Who is coming to Karnataka for the once-in-twelve-years prayer at the largest monolithic stone statue in the world, in February 2018?

Passing along the trunk road leading from Bangalore to the western coast one's eyes are immediately arrested on approaching Channaraya patna, by a beautiful hill, bearing on its summit what appears at first to be a column. As one draws closer, one can see a colossal statue partially hidden behind the hill. This striking and unusual monolith, visible from miles away, marks the site of one of the most interesting tourist and religious spots in south India.

Shravana Belagola in the state of Karnataka derives its name from the Kannada words – bel or white and Gola or pond, in allusion to the splendid large tank in the middle of the area. The tank is also called Bhudevi mangala darsa- or simply Kalyani: the mirror of good fortune to the earth goddess.

It is a large village situated in the Hassan district of Karnataka. At 3347 feet above sea level stands this enormous statue of Gommatesvara popularly known as Bahubali or 'The One With Strong Arms.'

Bahubali was the second of the hundred sons of Tirthankara Rishabha, the founder of Jainism. A much revered figure among Jains, Bahubali’s story exemplifies the inner strength of Indians. He could have procured the title of Chakravartin - an emperor, but he chose to give up everything and became a Digambara Jain monk. Bahubali meditated motionless for an entire year in kayotsarga posture or “standing meditation” because of which climbers grew around his legs, thus the vine motif on the legs of this statue.

This place, at the foot of the Vindhya hills, became a consecrated place for meditation by rishis on their path to obtain moksha or freedom from the cycle of re-birth.

These ascetics were fore-warned of a dreadful famine which would last 12 years, upon which the whole sangha or Jaina religious brotherhood foresook the northern regions and under his leadership migrated to the south. The festival of Mahamastak Abhishek thus, has a gap of 12 years between it’s celebration.

The stage is set for the elaborate Mahamastakabhisheka or head-anointment ceremony of the world's largest free standing statue of Bahubali atop Vindhyagiri hill.

The first records of Mahamastakabhisheka date back to March, 13, 981 and the last Mahamastakabhishek took place in February 2006, with the next one only due in 2018.

Built by the ganga dynasty this 57 foot high statue, a daunting symbol of generosity and sacrifice gets anointed once every 12 years. Here priests with thousands of specially prepared vessels , singing hymns in the praise of the gods pour consecrated water from a special scaffolding made to reach atop the mammoth statue..

For 10 hours Bahubali is bathed in milk, coconut water, sugarcane juice, turmeric, flower petals, sandalwood and Saffron paste. Here The deity is showered with powders of Sandalwood and camphor.

The stone sculpture carved out of single piece of rock symbolises renunciation, self-control and subjugation of the ego as the first steps towards salvation.

Turmeric is poured …. As the vibrant colours cascade down the statue the thousands of Jain devotees gathered here sing hymns in praise of Bahubali.

The nude form of Lord Bahubali also referred to as Digambara , or one who represents complete victory over earthly desires. The ritual of the sacred bath occupies an important place in all indian religions be it Hindu, Buddhist or Jain.

As the day turns to evening buckets of rich Vermilion- a symbol for virility in our culture, is poured on bahubali.

Offerings of petals, gold and silver coins, as well as precious stones are made to Gomateshwara by his many devotees.

If you are one of those people who seek a Divine Relationship with God or nature, forgiveness, Healing, guidance and personal transformation, then a spiritual journey of the Mahamastakabhisheka will help you accomplish just that! If not, it is still a spectacle to enrich all of ones senses.

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