Maha Mastakabhisheka
Once in 12 years the well known Jainpilgrim centre, Shravanabelagola in Karnataka, gets transformed into athrobbing city, when thousands of devotees converge to participate in the spectacular ceremonies for the Maha Mastakabhisheka (sacred head anointing ceremony) of the magnificent 18m high statue of Bahubali. This event commemorates the first Maha Mastakabhisheka performed in 981 AD,by Chavundaraya, the prime minister and commander-in-chief of the Ganga Kingdom in Karnataka. Since the installation and consecration of the statue in 981 AD, the ritual has been carried out with a regular periodicity of twelve years. The last one performed in 2006, attracted lakhs of pilgrims from all over the world. The Maha Mastakabhisheka is the most thrilling act of worship seen anywhere in the world.
The highlights of the celebration comprise the headanointing and the ritual bathing of the magnificent colossus adorning the top of the lofty Vindyagiri hillock that dominates the landscape all around. A spectacular procession where devotees carrying 1008 ornamental vessels containing sacred water, climb a huge scaffolding rising behind the statue of Bahubali, to perform the ritual bathing amidst scriptural incantations. At the second stage, the statue is bathed with hundreds of litres of milk, sugarcane juice, and pastes of saffron, and sandal wood. Then follows a torrent of powders of coconut, turmeric, saffron, vermilion and sandalwood, on the divine figure. The cascade of colours presents a dazzling and fascinating rainboweffect over the contemplative countenance of the saint. Precious offerings of gems, gold, silver petals and coins are showered as symbols of reverential homage. In the finale to the grand proceedings, a helicopter flies over the statue showering the choicest flowers on Lord Bahubali. The next Maha Mastakabhisheka will take place in 2018.
The highlights of the celebration comprise the headanointing and the ritual bathing of the magnificent colossus adorning the top of the lofty Vindyagiri hillock that dominates the landscape all around. A spectacular procession where devotees carrying 1008 ornamental vessels containing sacred water, climb a huge scaffolding rising behind the statue of Bahubali, to perform the ritual bathing amidst scriptural incantations. At the second stage, the statue is bathed with hundreds of litres of milk, sugarcane juice, and pastes of saffron, and sandal wood. Then follows a torrent of powders of coconut, turmeric, saffron, vermilion and sandalwood, on the divine figure. The cascade of colours presents a dazzling and fascinating rainboweffect over the contemplative countenance of the saint. Precious offerings of gems, gold, silver petals and coins are showered as symbols of reverential homage. In the finale to the grand proceedings, a helicopter flies over the statue showering the choicest flowers on Lord Bahubali. The next Maha Mastakabhisheka will take place in 2018.
