Bahubali

Bahubali is a name that can refer to more than one subject in Indian culture and media. In Jain tradition, Bahubali (also known as Gomateshwara) is a revered figure, the son of Rishabhanatha (the first Tirthankara). He is said to have renounced throne and royal life to seek spiritual awakening, and his story is a foundational narrative illustrating renunciation, meditation, and enlightenment. Bahubali is a common subject in Jain literature and art across India.

The most famous representation of Bahubali is the Gomateshwara statue at Sravanabelagola in Karnataka. This monolithic sculpture, carved from granite and standing about 57 feet tall, depicts Bahubali in a meditative posture (kayotsarga). It dates from around 981 CE and was installed under the patronage of the Jain monastic community and the Ganga dynasty era rulers, notably with the leadership of Chamundaraya. The site is a major Jain pilgrimage destination, and the Mahamastabhisheka, a ceremonial anointment of the statue, occurs roughly every 12 years.

Baahubali (often spelled with two 'a's) also refers to a popular Indian film franchise directed by S. S. Rajamouli. Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) introduces the kingdom of Mahishmati and the rivalry between Amarendra Baahubali and Bhallaladeva, while Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017) provides the concluding chapters of the saga. Produced simultaneously in Telugu and Tamil, with widespread dubbed releases, the films achieved substantial box office success and earned international attention for their scope, production design, and visual effects.

The term Baahubali/ Bahubali thus denotes both a revered mythic figure in Jainism and a contemporary cinematic property, sharing a common etymological root that conveys strength or majesty.