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THE JAINA GAZETTE
Bharata became conscious of the greatness of his brother and be now bowed down to him. He also caused an image of Bahubali to be made in gold and had it installed at Paudanapura. the capital of Bahubali
Bahubali was a very strong and beautiful person. He was called the Kamadeva or Manmatha of his age. In his youth he was taught Kamasastra, (Sexual Science). Nitisastra, (Law) Ayurveda (Medicine). Dhanurveda (Archery), and several other arts and sciences. He attained Nirvana on the holy summits of Kailas.
Η.
NOTES AND NEWS. THE MAHAMASTAKABISHEKA FESTIVAL OF
SRI GOMMATESVARA Sravana Belgola is a beautiful village picturesquely laid down between two rocky hills by the magic hand of Nature. The two hills seem to vie with each other in importance and sanctity and if one is larger than the other and is proud of its name Doddapetta, the other is no less conscious of its greatness on account of the larger number of the ancient temples on it. Again if Chandragiri or the smaller hill is important and sacred on account of its association with the Sallekhana of the last Sruta Kevali Bhadrabahu, and the great Mauryan Emperor Chandra Gupta, the larger hill or Vindyagiri is equally interesting and sanctified since it has on its top the largest statue in the world. This is the marvellous and dignified image of Bhagwan Sri Gommatesvara about which we publish a brief essay on pages 93 to 96 in this issue.
This sacred image which according to Jaina tradition had been in existence from time immemorial was discovered by Chamunda-Raya and a grand Mahamastakabisheka was performed by him in 980 A. D. On account of the stupendous height special scaffoldings have to be erected whenever Mastakabishekams are to be performed. Hence such anointing ceremonies are few and
far between performed only at certain conjunctions of the heavenly Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
www.umaragyanbhandar.com
