GOMMATESVARA The son of Rishabha, in Jaina myth, he had a brother called Bharaba, with whom he struggled for control of the Indian Empire, but at the moment of victory he became disillusioned with the world, and handed over the empire to his brother, he himself retiring to the forest to do penance. This he accomplished by standing absolutely still for a year, while vines crept up his legs and arms, anthills rose about his feet, and snakes kept him company.