The next Mahamastakabhisheka at Shravana Belagola is scheduled to be held from:
📅 17 February 2030 to 25 February 2030
- Duration: 9 days
- Timings: Approximately 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
- Venue: Vindhyagiri Hill, Shravana Belagola, Karnataka
Festival Highlights
- Grand anointing (Abhisheka) of the 57-foot Bahubali (Gommateshwara) statue
- Rituals using 1,008 sacred Kalashas
- Anointing with milk, coconut water, sugarcane juice, sandalwood paste, turmeric, saffron, vermilion, and flowers
- Religious discourses and cultural programs
- A flower shower over the statue on the concluding day is one of the major attractions.
About Bahubali
- Bahubali was the son of Rishabhanatha, the first Jain Tirthankara.
- He renounced his kingdom after realizing the futility of worldly power.
- He attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) through deep meditation and is revered as a symbol of peace, renunciation, forgiveness, and self-realization.
About the Statue
- Location: Vindhyagiri Hill, Shravana Belagola, Karnataka
- Height: Approximately 57 feet (17.4 m)
- Material: Single granite monolith
- Built: Around 981–983 CE
- Commissioned by: Chavundaraya, a minister of the Western Ganga dynasty.
Why is it Celebrated Every 12 Years?
The ceremony is traditionally held every 12 years. One commonly cited explanation is that the construction of the Bahubali statue is believed to have taken 12 years, and the ritual commemorates that legacy.
Duration
- Frequency: Once every 12 years
- Festival Duration: About 9 days
- During the festival, different rituals and anointments are performed each day.
Rituals Performed
A large scaffolding is erected around the statue to allow priests and designated participants to perform the anointing.
The rituals include:
- Purification with sacred water
- Coconut water
- Milk
- Curd
- Sugarcane juice
- Ghee
- Sandalwood paste
- Turmeric
- Vermilion (Kumkum)
- Saffron paste
- Rice flour
- Flowers
- Gold and silver coins
- Precious stones
- Final shower of flower petals.
1008 Kalashas
One of the most significant rituals is the use of 1008 sacred Kalashas (pots).
- Each Kalasha is filled with a sacred substance.
- Devotees carry them up the scaffolding.
- Priests pour them over the statue while chanting Jain mantras.
- The blessed water is later distributed to devotees.
Spiritual Significance
The festival symbolizes:
- Renunciation of ego
- Victory over pride
- Peace
- Non-violence (Ahimsa)
- Self-control
- Spiritual awakening
Best Time to Visit
- During the Mahamastakabhisheka in 2030 for the full festival experience.
- October to February for pleasant weather if visiting outside the festival period.
How to Reach Shravana Belagola
- From Bengaluru: ~145 km (3–3.5 hours by road)
- From Mysuru: ~85 km (2 hours)
- Nearest Railway Station: Shravanabelagola
- Nearest Airport: Bengaluru International Airport (~165 km).
Interesting Facts
- The Bahubali statue is among the largest free-standing monolithic statues in the world.
- Visitors climb about 700 steps to reach the statue on Vindhyagiri Hill.
- The festival is one of the largest Jain religious gatherings globally.
- The event attracts devotees, scholars, photographers, and tourists from many countries.
