Once every 12 years, pilgrims from all over the world flock to Shravanabelagola for the Mastakabhisheka festival, when the monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara, a revered Jain saint, is covered in ghee, coconut milk, turmeric, saffron, gold, and flowers. The statue, more than 56 ft (17 m) tall and carved from a single block of white granite, was commissioned in the 10th century by Chavundaraya, a commander in the Ganga dynasty. Beautiful engravings representing the commander and his daring exploits are carved on the base.