Mahamastakabhisheka is one of the most important festivals celebrated in India. It is a grand event which is celebrated with much fanfare and enthusiasm. It is a festival that is celebrated to honour Lord Bahubali, the founder of Jainism, and is believed to be the most important festival in Jainism. This festival is celebrated in many parts of India, especially in the state of Karnataka. The festival usually takes place in the month of February or March and is celebrated with great devotion and reverence.
History of Mahamastakabhisheka
Mahamastakabhisheka is a festival that has a long history and is believed to have been celebrated since the 9th century AD. According to Jain mythology, Lord Bahubali attained enlightenment and achieved moksha (liberation) in the year 981 AD. To commemorate this event, a grand festival is celebrated every twelve years at the Shravanabelagola hill in Karnataka. This festival is known as Mahamastakabhisheka.
The festival is celebrated in the presence of thousands of devotees and is attended by many dignitaries. During the festival, a huge procession is taken out and the image of Lord Bahubali is taken to the hilltop. The image is then bathed with holy water and milk and is anointed with saffron and other fragrant substances. This is followed by the chanting of mantras and the offering of flowers and fruits.
When to Celebrate Mahamastakabhisheka
Mahamastakabhisheka is usually celebrated in the month of February or March, depending on the Hindu calendar. The exact date of the festival is determined by the astrologers. The celebrations usually last for about a week and are attended by thousands of devotees from all over India.
Significance of Mahamastakabhisheka
Mahamastakabhisheka is an important festival in Jainism as it marks the attainment of moksha by Lord Bahubali. It is believed that by participating in the festival and offering prayers to Lord Bahubali, one can attain salvation and enlightenment. The festival is also a symbol of unity among the Jain community as it brings together people from all walks of life.
How to Celebrate Mahamastakabhisheka
The Mahamastakabhisheka festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm and devotion. Devotees take part in the procession that is carried out to the hilltop and offer prayers to Lord Bahubali. They also offer flowers, fruits, and other offerings to the deity. On the day of the festival, the image of Lord Bahubali is bathed with holy water and milk and is anointed with saffron and other fragrant substances.
The festival also includes chanting of mantras and singing of devotional songs. Devotees also take part in the cultural activities that are organized during the festival.
Summary
Mahamastakabhisheka is an important festival in Jainism that is celebrated to commemorate the attainment of moksha by Lord Bahubali. It is celebrated in the month of February or March and is attended by thousands of devotees from all over India. The festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm and devotion and includes a procession, chanting of mantras, and offering of flowers and fruits. It is also a symbol of unity among the Jain community. You can explore other festivals such as Navratri and Haldi Kumkum.