Shramanbelgola Aur Gommateshwarka Mahamastakabhishek

This document is an excerpt from the book "Shramanbelgola aur Gommateshwarka Mahamastakabhishek" by Darbarilal Kothiya. It focuses on the historical and religious significance of Shramanbelgola and the colossal statue of Gommateshwara (Bahubali).

Here's a comprehensive summary:

Shramanbelgola: A Sacred Jain Tirth

• Location: Shramanbelgola is a historically significant and glorious site in the Hassan district of Karnataka, South India. It is a very ancient and renowned pilgrimage center for the Digambara Jains.
• Names: It has been referred to as Jainpur, Jainvidro, and Gommatpur in Jain scriptures.
• Geography: It is located about 100 miles from Bangalore, nestled at the foothills of two hills named Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri, overlooking a beautiful, naturally lake-like square pond.
• Historical Significance:
  • According to Jain tradition, during a 12-year famine in North India around 300 BCE, under the leadership of the last Shrutakevali Acharya Bhadrabahu, a contingent of 12,000 Jain monks (Shramanas) migrated to this location. They found the place beautiful and secluded, and stayed there for penance and meditation.
  • Acharya Bhadrabahu, knowing his end was near, attained liberation (moksha) through meditation at this place.
  • Emperor Chandragupta Maurya, who accompanied the sangha (monastic community), also spent his remaining life serving the sangha and his guru, Bhadrabahu.
  • The name "Shramanbelgola" derives from the Shramanas who meditated and resided near the "Velgol" (white pond) here.
  • The hills are dotted with numerous inscriptions, caves, artistic temples, and giant Jain statues, all preserving ancient Indian glory and history.

The Colossal Statue of Gommateshwara (Bahubali)

• Location: The world-famous 57-foot-tall statue of Gommateshwara (Bahubali), carved from a single rock, is located on Vindhyagiri.
• Creator: It was commissioned by Veer-Martanda Chamundaraya, the chief commander and prime minister of the Ganga dynasty king Rachamalla (975-984 CE).
• Bahubali's Story:
  • According to inscription No. 234 (85), Gommateshwara was the son of Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara. His name was Bahubali or Bhuja-bali. His elder brother was Bharat.
  • After Rishabhadeva renounced the world, a war ensued between Bharat and Bahubali for the empire. Bahubali emerged victorious.
  • However, witnessing the futility of brothers fighting over trivial matters like kingdoms, Bahubali renounced the world, handed over his kingdom to Bharat, and went to the forest for asceticism.
  • After a year of rigorous penance, he attained Keval Gyan (omniscience).
  • Bharat, who had become emperor, went to Bahubali's feet and paid homage.
  • After Bahubali attained liberation, Bharat, in his memory, erected a stone statue in his likeness, measuring 525 dhanusha (a unit of measurement).
  • Later, the area around this statue became overgrown with creepers, leading to its name "Kukkuteshwara." Eventually, the statue was lost and became inaccessible.
  • Chamundaraya, upon hearing the account of this statue, desired to see it. Finding a pilgrimage to the original location (Podanpur) impossible, he decided to erect a similar, beautiful statue, leading to the creation of the current one.

Praise and Significance of the Gommateshwara Statue

• Poet Voppana (1180 CE): Praised the statue for its blend of immensity, beauty, and divine grandeur, questioning if anything in the world is more worthy of worship.
• Western Scholar Fergusson: Stated that outside of Egypt, no other statue in the world is as massive and impressive.
• Archaeologist Dr. Krishna: Noted that the sculptor imbued every aspect of the statue with the Jain principle of renunciation. The nudity symbolizes complete detachment. The upright posture and lifted head represent self-control. The compassionate smile expresses inner joy and silent sympathy for the suffering world.
• Kakasaheb Kalelkar: Described the statue's body as full, youthful, delicate, and radiant, calling it unparalleled in its beauty and carved from a single stone. He highlighted its smoothness, which elicits affection along with devotion, and how its charm has remained intact despite weathering.
• Oriental Scholar Dr. Hiralal Jain: Claimed that after traversing Asia and the entire Earth, one would rarely find a statue comparable to Gommateshwara. He mentioned that Western scholars were amazed by its craftsmanship. The statue has withstood natural elements for at least a thousand years without significant damage, appearing as if sculpted yesterday.

Chamundaraya: The Patron

• Chamundaraya, the chief minister and commander of King Rachamalla, is credited with the installation of this marvelous statue.
• Inscriptions refer to him with titles like Samaradhurandhara, Ranarangasingha, Vairikulakaldanda, Asahayaparakrama, Samaraparashurama, Viramartanda, and Bhadshiromani.
• Due to his truthfulness and devotion, he was also called "Satya Yudhishthira."
• His unparalleled devotion to Jainism earned him epithets like Samyaktvaratnakara, Gunaratnabhushana, and Shauchabharana in Jain texts.
• Chamundaraya consecrated the great statue of Gommateshwara on March 23, 1028 CE, as indicated by an inscription on the statue.

Mahamastakabhisheka (The Great Anointment)

• The Mahamastakabhisheka (grand consecration ceremony) of this statue is performed with great fanfare.
• Historical Records: Inscriptions from 1500, 1598, 1612, 1677, 1825, and 1827 document these ceremonies, detailing the Acharyas, householders, sculptors, carpenters, and offerings like milk and yogurt involved.
• Notable Ceremonies:
  • Several Mahamastakabhishekas were personally conducted by the rulers of Mysore and their ministers.
  • A ceremony was held in 1909, followed by one in March 1925, sponsored by Mysore King Maharaj Krishnaraja Bahadur, who donated five thousand rupees and participated in the worship.
  • Another anointment took place in 1940.
  • On March 5, 1953, a Mahamastakabhisheka was held, attended by millions of Jains from all over India, as well as journalists, photographers, radio personnel, and international scholars.
• Millennium Mahamastakabhisheka (February 21, 1981): This event was particularly significant as it was the Millennium Mahamastakabhisheka.
  • The Karnataka State Government recognized it as a state festival, undertaking all preparations.
  • Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and several central ministers attended.
  • Millions of Jains and people from other communities participated.
  • The event was held under the guidance of Elacharya Muni Vidyānand, who had also guided the successful nationwide celebration of Lord Mahavir's 2500th Nirvana Mahotsava in 1974.

Enduring Legacy

The document concludes by stating that the colossal statue of Gommateshwara, a great monument of ancient Indian culture, renunciation, and penance, will continue to impart the lessons of non-violence and renunciation to the world for ages to come.