Gommateswara Mahamastakabhishek - Book Summary

This comprehensive summary is based on the provided text from the book "Gommateswara Mahamastakabhishek" by Satish Kumar Jain.

Gommateswara Mahamastakabhishek: A Unique 1000th Year Event

The book details the monumental Gommateswara statue of Lord Bahubali in Shravanbelgola, Karnataka, highlighting its artistic significance, historical context, and the profound spiritual event of the Mahamastakabhisheka.

The Gommateswara Colossus: A Masterpiece of Stone

Description: The statue of Lord Bahubali, towering at 58 feet and 8 inches (17.9 meters), is carved from a single piece of light grey granite atop Indragiri hill (also known as Dodda Betta). It is described as a "poem in stone" and a "wonder of the world" by various dignitaries and archaeologists, including the Duke of Wellington and Fergusson, for its immense size, artistic fineness, and serene beauty.
Uniqueness: While other colossal statues exist globally, Gommateswara stands out for its freestanding nature, the divine smile, impressive physique, and the absence of any supporting structures. It is noted for its exceptional chiseling and divinity, unmatched by other monolithic statues. Dr. Anand K. Coomaraswamy describes it as a representation of the Kayotsarga posture undisturbed by natural elements like serpents, ant-hills, and creepers entwining his body, symbolizing deep meditation and detachment.
Historical Significance: The statue is a testament to the architectural and artistic prowess of the 10th century AD. It was commissioned by Chamundraya, a minister of the Ganga king Rachmalla IV, and consecrated in 981 AD. The name "Gommateswara" was given by Chamundraya's preceptor, Nemichandra, who affectionately called Chamundraya "Gommatta."

The Story of Bahubali: A Tale of Renunciation and Enlightenment

Lineage: The text traces Bahubali's lineage to Lord Rishabhadeva (Adinath), the first Jain Tirthankara. Rishabhadeva was the ruler of Ayodhya, who introduced arts and crafts to society. He had sons Bharat and Bahubali from his queens Yashaswati and Sunanda, respectively.
Brotherly Conflict: After Rishabhadeva renounced the world, Bharat, the first Chakravarti emperor, claimed sovereignty over all territories, including those ruled by his brothers. While other brothers yielded, Bahubali, the ruler of Podanpur, refused to submit to Bharat's suzerainty.
Avoiding War: A potential war between the brothers was averted through the counsel of wise ministers. Instead, they agreed to settle their dispute through three duels: staring contest (drishti-yuddha), water combat (jala-yuddha), and wrestling (malla-yuddha). Bahubali, being stronger and taller, won all three contests.
Renunciation and Attainment: Despite his victory, Bahubali developed deep respect for his elder brother and a sense of renunciation. He chose to become a Jain ascetic, undergoing severe penance in the Kayotsarga posture for over a year. His deep meditation was so profound that ants built mounds around his feet and creepers entwined his limbs. He achieved Keval Gyan (omniscience) after Bharat and his sisters clarified his doubts regarding his entitlement to the land and the humiliation caused to his brother. Bahubali then attained Nirvana, becoming the first to achieve moksha in the present era.

Shravanbelgola: A Sacred Hub of Jainism

Historical Roots: Shravanbelgola has a rich history dating back to approximately 297 BC, when Jain Acharya Bhadrabahu and Emperor Chandragupta Maurya arrived to escape a prolonged famine. Chandragupta Maurya later passed away on Chandragiri hill, where his footprints are still revered.
Dual Hills: The town is situated between two hills: Indragiri (Dodda Betta) and Chandragiri (Chikka Betta). Indragiri gained prominence after the installation of the Gommateswara statue, with several Jain temples built there. Chandragiri, older in historical significance, houses numerous ancient Jain temples and manastambhas, including the Chandragupta Basadi and the Chaumundraya Basadi.
Name Origin: The name "Shravanbelgola" derives from the Kannada words "Shraman" (referring to Jain ascetics) and "Bel-Kola" (white pond), referencing the clear Kalyani Sarowar, a beautiful pond located between the two hills.
Cultural Heritage: The presence of 600 stone inscriptions, the largest collection at one place, attests to the ancient religious and cultural heritage of Shravanbelgola and its association with various South Indian dynasties.

Mahamastakabhisheka: The Grand Head-Anointment Ceremony

The Event: The Mahamastakabhisheka, a grand head-anointment ceremony of the Gommateswara statue, is a significant event performed at intervals of 10, 12, or 15 years. The text focuses on the 1000th-year anniversary celebration in 1981, which included the 72nd Mahamastakabhisheka on February 22, 1981.
Preparations and Participants: The event drew an immense crowd of 3 to 4 lakh people from India and abroad. The ceremony involved the installation of 1008 brass kalashas (pots) filled with various sacred liquids, chanting of mantras, and intricate rituals. Entry to the statue's vicinity was restricted to those who purchased kalashas, VIP pass holders, and Jain spiritual leaders.
The Anointment: The head-anointment began with water and was followed by anointing with sugarcane juice, coconut water, and Panchamrita (a mixture of five sacred substances). The act of pouring these liquids over the statue, with accompanying cheers and music, created a deeply emotional and spiritually charged atmosphere. Devotees collected the sacred liquids that flowed down from the statue as holy substances to take home.
Symbolism and Impact: The ceremony is described as a "captivating climax" to the millennium celebrations, evoking a sense of religious fantasy and spiritual therapy for the attendees. An American cameraman's remark, "suddenly it seems a living deity," captures the profound impact of the event. The visual splendor and the emotional outpouring of the devotees made it an unforgettable experience.
Inauguration and Related Events: The Mahamastakabhisheka ceremonies commenced earlier with the inauguration of the "Jana Mangal Kalash" in Delhi by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The celebrations in Shravanbelgola, lasting for weeks, included various cultural programs, religious observances, and the release of a commemorative postage stamp. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi addressed the gathering, emphasizing the statue's significance as a symbol of India's rich heritage and Jainism's contribution to non-violence and peace.

In essence, the book "Gommateswara Mahamastakabhishek" presents a detailed account of the magnificent statue of Lord Bahubali, its historical and mythological background, and the profoundly spiritual and culturally significant Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony, highlighting it as a pivotal event in the Jain tradition and an artistic marvel of global renown.