāmundaraya to take up this challenging task of getting the statue carved. It goes as follows:
His mother, Kalaladevī heard the story of Bharata and Bāhubali (two brothers) and latter's going for meditation and attaining salvation (Mokşa). She also heard from her Guru that Bharata, erected a statue of this Bāhubali, his younger brother at his capital Paudanapura (a part of present Mumbai). She pledged that she would not take food till she gets the 'darśana' of that statue.
On knowing this, Cāmundarāya, who was the chief minister and commander in chief of Ganga rulers, started on pilgrimage with mother to Pāņdavapura. On the way, they halted on a small hillack at present Shravanabelagola site. In his dream goddess (Yakṣī) Kūşmāņdini appeared and informed that it is not possible to see the statue at Paudanapura, and he can get such an idol there itself on the top of the big hill situated just opposite to the small hill they were resting. She suggested him to shoot an arrow to that hill and the rock to which it hits, could be carved into a statue.
Astonishingly, his mother and Guru also had the same dream in the same night
Accordingly the next morning, Cāmundarāya shot up an arrow at the big hill infront. It touched the tall huge rock at the top. Then, with the help of tallented sculptures he got that beautiful image carved out.
This legend expresses the belief that the sacred intentions are fulfilled with the support of gods.
There is another legend related to this Gomațeśvara statue. It says that Rāma and Lakşmaņa during their forest life came to this area. Then Rāma drew the sketch of this statue on this rock and