Mahamastakabhisheka is the head anointing ceremony is performed once in 12 years of 57 feet tall monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali Gommateshwara at Shravanabelagola.
About Mahamastakabhisheka
- The word Mahamastakabhisheka comes from three words – Maha (great), Masthaka (head), and Abhisheka (anointing), literally translating to ‘the head anointing ceremony.’
- It’s called Mahamastakabhisheka or Grand Consecration because this special ceremony only happens once every 12 years.
- The Mahamastakabhisheka Mahotsava is a significant event where the statue of Lord Bahubali is anointed in a grand ceremony.
- It is one of biggest festivals for Jain community and it honors Lord Bahubali, a revered Jain icon.
- According to Jain texts, Bahubali had attained liberation from cycle of births and deaths (moksha) at Mount Kailash and is revered as a liberated soul (Siddha) by Jains.
- Bahubali is also called Gommateshwara because of Gommateshwara statue dedicated to him and as lord Kammateswara from an inscription.
- Gommateshwara statue was built by Ganga dynasty minister and commander Chavundaraya in around 981 AD. It is a 57-foot monolith, making it one of largest free-standing statues in world.
Lord Bahubali
- Lord Bahubali, the son of Lord Rishabhanatha, is a prominent figure in Jain mythology, being the second Tirthankara among the 24.
- According to Jain beliefs, Bahubali achieved liberation from worldly desires through extensive meditation, setting an example for spiritual seekers.
- The sculpture of Lord Bahubali depicts him in an upright meditation posture known as Kayotsarga, symbolizing renunciation, self-control, and overcoming the ego.
- In the Digambara form, Bahubali’s sculpture signifies the complete triumph over earthly desires, serving as a spiritual guide for those on the path towards divinity.
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