Shravanabelagola (Hassan District, Karnataka), February 22, 2005: The long awaited first Mahamasthakabhishekha of Bhagawan Bahubali of the 21st century will be held from 8th to 19th February, 2006. His Holiness Karmayogi Swastisri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji the pontiff of Shravanabelagola disclosed it and added that Acharya Sri Vardhamansagar Maharaj who graced the previously held Mahamasthakabhishekha in 1993 will grace the present Mahamasthakabhishekha also. The inauguration of the Mahotsava is scheduled to be held on sunday the 22nd January, 2006.
The Mahamasthakabhishekha celebration is held as a symbol of world peace and coexistence. Lakhs of devotees of Bahubali, acharyas and eminents from all over the world will participate in this historic event. It is expected that 25 lakhs of people will attend the Mahamasthakabhishekha. The arrangements are being made for 10,000 people to witness the event from Indragiri and 3 lakhs from Chandragiri hills.
It may be recalled that the Masthakabhishekhas were held in 1953, 1967, 1981 and 1993 in the post independent period. The dignitaries such as Indira Gandhi the former prime minister of India, Shankardayal Sharma the former president participated in the events. It is to note that Manmohan Singh, the prime minister of India and Smt.Sonia Gandhi the A.I.C.C. president are expected to witness the Mahamasthakabhishekha.

PROGRAMMES

  • February 22nd, 2006: Inauguration of the Mahotsav
  • February 22nd onwards, different functions, programmes and aradhanas.
  • February 4th: Panchakalyana begins.
  • February 8th: First Mahamasthakabhisheka with 108 Kalashas.
  • February 9th: Mahamasthakabhisheka with 504 Kalashas.
  • February 10th: Mahamasthakabhisheka with 1008 Kalashas.
  • February 11th: Sarvathobadhra Aradhana to 24 Tirthankara’s at Bhandara Basadi.
  • February 12th, 13th: Mahamasthakabhisheka with 1008 Kalashas.
  • February 14th: Mahapooja to Sahasrakoota Jinabimba.
  • February 15th, 16th: Mahamasthakabhishekha with 1008 Kalashas.
  • February 17th: Jinavani Mahapooja
  • February 18th, 19th: Mahamasthakabhisheka with 1008 Kalashas.

– Jain Heritage Centres News Service (JHCNS)