GOMATAGIRI - unspoilt - or neglected
Reading newspaper reports of the mastakabhisheka performed in Gomatagiri last week, i couldn't help reminiscing about my many trips to the place. Standing in the middle of almost nowhere on the Mysore- Hunsur road near the hamlet of Bilikere, this smaller version of Bahubali closely resembles the famous granite colossus at Shravanabelagola, but vastly neglected . We have always had a soft corner for this 'poor cousin' and have dragged many a visiting guest to view it , as it gave us a measure of pleasure to share our little, unsung curio with people who had never heard of it. It used to be like a little secret treasure. The setting itself could not be more forlorn. Acres of semi arid land open to the assault of elements. An outcrop of sturdy yellowish granite , bald and rugged. On the crest of this little hillock, which may be about a 100 ft. high, an old crumbly shrine with no roof. Approximately 80 rough steps ,gouged out in a careless fashion , lead to the ...