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Mahmastakabhisheka is one of the well known festivals in India. It is celebrated by the people of the Jain community. The festival is held in every 12 years and is celebrated in the town of Shravanabelagola in the state of Karnataka. Thousand of pilgrims from various parts of the country and aboard come to take part in the festival.
On the day of the Mahmastakabhisheka Festival, the gigantic monolith of Bhagwan Gomateshwara Bahubali is worshipped. This giant monolithic statue consists of a height of 60 feet and listed as one of the Seven Wonders of India. Hundreds of pilgrims and tourists come to the Lord Gomasteswara Monolith. The last ceremony took place in the year 2006 while the next ceremony will take place in 2018.
During the festival of Mahmastakabhisheka, the monolith is bathed in pure milk, ghee, and curd, saffron and gold coins. The milk and curd are stored in 1008 vessels which are specially made for the event. Other natural elements like saffron paste, sugarcane juice, powders of sandalwood, turmeric, and vermilion are also used to bath the monolith. On the concluding day of the ceremony, various types of flowers are showered over the statue from a helicopter.
Shravanabelagola ranks among well known pilgrimage sites for the people of the Jain community and thousands of pilgrims come here to catch a glimpse of the monolith. The statue rises up to a great height and can be seen from a distance of 30 km. It is known for the intricate carvings and beautiful sculptures. During the festival, a number of cultural events are held and eminent artists from various parts of the country come to take part in the festival.
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