________________
No. IV ] THE MASTAKABHISHEKA OF GOMMATESVARA.
105
precious gems; and silver coin to the amount of Rs. 500 completed the offering"
The Gommatesvara image is on the top of the hill called Vindhyagiri. On the way to the image, the following objects all ascribed by tradition to Chamuṇḍaraya, arrest our attention. They are the Tyagada Bramhadeva Pillar, which contains excellently carved work, Akhaṇḍa Bāgilu, a rock-cut doorway and the image of Guļļakāyajji, a lady who is said to have helped Chamaṇḍaraya in the performance of the anointment of Gommata
Opposite Vindhyagiri is the smaller hill known as Chandragiri which contains among other antiquities, the cave of Bhadrabāhusvami, the guru of Chandragupta Maurya and numerous inscriptions relating to Bhadrabahu, Chandragupta and other Jaina saints, the Chandragupta Bastı, which contains interesting sculptures of Jaina mythological subjects, and the Chamunḍaiaya Basti, the largest and the most handsome temple on this hill.
The village which is situated between the hills Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri contains the Bhaṇḍāri Bastı, the largest temple in the village enshrining the twenty-four Tirthankaras, Akkana Basti, a fine temple in the Hoysala style of architecture, the Jaina Matha, the residence of the Jaina Gurus, and a beautiful large pond or kalyani which has given its name to the place. The neighbouring villages of Jinanathapura (2 miles) and Kambadahalli (7 miles) contain Jain antiquities of much architectural and sculptural value.
The Government of His Highness the Mahārāja of Mysore have spared no pains either in the excellent upkeep of the glorious Jaina antiquities at Śravana Belgola or in providing all facilities to the lakhs of pilgrims who throng to the place at the time of important ceremonies. The intimate relations between Jainism and Mysore have been beautifully expressed by His Highness the Mahārāja of Mysore in his speech at the All-India Jaina Conference held at Sravana Belgola on 14th March 1925 at the time of the last Mastakabhisheka. In welcoming this all-India gathering of Jainas to the land of Mysore, I cannot forget that this land is to them a
C
