Karkala: The 10-day anointment (Mahamastakabhisheka celebrations) of the 42-foot monolith Karkala Bhagwan Shri Bahubali Swamy began on a colourful note on Wednesday, January 21.
The rituals leading up to Mahamastakabhisheka began with a procession. The procession went in circumambulation around the site of Bahubali’s statue. The religious ceremonies were held under the guidance of Lalitakeerti Bhatacharya Pattacharyavarya Swami of Jain Math, Karkala.
A total of 108 kalashas of water were poured on the first day, besides many other items including sandalwood paste and milk. The devotees poured water over the statue of Bahubali from a specially constructed metallic platform and paid obeisance. A large number of devotees watched the proceedings.
The ceremonial anointing is done from the top of the specially constructed scaffolding, wherein water from 108 kalashas’ (pots) is poured over the statue as a purification rite. Following this, the ceremonial bathing begins with ‘jalabhisheka’ (pouring of water) and ‘ksheerabhisheka’ (milk from kalashas and large containers). This is followed by pouring of a large amount of rice powder. Next, the statue is anointed with coconut water and sugarcane juice (ikshu rasa). The monolith is then bathed with a liquid mixture of turmeric, Red Sanders and sandalwood.
Later, the statue is bathed with ‘kashaya,’ a concoction of ashtagandha (eight fragrant substances). This is followed lastly by a shower of flower petals. The ceremony ends with the washing of the Gomateshwara with the clear waters of the ‘poorna kumbhas’ and an ‘arti’ of lamps.
Except for ‘ksheerabhisheka’, all other abhishekas will be in the capacity of 300-500 litres, so as to wet the entire statue. Around 750 litres of milk is used for ‘ksheerabhisheka’.
Earlier, a formal inaugural programme was held. Vinay Kumar Sorake, Minister for Urban Development and also district minister in-charge, inaugurated the 10–day long Mahamastakabhisheka celebrations by lighting the lamp and releasing the souvenir ‘Veetha Raga’. Veerendra Heggade inaugurated Dharmachakra. Abhayachandra Jain, Minister for Youth Empowerment and Sports, inaugurated the cultural programmes by beating the drums.
Speaking after inaugurating of the ten day ritual, the Urban Development Minister Vinay Kumar Sorake said that the religious message propagated by Lord Bahubali is relevant even to this date, as the world is undergoing extreme forms of violence. The Bhagvan who denounced all lavish livelihood, today stands as a role model to all human beings irrespective of religion and cult.
The minister added, “Karnataka is known for its spiritual tradition and culture which accommodates all, irrespective of the dogma they follow.” The minister said that the saga of Bharatha and Bahubali is the testimony of the rich spiritual culture that existed in the country since the ages. The Jain cult, which has its roots in the State, has remained a significant factor all through the legacy. “Sacrifice and non violence is the basic foundation of any religious preaching, and the Jain cult stands on similar beliefs.”
The Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Abhaychandra Jain said that the spiritual affair of the sacred bathing of Bhagvan Bahubali was discontinued following the implementation of tenancy reforms. However, in the aftermath, the religious leaders decided to continue the sacred ritual in the interest of the society. He said that the Chief Minister has consented for the Ratnakaravarni chair in Mangaluru University established at the cost of Rs 1 crore.
Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje said Mahamasthakabhiseheka stands as a testimony for the rich culture of sacrifice and selflessness inherited in the soil of the nation. “The increasing violence in the country is posing a threat to the peace loving culture of the nation. The harmony that existed in the nation since ages is disappearing and the ideals of Bahubali are more relevant than ever in the current scenario,” she added.
Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr Veerendra Hedge said that the message given by Bhagvan Bahubali should influence the society. “The ‘live let live’ philosophy followed by the Lord is indeed necessary for a harmonious society. The pride of harmony and toleration towards other religions inherited by the nation should be continued by embracing the ideologies and principles of Lord Bahubali,” he stressed.
Lalitakeerti Bhatacharya Pattacharyavarya Swami of Jain Math, Karkala, Swasthi Shri Laxmisena Bhattaraka Pattacharyavarya Swami of Jain Math Kolhapur, Rajashreee Dr D Veerendra Heggade Dharmadhikari of Shree Keshetra Dharmasthala, Vinay Kumar Sorake minister for urban development and also district minister in-charge, Abhayachandra Jain minister youth empowerment and sports, Sunil Kumar MLA of Karkala, Rehamath Seqh president of Karkala Municipality, Dr M N Rajendra Kumar working president of the committee, M K Vijay Kumar general secretary, Dr K Jeevandhar Ballal treasurer, Harshendra Kumar Hegde and others were present.