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THE JAINA GAZETTE Goddess Kushumandini Devi in the likeness of an old woman bringing milk in a gulla kayi for anointing the colossal image. What thinking soul did not recollect with awe and devotion the austere tapas of Sri Bahubali Swamiji and the pious and religious minded resolve of Chamundaraya on this grand occasion ?
At about 11-30 His Highness the Maharaja arrived at the foot of the Hill by motor and walked up the Hill barefooted. A special seat had been arranged for His Highness from which he could conveniently witness the puja, (see plate 12). Then the Abhisheka or the anointment with milk took place (plate 13) which was a supremely grand and inspiring sight which almost made the spectators forget themselves and cry “Gommata Swamiki Jai " and “Bahubali Maharajki Jai". Then there was abhisheka with sandal wood saffron mixture and swarna, viz., gold and silver flowers and coins.
His Highness presented a few costly silk shawls to His Holiness Sri Charukirti Panditarya Swamiji. Then the Mastakabhisheka came to a successful close amidst deafening shouts of Jail Jai!
The ward and hospital constructed by Sowcar G. K. Padmarajayya of Sravana Belgola were opened by Mr. Humza Husein. the Dewan of Mysore on the 16th March when Jaina Dharma Bhushan Brahmachari Sital Prasadji and Swasti Sri Nemisagar Varniji delivered very interesting lectures.
Mr. Humza Husein in the course of his address touched very sympathetically the question of the Mandagere bridge and very appreciatively of the Jains and their history.
On the 17th March the Samaj Puja was performed by the bidders led by Seth Chensukh Gambirmal who first emptied his pot of sacred water (Kalsa) on the head of the image when the whole Mantap resounded with shouts of Sri Gommalaswami ki jai. As the abhisheka went on Brahmchari Sri Sital Prasadji continued chanting mantras till the end. This puja was mainly intended for and mostly attended by the Jainas from Northern India.
In the evening of the same day the Lakshmisena Bhattarakji of the Kolhapur Jain Mutt and his disciples performed a Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
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