‘Panchamahavaibhava’ – a series of plays on the life of Lord Bahubali staged over a period of seven days – has given a new dimension to the Mahamastabhisheka of Lord Bahubali, said Dharmadhikari of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala D. Veerendra Heggade.
Talking to reporters here, he said Mahamastakabhisheka – the abhisheka on the entire 39 ft. statute of Bahubali – involves Pancha Kalyana rituals. “The ‘Panchamahavaibhava’ was designed to make these rituals emotionally acceptable to people. Watching a series of plays gives better understanding as to why Lord Bahubali is honoured to this extent,” he said.
While the concept was proposed by Mr. Heggade, it was brought to stage by his wife Hemavathi Heggade. “I am happy that the enactment came out well and was appreciated by Jain Munis. This was executed in a short period of five days. In hindsight, I feel that with a little more time we could have improved our presentation,” Ms. Heggade said.
While the main actors were from Bengaluru, the other roles were played by students and staff from colleges in Dharmasthala and Moodbidri.
The enactment was directed by playwright Jeevanram Sullia and story was written by five Jain pundits.
The life of Bahubali is being depicted in the 18-minute-long laser show held at Ratnagiri by involving the 39-ft. tall Bahubali statute. “It took 6 months to design the show that matched with the height of the statue,” said Shreyas Kumar, son of Mr. Heggade’s brother Harshendra Kumar.
The show was so popular that they are now having three shows between 7 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. as against one show held for the first few days since February 9.
