Mahamastakabhisheka Mahotsava - 2006

Shravanabelagola - a Jain place of pilgrimage in Karnataka wedged between the two hills of Indragiri and Chandragiri. Belonging to the Jain era the natural stone formations coupled with greenery makes this place unique tourist's delight. It's a great place of learning and Jain scholarship, most famous for the colossal statue of Gomateswara. Gomateswara is the Jain Tirthankara (Saint Bahubali), 1000 years old, 17 metres tall, and carved from a single stone. Created by sculptor Aristanemi in 981 AD, he towers from atop the Indragiri hill overlooking the town Shravanabelagola. The world's tallest monolithic statue is one of the oldest and the most important Jain pilgrimage centres in India.

The statue of Lord Gommateshwara (Bahubali) is situated at top, 50 meter tall hillock at Bettadur village in Hunsur taluk. However, the place is called Gommatagiri after the Lord. Gommatagiri is an acclaimed Jain centre. The Mahamastakabhisheka of Lord Bahubali statue at Shravanabelagola is held once in 12 years, last Mahamasakabhisheka having been organized in 1993; while the mastakabhisheka is held every year at Gommatagiri. However, the Mahamastakabhisheka at Shravanabelagola is a much bigger affair which draws lakhs of devotees from different parts of the country.The Mahamastak-abhisheka is an elaborate ritual when the mammoth statue is bathed with milk, honey, ghee and water. You have to climb up 614 rock-cut steps to reach the top.

This is a wonderful opportunity to witness the first Mahamastakabhisheka of Lord Gommateshwara in 21st century. This decades' Mahamastakabhisheka celebration is started with much pomp and pageantry on February 4th. It will be continued till 19th of Feb 2006. It has been decided in the meeting of National Level Committee on 25-09-2004 at Shravanabelagola to organize a series of programs relate to religious, social and educational needs of the society that would contribute to promote peace, respect for all living beings and human understanding on the occasion of Mahamastakabhisheka Celebrations-2006. Importance is given to service activities by organizing Eye Camps, providing Artificial Limbs to handicapped and Children's Health check up.

The Mahamastakabhisheka of this ancient one thousand twenty five years old statue of Lord Gommateshwara is being held from February 8th, 2006 onwards under the holy guidance of Siddhant Chakravarty Venerable Acharya Shri Vidyanand ji Muniraj and in holy presence of Venerable Acharya Shri Vardhman Sagar ji Muniraj. The Mahotsava would be graced by numerous Acharyas, Munis, Aryakas, Kshullaks, Kshullikas and all Swastishree Bhattarak Swamis. Various cultural programmes and speeches of learned scholars will also take place. For the purpose of 'Abhishek' the category wise 'Kalash' can be reserved by sending an application along with stipulated dedicated sum. Priority will be given on the first come first served basis subject to availability of category of Kalash applied for. Don't miss the opportunity if you find any chance to visit this place.