Jain Spirit 2005 12 No24

SR No.: 529004
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains
Publication Year: 2005
Total Pages: 102
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, UK_Jain Spirit, & UK
File Size: 21 MB

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POMP AND CEREMONY
DR. DEVENDRA KUMAR JAIN gives us the run down of the 30 days and their meanings. Information on events for 2006 have been supplied by Nitin Parshvanath, director of www.jainheritagecentres.com
reach the feet and only then the consecration is complete. Each Puja is set to take 10 hours. Though it is mainly 'Priests' reciting various mantras during the rituals of Mahamasthakabhishekha, followers can make donations to perform the pouring of kalashas over Bahubali with their own hands. Jain religious activities are mostly participatory in nature - this is encouraged rather than the use of hierarchical figures.
first glance at this giant statue enthralls us all and the Mahamasthakabhishekha is truly something
breathtaking. While catching the magnificence of the moment, a spectator takes a deep breath as if he or she has experienced the fullness of life. This type of epic event not only brings sections of the community together but also promotes a sense of social harmony.
IT IS BELIEVED THAT PARTICIPATION IN THIS CEREMONY BRINGS PARTICULAR SPIRITUAL MERIT TO THESE PEOPLE AND ALL THOSE PRESENT.
The history of the ceremony began with the statue's consecration for the public in March 981 AD. The event was marked with the celebration of Mahamasthakabhishekha. This was the starting point of a tradition which has spanned centuries, continuing to take place every 12 years.
The feet of Bahubali are bathed and worshipped everyday but it is only on this occasion that the whole statue will be cleansed. Cleansing is done by THE SIGNIFICANCE OF Priests and devotees by pouring sacred MAHAMASTHAKABHISHEKHA substances over him. Only on the eve of the ceremony temporary scaffolding
For Jain devotees Abhisheka or the santra will be constructed behind the statue, puja is a regular display of reverence to terminating in a platform just above the their Jinas and is performed on daily basis. head; for the anointers to stand upon. It symbolizes the cleansing karma from Worship will be offered according to the body and the mind to its purest state. Jain Agamas. In front of the image,
This water based puja gives idols a bath there will be articles of worship with
from head to toe in purified water and 1008 pots (kalasha) filled with sacred water and decorated in auspicious
Mahamastakabhisheka is a grand bath colours, arranged in geometrical
in front of the masses with even grander pattern. After the sacred bath with celebrations! It has a particular focus milk and ghee is over, the priests will on anointing the head of the deity. This arrange the great Abhisheka. Under spectacular activity has become popular the guidance of the leader the priests for extra ordinary large idols that require will pour the 1008 pots of water over
extra care and extra ordinary preparations. the image simultaneously by chanting
The pujas are also beneficial from an mantras. Then they pour milk, curds,
archaeological point of view as the cleansing ghee, sugar, sandal wood paste,
of a statue this large is one of the only ways almonds and gold and silver handmade
flowers. It is expected that the mixtures it can be maintained and preserved from the 9 poured over the statue's head should
odia.com "Lord Bahubali Gomateswara, Shravanbelgola Hill, Karnataka, India
WWW.JAIN SPIRIT.COM
photo: www.dindia.com "Lord
elements.
jainelibrary.org
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