Religious rituals held ahead of Mahamastakabhisheka

Religious rituals in connection with the Mahamastakabhisheka (annointment) of the 39-foot tall Bahubali at Rathnagiri in Dharmasthala were started on Saturday.

As part of the festivities, Panchamruthabhisheka and Mahapuje were performed to Lord Manjunatha, the presiding deity of Sri Kshethra Dharmasthala and Chandranatha Theerthankara at Chandranatha Swami Basadi.

Later, Agrodaka procession was taken out from the Basadi to Rathnagiri. Musical bands, Chende players, women carrying Kalasha and men chanting holy scriptures took part in the procession. Senior Jain Munis (ascetics) were also part of the procession. Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade and family members took part in the procession.

‘Indra Prathishte’, ‘Thorana Muhoortha’ and ‘Vimana Shuddhi’ in and around the statue and Padabhisheka of Bahubali was held with 24 Kalashas.

Later, ‘Nandi Mangala Pujja’, ‘Mritthika Sangrahane’ and Mahamangalarathi and other rituals were held.

Acharya Sri 108 Vardhamana Sagara Munimaharaj, Acharya Sri 108 Pushpadanta Sagar Muni Maharaj, other Munis and Mathajis were present.

The organisers have erected a six-storeyed scaffolding for the devotees to climb to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka. The annointment rituals will begin from February 16.