Bahubali comes alive in myriad hues at Gommatagiri

Masthakabhisheka to the monolithic idol of Lord Bahubali at Gommatagiri, near Bettadur, Bilikere hobli, Hunsur taluk in the district, was performed with festive fervour on Sunday.

The 65th annual ritual was performed under the aegis of Gommatagiri Sri Kshetra Seva Samiti. The rituals were supervised by over 15 Jain ‘munis’ led by Devendra Keerthi Bhattaraka from Srikshetra Hombuja Jain Mutt, Shimoga, amid the conglomeration of devotees from across the State. The rituals began at 11 am and lasted three hours with the anointment of milk, turmeric, puffed rice, sandalwood paste among others.

As and when the idol changed colours with the abhisheka of milk, turmeric, sandalwood paste, the devotees rented slogans like, ‘Bahubali Maharajge Jayavagali, ashimsa paramadharmanige jayavagali’, filling the air with festive fervour.

To enable the religious leaders from the community, a temporary stairs was installed up to the idol, while the devotees climbed 200 stairs to the top of the hill (Gommatagiri) to watch the ceremony.

Like previous years, seating arrangements were also made at the ground opposite the idol, besides putting up a large screen to screen live the rituals.

‘Kalashas’ used to annoint the lord were also auctioned, with highest bidders making away with the vessels, considered sacred by the devouts.

Bhattaraka Swami told media that while it has been an annual ritual, the government was yet to develop the shrine in the interest of the devotees. The hill is nestled amidst forest.

The idol of Lord Bahubali can also be seen at Dharmasthala, Karkala, Venur and other places, considered as significant religious spots by the devotees. The seer also narrated the history of Bahubali’s fight with his brother, and his realisation over the futility of the same.

President of Karnataka Jain Association S Jitendrakumar, Assistant Registrar, Lokayukta, A C Vidyadhar, Registrar (Retd) M J Indrakumar, president of Sri Gommatagiri Kshetra Seva Samiti Dr D Prabhamandal, honorary president G A Suresh Kumar, Secretary M V Shanthakumar were prominent among those who witnessed the ceremony.