Mahamasthakabhisheka, the head
anointing ceremony is performed once in 12
years to the 57 feet tall monolithic statue of Lord
Bahubali at Shravanabelagola. The event is being held under
the leadership of His Holiness Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji of
Shravanabelagola from 17th-25th February 2018.
Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsava – 2018 Inauguration
February 7 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsava – 2018 of Lord Bahubali
February 17 @ 8:00 am - February 25 @ 5:00 pm
Lord
Bahubali
i
According to to the Jain epic
Adipurana of Jinasena Acharya, it is believed that Yasavati and Sunanda were
the two queens of Rishabhdeva (Adinath), the first Tirthankara. Bahubali was
born Sunanda while the other queen gave birth to Bharata and many other sons
and daughters. Upon renouncing his kingdom, Rishabhdeva divided it between the
two.
Soon thereafter Bharata embarked on
a trip to triumph over other kingdoms, in pursuit of becoming a Chakravarti, a
world conqueror who subjugated six continents. He expected Bahubali’s
submission as well – Bahubali refused and the brothers engaged in duels,
Bahubali won the first two and in the third duel he showed his superiority by
lifting Bharata in his arms to dash him to the ground. Bharata called for his
divine disc weapon (Chakraratna). The Chakraratna appeared but instead of
harming Bahubali it went round him and stood on his right side. At that moment,
Bahubali realised that he was about to commit the sin of fratricide and he
gently put Bharata down. Though he was the victor, Bahubali was full of remorse
because he felt that in defeating his brother Bharata, he had insulted him –
the man who was acknowledged as the universal monarch. He begged his brother’s
forgiveness; fled to the forest, pulled out his hair and stood in the
Kayotsarga posture, which is taken to abandon the body. There he remained in
meditation for so long that creepers wound around him. An anthill grew around
his feet, vines and snakes began to embrace his body and hair. In spite of
severe self mortification, he failed to attain kevalagnana or omniscience.
Concerned and perturbed by his brother’s condition, Bharata sought the advice
of a sage who informed him that Bahubali still suffered from pride and
resentment. Accompanied by his two sisters Bharata went to Bahubali and
whispered “Dismount from the elephant of pride”. With this Bahubali understood
that he had not been humble enough to go and bow before his younger brother.
The direction of his thoughts changed and as he made his final bow he attained
omniscience and liberation (moksha) in matter of moments.
Because of this Bahubali is a symbol
of the highest form of detachment. He is considered as a human form of penance,
severe austerity and complete meditation and his story evokes great admiration
and devotion.
Mahamasthakabhisheka
The
word Mahamasthakabhisheka is a combination of three words viz: Maha
(great), Masthaka (head) and Abhisheka (anointing) which literally means ‘the
head anointing ceremony’. Unlike the other idols the ceremony is called Mahamasthakabhisheka and not Masthakabhisheka. This is because the ceremony is
performed only once in 12 years on the contrary the abhisheka to the Gommata
idol at Gommatagiri is performed every year. The earliest one on record took
place in 1398 A.D. and the latest in 2006.
