Mahamasthakabhisheka

The Mahamasthakabhisheka is a grand Jain religious ceremony conducted once every twelve years to anoint the colossal statue of Lord Gomateshwara Bahubali at Shravanabelagola, located in the Hassan district of Karnataka, India. This centuries-old ritual is one of the most important and visually magnificent events in Jainism, symbolising purity, renunciation, and spiritual elevation.

Historical Background

The origins of the Mahamasthakabhisheka are deeply rooted in Jain tradition and South Indian history. The 57-foot monolithic statue of Bahubali, also known as Gomateshwara, was commissioned in 981 CE by Chavundaraya, a minister and general in the Ganga dynasty, during the reign of King Rachamalla I. The statue, carved from a single block of granite, stands atop the Vindhyagiri Hill at Shravanabelagola and is considered one of the largest freestanding stone sculptures in the world.
The name Mahamasthakabhisheka is derived from Sanskrit, where “Maha” means great, “Mastaka” means head, and “Abhisheka” means anointing. Thus, the term literally signifies the “great head-anointing ceremony.” The ritual is believed to have been performed since ancient times, although systematic records of the twelve-year cycle began in the late medieval period.
This event marks not only a religious celebration but also a moment of historical continuity, bringing together devotees from across India and around the world.

Religious Significance

In Jain philosophy, Bahubali embodies the ideal of renunciation and spiritual victory. According to Jain scriptures, he was the son of the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha (Adinatha), and is revered for his triumph over ego and material attachment. After conquering vast territories and defeating his brother Bharata, Bahubali renounced worldly life to pursue spiritual enlightenment. He meditated in a standing posture (Kayotsarga) for a year, during which vines grew around his legs, symbolising his complete detachment from the world.
The Mahamasthakabhisheka thus celebrates the spiritual message of Bahubali’s life — the conquest of self and the attainment of inner peace through non-violence, truth, and self-discipline. The anointing of the statue signifies the purification of the soul and the renewal of faith among the devotees.

The Ritual Ceremony

The Mahamasthakabhisheka is performed on a grand scale, involving elaborate rituals led by Jain monks and attended by tens of thousands of devotees. The ceremony typically lasts over several days, with the central ritual being the anointment (Abhisheka) of the statue.
The proceedings begin with the pooja and chanting of Sanskrit and Prakrit hymns, invoking blessings and spiritual energy. The head of the statue is the main focus, as it symbolises wisdom and spiritual awakening.
The ritual steps include:

• Kalasha Sthapana: Installation of sacred pots (kalashas) filled with holy substances.
• Purification Rites: Cleansing of the area, statue, and ceremonial vessels with water and recitation of mantras.
• Abhisheka (Anointing): The statue is bathed sequentially with 1008 pots of sacred substances such as pure water, milk, sugarcane juice, sandalwood paste, saffron, turmeric, ghee, honey, coconut water, and herbal extracts.
• Offering of Powders and Flowers: The statue is then sprinkled with rice flour, vermilion, and flower petals, symbolising prosperity and devotion.
• Final Rituals: The ceremony concludes with the distribution of prasada and blessings by Jain Acharyas.

The sight of cascading liquids flowing over the gigantic statue creates a visually striking and spiritually uplifting atmosphere. Devotees often view the act as a means of purifying the soul and accumulating merit (punya).

Organisation and Participation

The Mahamasthakabhisheka is organised under the guidance of the Jain Mutt of Shravanabelagola and supervised by the Digambara Jain community. It attracts pilgrims, dignitaries, and tourists from across the world. The Karnataka State Government and local authorities provide infrastructural support, ensuring accommodation, sanitation, and security for the large influx of visitors.
Traditionally, donors and devotees contribute kalashas for the ritual, each representing an offering of devotion. The selection of individuals for the honour of performing the initial anointing is considered highly prestigious and often determined through religious and community channels.

The 2018 Mahamasthakabhisheka

The most recent Mahamasthakabhisheka took place in February 2018, marking the 88th edition of the ceremony. It was inaugurated by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, and attended by thousands of devotees and international visitors. The event was noted for its use of modern infrastructure while retaining traditional sanctity. Elaborate arrangements were made for environmental conservation, waste management, and preservation of the sacred site.
Previous ceremonies were held in 2006, 1993, 1981, 1967, and earlier, each reflecting the evolving scale of devotion and participation. Despite the passage of centuries, the ritual has retained its original essence and spiritual fervour.

Cultural and Architectural Importance

The Mahamasthakabhisheka highlights the artistic and architectural grandeur of Jain heritage. The Bahubali statue at Shravanabelagola exemplifies early medieval Indian sculpture, known for its simplicity, serenity, and monumental scale. Its posture of meditation, calm facial expression, and symbolic nudity (denoting renunciation) convey profound spiritual meaning.
Shravanabelagola itself is an important Jain pilgrimage centre, containing more than 800 inscriptions, ancient temples, and monuments dating from the 7th to the 19th centuries. The site reflects the enduring influence of Jainism in South India and its contribution to art, philosophy, and architecture.
The Mahamasthakabhisheka also fosters cultural unity, drawing participants from various regions and sects of Jainism — Digambaras, Shvetambaras, and Sthanakvasis — thus serving as a symbol of inter-sect harmony.

Symbolism and Contemporary Relevance

Beyond its religious significance, the Mahamasthakabhisheka embodies universal themes of humility, purity, and non-violence (ahimsa). The act of anointing the statue’s head represents spiritual awakening and the washing away of pride and ignorance.
In contemporary times, the festival serves as a reminder of ecological and ethical values championed by Jainism. The use of natural, biodegradable materials during the rituals reinforces the religion’s commitment to environmental consciousness. Moreover, the event promotes tourism, cultural awareness, and preservation of India’s intangible heritage.
The ceremony also reflects the continuity of ancient traditions in modern India, linking spiritual practice with community participation and public celebration.

Legacy

The Mahamasthakabhisheka of Bahubali remains one of the most enduring expressions of Jain devotion and cultural heritage. It represents the synthesis of art, faith, and philosophy, reminding followers of the eternal pursuit of self-realisation and compassion.