By Team Mangalorean

Dharmasthala feb 3: It was a blissful occasion at Ratnagiri for all the devotees, who thronged the holy hill to see Lord Bahubali soaked in myriad of hues. If once he appeared golden in another moment he had turned brown and later on, all body was anointed with flowers, thus mesmerizing the worshippers.

As ritual the programme began with the 'Agrodaka’ procession from the Beedu to Ratnagiri. Kalashabhisheka that began in the morning continued till about noon.

On the occasion, Bahubali was offered 1008 Kalashaabhisheka. After Kalashaabhisheka followed the most awaited ritual. Lord Bahubali’s monolith was anointed with tender coconut, which was followed by sugarcane juice. Then offered Ksheerabbhisheka(milk) to Lord, after this the Lord was offered Kalka Churna Abhisheka. Lord Bahubali looked the most attractive. It looked as the statue stood amidst clouds with churna covering the face of the monolith. When turmeric water was poured Bahubali turned golden turning the statue the most attractive. This was followed by Kashayaabhisheka that is performed praying to keep people away from illness. The kashaya is the mixture of various herbs.

After this the statue of Bhahubali was offered the Abhisheka of Chatushkona Kalasha. The entire Ratnagiri was filled with the fragrance of incense that was poured on the monolith. The incense materials like Sandalwood, Chandana and Ashtagandha were poured after the Chatushkona Kalasha Abhisheka. After the Abhisheka, flowers were showered on Bahubali statue after which a huge garland which ran from top to the knee was put without touching the statue.

Mahamangalarti was offered to Lord Bahubali with arti tied to a rope that hung from the top and moved gently from bottom to top and then top to bottom. Later, holy water was poured on the statue amidst the chanting of the mantras by Purohits. This was followed by family members of Heggade and the devotees dancing mesmerized by the devotional songs.

Acharya Sri Vardhamana Muni Maharaj, Kaniyur Matadheesha Vidhya Vallabha Teertha Swamiji, Yenepoya Chambers Chairman Abdul Kunhi and all jain munis were present.

With the request from devotees the Mahamastakabhisheka has been extended. The statue of Bahubali will be anointed once more on Sunday Feb 4 with 1008 Kalashas.

Our Correspondent

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