He has shown to the world that “An
individual can win everyone’s heart through sacrifice and non-violence.” A
person can rule the country by using weapons and being violent but he cannot
rule the society’s heart. His sayings are relevant to the present ages…
The Mahamasthakabhisheka (ceremonial
anointment) of the statue is done once every 12 years, a Jain religious rite
that dates back to ancient times. The ceremonial anointing will be done
customarily from the top of a specially constructed scaffolding, when water
from 1008 kalashas (pots) will be poured over the Gommata, as a purification
rite. The abhisheka (ceremonial bathing) then begins to the heralding of bugles
and the beat of drums. Milk from kalashas and large containers is poured on
Gommateshwara, followed by clouds of white rice powder. Next, the statue is
anointed with coconut water and sugarcane juice. Liquid turmeric and red
sandalwood paste then cover the Gommata in hues of amber and mahogany. Next
comes the libation of ashtagandha - a combination of eight scented substances -
followed lastly by a shower of flower petals. The splendid ceremony ends with
the washing of the Gommata with the clear waters of the poorna kumbhas and the
arthi of lit lamps. This unique event draws thousands of pilgrims from all over
the country as well as across the world, who are enriched by the cultural
experience.
Jainism was introduced in Karnataka by Lord
Mahaveera in the 6th Century B.C during the course of his travels, when he
converted Jivandhara, the king of the Hemangada Country into Jainism.
Foretelling a major famine, Monk Bhadrabahu, a leading figure of the Jain
religion in the kingdom of Magadha in the 3rd century B.C, led a major
migration to Karnataka with Emperor Chandra Gupta Maurya and attained samadhi in
the area now known as Shravanabelagola.
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