Preparations are in full swing for the mahamastakabhisheka of the 42-feet-tall monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali to be held here from January 21 to 31.
People from across the country are expected to take part in the ceremony which will be inaugurated by Governor Vajubhai Vala on January 21. The kalashabhisheka of the 582-year-old statue of Lord Bahubali will begin on the same day.
The statue of Bahubali at Karkala is installed on a granite hill called Bahubali Betta and stands on a five-feet high moulded platform, enclosed by a massive stone rail of three horizontal bars. The railed platform is further enclosed by a high cloistered prakara at a safe distance.
Facing the entrance is the Brahmasthambha. The statue is more striking due to it being situated on the margins of the picturesque Ramasamudra lake. The statue standing in the Kayotsarga posture bears all Mahapurusha lakshanas such as elongated ears, palms stretching up to the knees, curly hairs and others.
During the mahamastakabhisheka, tender coconut water, sugarcane juice, sandalwood paste, paste made out of medicinal herbs and holy water, are poured on the statue.
The mahamastakabhisheka committee has been making preparations for the event normally held once in 12 years. However, the last mahamastakabhishekha was held in February, 2002, a gap of 13 years.
The other time there was a gap in holding the event was from 1962 to 1990 because of problems arising out of the Land Reforms Act.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is trying to complete the work at Bahubali Betta such as developing the katte around the Dhwaja sthamba and plastering the compound wall. “These works would be completed in a few days,” said R.N. Naik, monument attendant of ASI, Moodbidri, who is supervising the works.
The committee has constructed a metal scaffold behind the statue of Bahubali to facilitate the anointing ceremony. “The daily cost of the mahamastakabhisheka is estimated at about Rs. 15 lakh. The committee proposes to raise funds through memberships and providing kalashas to the devotees,” said committee secretary K. Gunapal Kadamba.
A town of historical importance and a pilgrim centre for the Jain community, Karkala has 22 Jain basadis. It was the capital of Jain rulers belonging to Bhirava dynasty. King Veera Pandya was responsible for the installation of the monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali here in 1432.
