Media Release
Beltangady, Jan 2: As the Dharmasthala Maha Mastakabhisheka 2019 nears, curtain raising events began on Wednesday, Januray 2, with the ceremony of scaffolding inception. The 62 feet tall scaffolding, that is to frame the Bahubali statue for the ceremony will henceforth be constructed, after Dr D Veerendra Heggade, the president and Dharmadhikaari of Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala ritualistically gave the process a start.
The scaffolding inception took place with a ritual conducted by Jain priests at Rathnagiri in the presence of Dr Heggade, Maatrushree Hemavathi Heggade, D Surendra Kumar, D Harshendra Kumar, Dr B Yashovarma, Shraddha Amit and Nishchal Jain. After the rituals, the first metal pillar for the scaffolding was erected using a crane and the process was given a symbolic start.
The scaffolding around the 39 feet tall statue will be 62 feet high, and is being constructed by Mahavir Prasad Industries from Bantwal. It will be 6 storied and shall weigh 80 tonnes, ranging 16.7 meters wide. The capacity of the scaffolding will be 400-500 people at a time. There will be steps for people to ascend the scaffolding from the back, as well as reserved space for anointment fluids. The scaffolding shall also have two types of lifts – one for anointment materials, and another for people. The lifts shall be backed up with pulley cradles in case of unexpected technical glitch. Construction of the scaffolding will be complete by January 15.
Maha Mastakabhisheka to be held from February 9 to 18
“Twelve years after the grand anointment ceremony of the 39 feet tall colossus at Dharmasthala, Bahubali is yet again set for the fourth Maha Mastakabhisheka which is to be held from February 9 to 18. All devotees are welcome to experience this ceremony which shall also consist of a number of other cultural and religious events for a span of 10 days”, stated Dr D Veerendra Heggade, at the official press conference held on January 2 at Dharmasthala.
Addressing the media representatives, he added “Bahubali Maha Mastakabhisheka has always been preceded by Pancha Kalyana events which are performed for Lord Adinatha, Bahubali’s father who was a Teerthankara. However, this year we plan to do something different, keeping Bahubali in the lead. The ceremony is known as Pancha Maha Vaibhava, and shall take place for five days from 09 February. Different events of Bahubali’s life will be gloriously presented with different cultural attractions.”
Also stating the accompanying large scale social initiatives, Dr Heggade elaborated how Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala is striving towards water conservation in the area, as well as entire Karnataka. A total of 200 ponds are being replenished, 100 of them with aid received from the state government of Karnataka. This initiative draws motivation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s words when he visited Dharmasthala – where he called for conservation of earth’s resources. Also, 300 milk processing units have been extended aid by Dharmasthala, deliberating focus towards sustenance of the milking sector in agriculture.
Continuing elaboration of the Maha Mastakabhisheka ceremony, he added that invitations have been extended to and accepted by the Vice President of India Venkaiah Naidu, governor of Karnataka Vajubhai Vala and the chief minister H D Kumaraswamy, who shall grace the occasion alongside other prominent leaders. A hundred and eight Acharya Shri Vardhamana Sagara Muni Maharaj and 108 Acharya Shri Pushpadanta Sagara Muni Maharaj will be the ascetics presiding over the ceremony.
Concluding the conference, Dr Heggade stated that he has been receiving extensive support for the ceremony from the state government of Karnataka in terms of roads and a specially appointed Nodal Officer, for which Dharmasthala remains thankful. He also extends all devotees from in and around the state a warm welcome for the ceremony. Conveners of various committees D Harshendra Kumar and D Surendra Kumar, secretary of SDME Society Dr B Yashovarma, Nishcal Jain and other committee heads were present at the conference.