Jan Jan Ki Shraddha Ke Pratik Gommatesh

This document, "Jan Jan ki Shraddha ke Pratik Gommatesh" (Lord Gommatesh, the Symbol of People's Faith) by Sumatprasad Jain, from the Z_Deshbhushanji_Maharaj_Abhinandan_Granth_012045.pdf publication, is an extensive tribute to Lord Bahubali, revered as Gommatesh, particularly in South India. It delves into his life, spiritual journey, and the enduring legacy of his colossal statue at Shravanabelagola.

The narrative begins by introducing Lord Bahubali as:

• The mighty son of the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva.
• The king of Podanapur.
• The first "Kamdev" (God of Love), renowned for his beauty and charisma.
• A soul destined for liberation (moksha) in his current existence.

Bahubali's Divine Lineage and Upbringing:

• He was born to Queen Sunanda, the second wife of Lord Rishabhadeva, who also had a daughter named Sundari.
• Bahubali was exceptionally handsome and robust, captivating the admiration of the city dwellers, who bestowed upon him epithets like Manobhava, Manomana, Manmatha, Angaja, and Madan. His broad forehead was likened to the crescent moon on the eighth day, and a jeweled necklace adorned his chest like countless streams flowing down a great emerald mountain.
• Lord Rishabhadeva personally imparted various forms of knowledge and arts to all his children. Bahubali was particularly skilled in the arts of love, physiognomy, Ayurveda, Dhanurveda, and treatises on elephants, horses, and gemology.

The Reign of Bharat and the Conflict with Bahubali:

• Lord Rishabhadeva renounced worldly life, and his eldest son, Bharat, was crowned emperor. Bahubali was appointed the crown prince.
• Emperor Bharat, with the ambition of establishing a unified empire, embarked on a military conquest, uniting the entire earth from the Himalayas to the southern and western seas.
• After a victorious reign of sixty thousand years, Bharat's Chakra-ratna (celestial discus) halted unexpectedly upon his re-entry into Ayodhya. Upon inquiry, his ministers revealed that his brothers had not yet submitted to his authority.
• Bharat, believing his brothers would naturally accept his dominion, became enraged when they asserted their independence. He saw their refusal to bow to him as a sign of disrespect.
• He sent emissaries to persuade his brothers. Bahubali, along with his other siblings, sought guidance from Lord Rishabhadeva at Kailash Parvat. They expressed their unwavering devotion to their father and their disinclination to bow to anyone else.

Lord Rishabhadeva's Counsel and the Brothers' Renunciation:

• Lord Rishabhadeva advised his sons on the impermanence of worldly pleasures, particularly the fleeting nature of kingdoms, youth, and wealth, which often lead to enmity among brothers and attachment to the earth. He exhorted them to embrace the eternal joy of liberation, achieved through compassion and asceticism.
• Inspired by their father's teachings, all of Bharat's brothers renounced worldly life and embraced asceticism.

Bahubali's Unwavering Stand:

• Bahubali, the independent king of Podanapur, remained Bharat's sole concern. Bharat recognized Bahubali's intelligence and martial prowess, acknowledging his strength and self-respect.
• Recognizing that neither diplomacy nor force would sway Bahubali, Bharat was perplexed. Ancient poets like Swayambhudeva and Pushpadanta described Bahubali's immense power and how he would be a formidable challenge to Bharat.
• Emissaries were sent to Bahubali, urging him to submit to Bharat's authority. Bahubali, however, firmly rejected the idea of subservience, stating that true valor lies in self-reliance and not in the favor of others. He asserted that the earth, given by their father, was their ancestral inheritance and that he would not relinquish his rightful dominion without a challenge.
• Bahubali's ministers, provoked by his stance, taunted him, implying that even a small plot of land would not be his without tribute. Bahubali responded with a powerful retort, stating his strength and resolve, and that he would not be subjugated.

The Great Conflict and Bahubali's Superiority:

• The text recounts the preparations for war between Bharat and Bahubali. While some Jain texts suggest a fierce battle ensued, others state that due to the intervention of ministers and the recognition of the futility of further conflict, it was averted.
• However, many accounts, particularly those of Mahakavi Swayambhu and Acharya Jinansen, describe a symbolic struggle. Bahubali, to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, proposed a "sight-war" (drishti-yuddha) to Bharat.
• In this "sight-war," Bahubali's unwavering gaze and dignified demeanor overwhelmed Bharat. Bharat's gaze faltered, and he was defeated. This was followed by water and arm-wrestling duels, where Bahubali again emerged victorious.
• Bahubali lifted Bharat as respectfully as Indra lifted the child Jin after his birth. The gods showered flowers in celebration of Bahubali's victory.

Bahubali's Renunciation and Asceticism:

• Humbled by his defeat and the use of the Chakra-ratna, Emperor Bharat was struck by Bahubali's magnanimity. Bahubali, witnessing Bharat's actions and the impermanence of worldly possessions, developed a sense of detachment.
• He decided to renounce his kingdom and devote himself to asceticism. He passed on his kingdom to his son and entered the forest.
• For a year, Bahubali stood motionless in a meditative posture (pratima yoga), like Mount Meru, unaffected by the elements and surrounded by vines, snakes, and insects. His intense penance purified him, and even the wild animals showed him reverence.
• His severe austerities, known as Deept, Taptaghor, and Mahaghor, illuminated the world like the sun emerging from clouds. This spiritual discipline even brought about harmony among adversarial creatures in the forest.

The Attainment of Kevala Jnana (Omniscience):

• During the conclusion of his year-long penance, Emperor Bharat performed a special worship of Bahubali. At this auspicious moment, Bahubali attained Kevala Jnana.
• Bharat felt immense fortune for having the opportunity to worship his brother both before and after his enlightenment. His initial worship was an act of penance for his actions, and the second was an expression of profound reverence for his brother's enlightened state.

The Legacy of Bahubali and the Gommateshwara Statue:

• The narrative then shifts to the historical and artistic significance of the colossal statue of Bahubali at Shravanabelagola, known as Gommateshwara.
• It is believed that Emperor Bharat commissioned a 525-dhanush (a unit of measurement) tall golden statue of Bahubali in his capital, Podanapur, to commemorate his brother's penance and liberation. This statue was later lost.
• The genesis of the Shravanabelagola statue is attributed to the inspiration received by General Chamundaraya, a minister in the court of the Ganga dynasty. Inspired by tales of Bahubali and his immense statue, Chamundaraya embarked on the monumental task of creating the iconic sculpture.
• The construction process, the artistic marvel, and the immense effort involved in carving such a colossal statue from a single rock are elaborated upon. The statue's perfect proportions, serene expression, and the intricate details are highlighted as testaments to the skill of the ancient artisans.
• The text recounts a legend where the statue's completion was miraculous, with a simple woman, Gullikayaji, being instrumental in its final consecration.
• The influence of Jainism and figures like Acharya Virasena, Jinansen, and Nemicandra Siddhanta Chakravarti in promoting Jain art and philosophy, especially in South India, is emphasized. The patronage of rulers like the Rashtrakutas and Hoysalas played a crucial role in the development of these magnificent structures.
• The document also touches upon the significance of Bahubali as a symbol of national unity and universal brotherhood, with people from all walks of life and different faiths revering him. The statues' power to inspire devotion and transcend religious boundaries is underscored.
• The book highlights the enduring faith and devotion of kings, ministers, and common people towards Lord Gommateshwara over centuries, with numerous inscriptions and historical accounts attesting to this reverence.
• Finally, the text concludes by emphasizing that Lord Bahubali, now residing in Siddhalaya (the abode of the liberated), continues to inspire generations with his exemplary life of renunciation, penance, and ultimate liberation. His story serves as a beacon of spiritual aspiration and a testament to the power of human potential.