His Holiness Swasti Sri Charukeerthiji inspecting the work.

Shravanabelagola, January 16,2006: The preparations of the pooja articles for performing the Mahamasthakabhisheka of Lord Bahubali began officially on Monday the January 16th through the dharmic (religious) rituals.

His Holiness Swasti Sri Charukeerthiji inspecting the work.
His Holiness Swasti Sri Charukeerthiji inspecting the work.

Red Sandal, Turmeric, Rice, Medicinal, Herbs, Swetha Chandana and many other material that are used in Mahamasthakabhisheka are being prepared for the abhisheka. The preparations began today under the directions of His Holiness under the directions of Swasthisri Charukeerthy Bhattaraka Swamiji at Chavundaraya Mantap in front of the Jain Mutt at Shravanabelagola.

His Holiness Sasti Sri Charukeerthiji giving directions for the poojavidhis to be performed.
His Holiness Sasti Sri Charukeerthiji giving directions for the poojavidhis to be performed.

The vidhi (process of pooja) called as the “Pooja Samagri Sanchaya Vidhi” i.e. collecting the ingredients, is conduction along with the chanting Jain Strotras, Bhajans and the Shobhane Hadu (a folk form of song prevalent in rural Karnataka). The activities of grinding and powdering the ingredients began with a ritualistic touch by His Holiness Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakhji. The women and men of Jain community from Shravanabelagola shared the work in the presence of Acharya’s, Aryika’s and Kshullakas. – Jain Heritage Centres News Service (JHCNS)