Shravanabelagola, a temple town in Hassan district of Karnataka is witnessing a historic event—the 88th Mahamastakabhisheka, the anointing ceremony of the world's tallest monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali. The idol is bathed in milk, tender coconut water, sandal paste, turmeric, herbal essence (kashaya) and flowers. The religious extravaganza of the Jain community performed once in every 12 years is not just a rare spectacle, but a testimony to the spirit of an unbroken tradition that has lasted for more than 1,000 years. It continues to inspire mankind with its ideals of non-violence and peace. Lord Bahubali was the first advocate for disarmament in the world, and the values he represents are more relevant than ever, says karmayogi Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji, in an exclusive interview to THE WEEK. The 67-year-old pontiff, a scholar in Sanskrit, Prakrit and Kannada, with a masters degree in history and philosophy, is heading the ceremony for the fourth time. This year, the spectacle will go on from February 17 to 25.
How ancient is the “Mahamastakabhisheka” tradition in Shravanabelagola?
When the 10th century AD Ganga dynasty ruled the region, King Rachamalla's commander Chaundaraya built the monolithic granite statue (58.8-ft tall). After consultation with scholars, he decided to have the Mahamastakabhisheka once every 12 years. The first one was held on March 13, 981 AD. The tradition has continued under the royal patronage of the Hoysala rulers, followed by Vijayanagar empire, Mysore Wadiyars, and also the British rule. Post-independence, the ritual was performed in 1953, 1967, 1981, 1993 and 2006. The erstwhile kings had donated 35 villages in the vicinity to raise funds for the event. But, following the land reforms act (tenancy law), the lands became the property of the tenants. So, the subsequent governments and the devotees funded the event. Till date, it has remained an unbroken tradition.
What is the significance of the event?
It helps preserve the statue. When humans are fatigued, an oil massage helps them get rejuvenated. Similarly, anointing helps in preservation of the statue. Abhisheka is an expression of bhakti (devotion) and has for long remained part of the Indian culture. It is both religious and scientific.
Jainism advocates 'aparigraha' or non-possession. Now, are the celebrations like Masthakabhisheka in tune with that spirit?
Ahimsa se sukh, tyag se shanti, mytri se pragati dhyan se siddhi (happiness from nonviolence, peace from sacrifice, progress from partnership and salvation through meditation). This is what Bahubali teaches us. Events like Mahamastakabhisheka help us showcase the ideals of great souls and their message to the world. Today, every one is busy and lacks time for self introspection. This is an occasion when one can break out of the monotony and reflect within, to keep anger, disillusionment and greed away. It purifies one's mind and dissolves all bitterness as it reiterates the value of sacrifice and selflessness. The event is not just an extravaganza that attracts a crore devotees and tourists. It is also a fund-raiser to carry out social transformation. It is not spent on the temple alone, but on education and healthcare projects. The funds raised through the kalash last time was spent on building a 50-bed children's hospital that offers free treatment. This time, we have built Bahubali General Hospital. We believe temples should not accrue funds, but spend on welfare activities.
Who is funding the event this year?
The Karnataka government has already committed Rs 190 crore to create both permanent and temporary infrastructure. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has constituted a special committee to overlook the preparations and the works are routed through the deputy commissioner's office by issuing work tenders. The Centre had released Rs 90 crore last time. This time, they chiseled the fourth stairway (630 steps) to the hills. The rail connectivity to the town from Bengaluru was also extended.
Why is the event held once in 12 years?
It has been a tradition since Chaundaraya hosted it for the first time. However, the long interval is to safeguard the statue. The granite statue is preserved with great care and even the routine jal abhishekha is not carried out after 12 noon as the stone heats up and anointing may cause damage to the statue. Likewise, we avoid substances like ghee, honey and curd while anointing, as it can harm the stone. Six months prior to the event, the statue gets a layer of protective coating done by Archaeological Survey of India. It is a national monument and it attracts a lot of visitors. We cannot erect any structure to streamline the crowds as no structure should lean on the ASI protected monument.
How relevant is Bahubali's teaching in the age of war-mongering and conflict?
Mankind has suffered from two world wars. Nobody wants war now. But 'no war, no arms' was a decision taken by Bahubali with the realisation that war leads to loss of life and property and stalls progress. Bahubali, the son of the first tirthankara (Adinath) was the first to advocate and practise disarmament in the world. He was a great king, and a warrior. But he refused to surrender his kingdom to his elder brother Bharata saying his kingdom was free. He shunned weapons and instead chose non-violent forms of combat—jal yudh (combat in water), malla yudh (wrestling) and drishti yuddh (staring) and defeated his brother. Victory earned him not happiness but remorse. He became a Digambara monk (naked ascetic), stood for penance and eventually attained moksha (salvation), upholding the value of supreme sacrifice, non-violence and renunciation to free one's soul from the karmic cycle of life and death. Today, the United Nations is advocating disarmament as it is the only hope for mankind. There is a need to lay down arms and come to the negotiation table to amicably settle conflicts, without war or bloodshed. Ahimsa (non-violence) is the path to happiness and peace.
Is war inevitable or avoidable?
When Mahatma Gandhi was shot dead, a small boy asked why the weapon was created. Arms for self-defence is fine, but not for war. There's nothing that cannot be resolved by dialogue. War is not necessary and use of arms—chemical or nuclear—will be devastating as they destroy human life. Disarmament is a huge movement today. However, we cannot rule out war at all times, especially when the enemy invades our country. We have to declare war when it is inevitable. War to protect one's country, culture, temple, lives of people and property is justified, but war to acquire wealth, conquer lands is unacceptable. Jain warriors and commander in chiefs waged wars but not for acquisition of property but to protect one's kingdom or country.
Is renunciation a forgotten value in these times of growing materialism?
The wold population is around 700 crore, and there are 700 'sarva sang parityagi' or Digambara monks who practise total renunciation. Even today, we have both young and old people embracing the life of an ascetic, honouring the value of sacrifice and penance. When foreigners come here, they see Bahubali bhagwan and also observe the Digambara munis and exclaim, Bahubali is still there! The ancient religion of India still exists and is practised despite the onslaught of modern technology and shift in human values. That is the power of our ancient culture.
Can a commoner adopt the values of Bahubali?
It is not just the monks and nuns who renounce. A commoner who opts for a family life immerses in spirituality. Total renunciation is aim of life as moksha or salvation is a concept of liberating oneself from the cycle of birth and death. Total renunciation is not for everyone, but for those who seek liberation. At the age of 30, Lord Mahaveera left home and meditated for 12 years in a forest and led a monk's life. It is considered an ideal life. But once you get married, you have responsibilities—your children's education, employment and marriage. Many people embrace a monk's life in their old age. But many young people are also seeking 'deeksha'. We respect their decision. The common man can attain salvation by his good deeds, by renouncing anger, pride, lust, infatuation. One has to achieve purity of mind, free oneself from conflict and aggression, which are bad thoughts and unnecessary for human life. Goodness, honesty, simple living and high thinking is prescribed by all great acharyas. One can be spiritual in one's actions.
Does religion and tradition appeal to today's youth?
Youth have a tendency to question every ritualistic practice. So, we need to teach religion through science. Today, we are using technology in every walk of life. Science is taking giant strides, but religion is lagging behind. The reason for this is our collective failure. Religion should not shun science. Instead, the scientific basis of every religious idea should be understood. I am reminded of what Bhakti Vedanta Swami wrote in one of his books about his US visit. He asked devotees to light an oil lamp—the “Akhanda Deep”. But the devotees asked why we could not use an electric lamp. Swami asked to conduct research on the benefits of lighting an oil lamp. It was found that an oil lamp keeps the viruses away and prevents disease transmission. So, we cannot dismiss a practice without understanding its scientific basis. We also have youths seeking deeksha today. The younger generation does not believe that visiting temples alone makes him or her a religious or righteous person. I am confident our youth have the ability and commitment to engage in social work, inculcate morals and follow the path of great leaders. But as religious leaders, we must raise to the occasion and not blindly impose traditions.
How do you perceive today's education system?
There is a need for revival of our ancient education system and values. Evey home has an engineer and doctor, but how many are practising our ancient religion and traditions? We are not just born in India, we are Indians. It is time the schools and colleges start imparting moral education. India is a democratic country and one religion cannot be taught in schools. So, every religious groups can have summer camps to help children and youths familiarise with their culture. Mother is the first teacher and she has the responsibility to pass on our tradition to the younger generation.
What is the significance of the Bhattarakas? Can you share your journey as the pontiff?
During the Muslim rule, they occupied Delhi and movement of the Digambaras had becom difficult and hence stayed in the temples. Some started wearing clothes and took over the management of the temples and to protect the temple,. Bhattarakas emerged as the custodians of the temples and the land.
I was studying in the gurukula and was a topper. My guruji chose me to be the Bhattaraka. I accepted it. For the last 47 years, I have been discharging my duties of protect this tradition. Every day, I receive the monks and nuns and ensure their comfortable stay, performing pujas in 40 temples, conducting special festivals like Mahamastakabhisheka. We have brought out Kannada translation of the ancient Jain texts—Jai Dhavala, Maha Dhavala in 40 volumes (originally in Prakrit language). It was the biggest project that took 15 years; we trained scholars for translation. In 1993, the Karnataka government sanctioned Rs 50 lakh for setting up the prakrit institute. This time, the government has assured Rs 21 crore to upgrade it into Prakrit University, as we have 700 students graduating every year. Sanskrit, Pali and Prakrit are our ancient languages which should be kept alive as the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain ancient scriptures are recorded in these languages.
Today we see many 'Matajis' (Jain nuns). How does Jainism look at women's spiritual journey?
Compared to men, women are in the frontline of the religious practices. During Mahavira's discourse, women always outnumbered men. Not just nuns, women in households too observe fasting at least once a week. During Paryushan Parva, they observe 10-day fasting to purify their soul. Their role should not be limited to the kitchen or treated as a servant in the house, but must be appreciated for their spiritual pursuit. Many nuns are great scholars and writers. Some teach in girls' colleges. Digambara monks are only 700, but nuns are much more in number. Deeksha is a continuous process; during the last Mahamastakabhishekha, more than 35 were initiated. And this time too, we expect many will.