By Team Mangalorean
Photographs: RK Bhat

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Dharmasthala: Cine star Shobhana presents dance performance - Images

Dharmastala, Feb 1, 2007: It was a montage of traditional rituals, spiritual ecstasy and visual splendor at the Jain pilgrimage centre of Dharmastala as the millennium's first Mahamastakabhisheka (head anointing) ceremony of Lord Bahubali got off to a grand start here today. It was a rare feast for the eyes for the devotees from across the country, who had gathered in this temple town.

The ceremony held once in 12 years in reverence of Lord Bahubali, the victorious king who renounced his throne in favour of spiritual pursuit, began this morning at Rathnagiri Dharmastala.

This was the fifth day of Mahamastakabhisheka to Lord Bahubali on Thursday, February 1st 2007.

In the morning, 'Agrodhaka' or 'Bimba' procession was taken from Nelyadi Beedu to Ratnagiri Hill.  Following this, the 'Gandhayantraaraadhena Vidhana' was held.

In addition to this, the 'Mantranayasa Tilakanyasa Poorvaka Kalyana', 'Nayanonmilana' and 'Mukhavastra' poojas were also performed.

An offering of 504 Kalashas to Lord Bahubali was ceremoniously made by Veerendra Heggade and Hemavathi V. Heggade under the guidance of Acharya Sri 108 Vardhamana Sagara Muni Maharaj.

Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji, Moodbidri, Munishree Amit Sagarji, Kolapura Bhattaraka Swamiji and a host of Jain Devotees took part in the rituals.

Various abhishekas were also performed to Bahubali, namely, 'tender coconut', 'yakshu  rasa', 'ksheera abhisheka', 'kalka churna abhisheka', 'arisina abhisheka', 'kashaya abhisheka', 'chauthuskona abhisheka', 'srigandha abhisheka', 'chandana abhisheka', and 'astagandha abhisheka.' Abhisheka of flowers namely 'pushpavrasti', 'kanakavrasti', 'ratnavrasti' and 'suvarnavrasti' was also performed.

Finally, large flower 'malas' or garlands were offered to Bahubali and greed mahaarti.

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Dharmasthala: Cine star Shobhana presents dance performance - Images

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