Karkala: The Jain mega event, which occurs once in 12 years, the Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony of Lord Bahubali, was officially inaugurated by Vinay Kumar Sorakke, Urban Development Minister on Wednesday January 21.
Speaking after the inaugural, Sorake said, “Mahamastakabhisheka is a holy festival. Lord Bahubali’s message of peace and sacrifice through his own life must be propagated in society. He is a role model for all of us”.
The minister added, “the statue of Karkala is the pride to our district. Our state is known for its spiritual tradition and culture. Sacrifice and non-violence is the basic foundation of any religious preaching and he Jain cult stands on the similar beliefs”.
The Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Abhaychandra Jain said, “Tenancy reforms had put a break on the festival for years, however the youth of those ages unitedly worked for the temple to keep the tradition alive for a life time. After the issue was settled, the ritual continued. This is one of the best traditions in India. He added, “his philosophy ‘live and let others live’ should be followed by the new generation”.
Udupi-Chikamgalur MP Shobha Karandlaje,said, “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”.
Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala, who was scheduled to inaugurate the ceremony, could not make it.
The ceremony
The Mahamastakabhisheka of Bahubali’s 42 feet tall statue was done as per the Jain tradition. All the ancient rituals were followed. At first the Lord Neminatha Swami and Shiva Devi in Neminatha Basadi were prayed to, and this was followed by ‘Panchakalyana Mahapooja’, and ‘Indra Pratishte’.
‘Thorana Pooje’ in steps of 5, 7, 9, followed the ‘Indra Pratiste’, and Vimana Shuddhi where the deities like Vayu Kumara, Megha Kumara, Indra Kumara, Naga Kumara and Bhumi Devi were worshipped came thereafter. This was followed by the ‘Nandi Mangala’ ritual for the success of the ten day festival, and after this, the Navagraha Shanthi Pooja’ and ‘Vastu Pooja’ were performed. Later the ‘Ankuraarpana Vidhi’ was held. The finale was when the ‘Agrodhaka Pooja and ‘Kalasa Pooja’ were performed.
The regular Mahamastakabhisheka ritual followed these traditions, and included the shower of various sacred liquids on the idol, which looked resplendent. It began with water from 108 kalashas (pots) poured over the Gommata, as a purification rite. The abhisheka (ceremonial bathing) then began to the sound of bugles and the beat of drums. Milk from kalashas and large containers was poured on Gommateshwara, followed by clouds of white rice powder.
Next, the statue was anointed with coconut water and sugarcane juice. Liquid turmeric and red sandalwood paste then covered the Gommata in hues of amber and mahogany. Next the libation of ashtagandha – a combination of eight scented substances – and this was followed lastly by a shower of flower petals was done.
Thousands of devotees were present to witness the “Abhisheka” at Bahubali Betta in Karkala after 13 years. The ceremonial anointing was done customarily from the top of a specially constructed scaffolding.
The splendid ceremony ended with the washing of the Gommata with the clear waters of the poorna kumbhas and the aarthi of lit lamps.
