Pics: R B Jagadish / Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (HB)

Karkala, Jan 21: All roads led to Karkala on Wednesday January 21 as the famous Mahamastakabhisheka venerating lord Bahubali, which takes place once in 12 years, began with a befitting ceremony amidst thousands of devotees.

The 10-day event was inaugurated by Udupi district incharge and state urban development minister Vinay Kumar Sorake. 

Addressing the gathering, Sorake said, "This is a great event that comes once in 12 years. It is auspicious festival which lights up the society. Jainism occupies a prestigious place in Indian culture. The contribution of the Jain community to society is significant. Jainism has spread the message of sacrifice and non-violence to the society," he said.

"It is a matter of pride that the great poet Ratnakaravarni and Tulunadu queen Veeranrani Abbakka belonged to Jainism. Jains are drawing the attention of other societies by their celebrations and way of life. Jainism has set examples of love, sympathy and value-based living in society," he said.

Commending the arrangements made at the event, he said, "Thirty-three committtees were formed for the smoooth functioning of this event, and for the past 10 days they have been working very hard. The state government has sanctioned Rs 16 crore for this event and Rs 10 lac for the cultural programmes," he added.

Minister of youth affairs and sports K Abhayachandra Jain inaugurated the cultural programme by beating the drum which is a part of Tulunadu culture. In his address, he said that the state government has set up a study chair on Ratnakaravarni in Mangalore University. The government has also set aside Rs one crore for the purpose, he said.

He assured his government's full support to the event and handed over a cheque of Rs 10 lac that was approved by the department of Kannada and culture to M N Rajendrakumar, executive president of Mastakabhisheka committee.

Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje who inaugurated the exhibition after handing over a plate of betel leaves said that the message of sacrifice and non-violence propogated by Bahubali holds good for all ages. "He was a great man who gave up power that was earned by strength. He preached a life of sacrifice. He was attracted to asceticism from a life of pleasure and luxury. He is a role model to the modern youth," she said.

"India is known for its spiritual legacy. Jain religion has the power to teach about 'Sanyasa' and its significance," she said. She lamented that the present generation had failed to preserve ancient documentaries and arts.

Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr Veerendra Heggade who presided over the programme inaugurated the 'Dharmachakra' by spinning it. "The personality of Bahubali, his example and message have made him noble. His personality can be felt in the large statue. It gives us inspiration in life. "Truth, justice and dharma are very essential in life, the help us lead a good life. We should get rid of selfishness, which will help us in becoming better individuals. Bahubali set an example of self-esteem and spread the message of live and let live. His message is worth following," he said.

Karkala MLA Sunil Kumar said he felt proud to be the MLA of Karkala constituency. Emphasizing on the principles of lord Bahubali, he said, "It is important to know about the principles of Jain religion in present society," he felt.

He urged Sorake and MP Shobha Karandlaje to send an appeal to the central government to choose Dr Veerendra Heggade to popularize the concept of cleanliness in Dharmasthala. "Dr Heggade is the right person to become an ambassador of ‘Swachch Bharat Abhiyan’ in the state," he said.

Swasti Lalithakeerthi Bhattaraka Pattacharyavarya Mahaswamiji of Karkala Jain Math and Swasti Laxmi Sena Bhattaraka Pattacharyavarya Mahaswamiji of Kollapur Jain Math took centre stage.

Mastakabhisheka committee executive president, SCDCC bank president M N Rajendra Kumar welcomed. Chief Secretary M K Vijayakumar delivered the keynote address. S D Sampath proposed the vote of thanks. Andaru Gunapala Hegde compered the programme.

Samithi office bearers Dharmastala Harshendrakumar, Dr Sridhar Kambli, Suraj Kumar, Pushparaj Jain, town municipal council president Rehmath S Shaikh and others were present.

Lalitakeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji said that India’s forefathers have preserved their rich culture by carving beautiful statues and sculptures.

The first day of Lord Bahubali Mahamastakabhisheka on Wednesday was observed with various religious rituals with the participation of thousands of people.

Nagakumar Indra, the chief priest from Hiriangadi Sri Neminatha Basadi performed the rituals.

Sage 108 Munisagara Maharaj, Rajaguru Dhyanayogi Swasthi Sri lalitah Kirthi Bhattaraka Pattacharyavarya Mahaswamiji and Sri Lakhshmi Sena Bhattaraka Pattacharyavarya Mahaswamiji were present during the ceremony.

Different Dravya (liquids) were used in the Mahamastakabhisheka.

Jalabhisheka, Nalikerabhisheka 250 kilograms, sugarcane juice 200 litres, milk 500 litres, rice powder 80 kilograms, turmeric powder 100 kilograms, Kashabhisheka 300 litres (18 herbs are used in this), Srigandhabhisheka 70 kilograms, Chandanabhisheka 50 kilograms, Astagandhabhisheka 50 kilograms, Pushpapavrastiabhisheka 3 baskets and Kanakabhisheka of coins from 60 feet were performed.

After the flower offering and Mangalarthi to Lord Bahubali, the first day Mahamastakabhisheka ended.

Sarvesh Jain and his trope with their devotional hymns of the Lord,made the crowd to participate in the rituals in a meaningful way.

As only the people with passes could reach the place of Mahamastakabhisheka , others watched it in LED televisions erected at various places of the event.