The stage is set for the Mahamastakabhisheka of the 42-ft high statue of Lord Bahubali atop the Bahubali Betta in Karkala, starting on Wednesday. The event is scheduled to come to an end on January 31.
The Mahamastakabhisheka is held once in 12 years, but the last Mahamastakabhisheka was held in 2002.
Though it should have been held last year, it was postponed by a year on account of the general elections.
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Karkala was the capital of Bhairava dynasty Jain rulers. It was king Veera Pandya who got the statute of Lord Bahubali installed on the Bahubali Betta in 1432. Items such as tender coconut water, sugarcane juice, sandalwood paste, paste made out of medicinal herbs and holy water, are used to anoint the statue of Lord Bahubali between 7.30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Lord Bahubali will be anointed with these items in 108 kalashas between January 21 and 27; 504 kalashas on January 28 and 29, and 1,008 kalashas on January 30.
Governor Vajubhai Vala will inaugurate the ceremony at 3 p.m. on Wednesday.
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The Mahamastakabhisheka will be held under the guidance of Lalitakeerti Bhattaraka Pattacharyavarya Swami of Karkala Jain Math.