MAHAMASTAKABHISHEKA
Gomteswara-SHRAVANABELAGOLA in February 2006

Introduction
The first head anointing (Mahamasthakabhishekha) ceremony of this century of Bhagawan (Lord) Sri Bahubali of Shravanabelagola will be celebrated in the month of February 2006. This historical event bears great testimony since the time of installation of the statue by Chavundaraya the commander in chief of Gangas of Talakadu on March 13, 981 A.D. This 57 feet monolithic statue is situated atop the Vindhyagiri hill. The ritual of Mahamasthakabhishekha is conducted only once in every 12 years from time immemorial. This event attracts the devotees, tourists and pilgrims in large number from different parts of the world.

The Mahamasthakabhishekha celebration is held as a symbol of world peace and coexistence. Lakhs of devotees of Bahubali, acharyas and eminents from all over the world will participate in this historic event. This religious event is famous as "Grand Festival of Shravanabelagola". On the day of the Mahamasthakabhishekha (Feb, 08), the area in front of the statue presents a glorious sight. One hundred and eight "Kalashas" are arranged in a geometrical pattern. Each port has a coconut with mango leaves tied to it with a holy colored thread. These pots are used for anointing the monolith statue of Gomateswara.

On February 09, as many as 504 Kalashas will be used for anointing the statue and on Feb. 10, 1008 Kalashas will be used.

On February 11, the Maha Puja for Saravathobhadra Tirthankara will be held at Bhadara Basadi and again 1,008 Kalashas will be used for Mahamasthakabhishekha, on February 12 & 13.

Sahasrakoota Jinabimba abishekha maha puja will be held on February 14 and Mahamasthakabhishekha will be held on February 15 & 16 by using 1,008 Kalashas. Saraswathi Jinavani puja will be held on February 17 and Mahamasthakabhishekha will be repeated on February 18 and 19 by offering the Kalashas.

Rituals
The Abhishekha (means, praying to the Lord) as a rule should be performed every day for any image that is worshipped , but the size of Gomateshwara statue makes that impossible. Thus only the feet of the statue are washed daily in what is known as "pada paja" (means, praying the feet of the Lord"), and the Mastakabhishekha- (means, praying the face & head of the Lord) is performed occasionally. Later, the mastakabhishekha came to be termed as Mahamasthakabhishekha as it is performed at certain conjunction of the heavenly bodies at intervals of several years. The ritual is impressive and colorful. From a specially erected scaffolding, priests, pour hundreds of pots containing curd, milk, honey, vermilion, coconut water, turmeric paste & even gold and precious jewels over the statues head, makes this the most splendid head-anointing ceremony in the world.

History
SHRAVANABELAGOLA has a 57 feet, blue-colored idol of Bhagwan Bahubali in the Kayotsarga posture. Chavundarya, a general and a minister of the Ganga King Rachamalla engraved this image of Gomateshwara in about 981 A.D. A flight of 650 steps carved into the rocky face of the Indragiri hill, takes you to this awe inspiring figure carved out of a single piece of stone. This prominent Jain pilgrimage center is home to Asia's largest monolithic statue, looming atop the picturesque Vindhyagiri hill. There is a pond and two strong hills, called Chamdragiri and Indragiri. This place has about 500 inscriptions, and some of them are recording death by starving by Jaina ascetics and Laymen.

"DISCOVERY JOURNEYS" has devised a special exploratory tour that highlights and attends this grand religious festival filled with color, human spectacle with holy reverence. This programme also gives great opportunity to visit the ancient temples, remarkable monuments, spice hills, coastal beaches, beautiful backwaters & local cultural experience. Add to this a rejuvenating ayurveda health massage will be just the right balance for a perfect holiday.

OUTLINE PROGRAMME
Day 01 : Board flight to Bangalore (Karnataka) from your home country.

Day 02 : Arrive Bangalore. Met upon arrival with assistance and transfer to prebooked hotel.

Day 03 : Bangalore to Mysore , drive. O/n Hotel.

Day 04 : Mysore to Hassan, drive. O/n Hotel.

Day 05 : Hassan, attend the festival Mahamasthakabhishekha at Shravanabelagola. O/n Hotel.

Day 06 : Hassan, attend the festival. O/n Hotel.

Day 07 : Hassan-Halebid/Belur-Chikmangalur, drive. O/n Hotel.

Day 08 : Chikmangalur-Coorg , drive. O/n Hotel.

Day 09 : Coorg, sightseeing. O/n Hotel.

Day 10 : Coorg to Nileshwar, drive. O/n Hotel.

Day 11 : Nileshwar, sightseeing. O/n Hotel.

Day 12 : Nileshwar-Shornur, drive. O/n Hotel.

Day 13 : Shornur to Munnar, drive. O/n Hotel.

Day 14 : Munnar to Allepey, drive. O/n Houseboat.

Day 15 : Aleppey - Cochin, drive. O/n Hotel

Day 16 : Cochin- Europe or USA, FLY.

From Cochin you can take direct international flights to Europe North America or connect to international airports in Mumbai or Bangalore.

Note
1) Early booking is strongly advised as this event is a big tourist attraction, more so because of being held in the middle of Peak season in South India. Accommodation near the festival area is limited.

2) Please ask for our special price which starts from 02 pax onwards. Maximum of 15 pax in a group is advised.

3) Major international airports in South Indian region are Bangalore, Chennai, Trivandrum, Cochin, Hyderabad & Mumbai.

Click here for Reservation/ More Information

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