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Shravanabelagola, Jan 20: The arrival of Muni's continued at Shravanabelagola to participate in the new millenniums first Mahamasthakabhisheka of Bhagwan Bahubali Swami. Acharya 108 Hithsagar Muni Maharaj, Acharya 108 Punya Sagarji Muni Maharaj, Acharya 108 Chinmaya Sagar Muni Maharaj and the group of 13 Muni's and Mathaji's reached Shravanabelagola after traveling barefoot 1200 km from Devalganvuraj of Northen Maharasthra.
The three muni's were also participated in the previous Mahamasthakabhisheka believed the divine presence of Acharya Vardhamana Sagar Muni Maharaj the new millenniums first Mahamasthakabhisheka would spread the prosperity around the globe.

Shravanabelagola, Jan 20: The 11th Chavundaraya Literary Award of Kannada Sahitya Parishat instituted by the Digambar Jain Mutt of Sri Kshetra Shravanabelagola was conferred on noted literary figure Pandit P. Nagarajaiah today at Shravanabelagola.
Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattraka Swamiji of Shravanabelagola Jain Mutt bestowed the award to Pandit P Nagarajiah at Chavundaraya Mantapa in the presence of a plethora of Jain monks.
Speaking on the occasion, the Swamiji said this was the first time the award function was being held at Shravanabelagola since the inception of the award during the previous Mahamasthakabhisheka. He lauded Pandit Nagarajaiah for his contribution to all forms of literature.
Kannada Sahitya Parishat Treasurer Pundaleek Halambi presided. Hassan District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President H B Ramesh was the chief guest. Mandya Government Women's College Principal H B Ramesh gave the felicitation address.

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE MAHAMASTAKABHISHEKA OF BAHUBALI AT

I am happy to be here today to inaugurate the Gommateshwar Bhagawan Sri Bahubali Mahamastakabhisheka Mahotsava - 2006. My greetings to His Holiness Shanti Sagar Muni Maharaj, His Holiness Charu Keerti Bhattaraka Swamiji, His Holiness Acharya Shree Vidhya-nandhaji Maharaj, Dr. Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Sri Kshetra, Dharmasthala, distinguished guests and other participants. I consider myself privileged to inaugurate this auspicious function which is held once in 12 years and is the first of its kind in the 21st century.
When I am in front of Gommateshwara, let me recite a celebrated poem written by a devotee as "A strain of sanctity".

A strain of sanctity
You stand sky high, un-clad in mind and body,
Bahubali ! A warrior of non-violence.
You wrought your mind in sobriety; the damsel
Of detachedness enamoured you: your soul bloomed.
This poem celebrates a warrior of non-violence.

When I am in Shravanabelagola, let me recall how I came into the spiritual contact of Jain Dharma. In 2003, I visited Pavapuri in Bihar. There was a beautiful temple of white marble in the midst of a placid lake. Lord Mahavira walked on this sacred land. I was studying Mahavira's life and I found that Mahavira spent seven days preaching to all the rulers of the world when he felt that he was to leave this world soon. All the rulers learnt the beliefs of Jainism particularly protecting the lives of all living beings including animals and plants. Mahavira was a great teacher and he taught that before becoming free, a person has to pass through four stages namely Sadhu (Ascetics), Upakhyaya (Teachers), Acharya (Heads of Orders) and Arhat (Freed Soul, which are still attached to mortal condition). What a beautiful ascent of human soul !
I undertook the traditional parikrama of the temple while chants of religious slokas rent the air. During the Parikrama, I saw lotus flowers around me blooming in the sprawling Lake. When my mind was engulfed in beauty of the flowers, I remembered a couplet written by a famous Tamil poet Tiruvalluvar 2000 years ago, which gives the axiom of life.
It means: whatever be the depth or the state of cleanliness of the pond, the lotus flower springs out and blooms majestically looking towards the sun. Similarly the human living can be transformed into a purposeful high living, whatever the circumstances may be, only when a great aim engulfs the mind of the individual.
Now, when I am at Shravanabelagola standing in front of the majestic Gommateshwara statue built by Chavundaraya in 981 AD, the serenity and peace radiating in the face of the Gommateshwara inspires me. The sculptor Aristenemi carved out the beauty and harmony hidden in the huge rock by the skill of his hands, so creatively.
Jainism has flourished in Karnataka for over 2000 years as a vital and powerful force. In the 3rd century BC the Mauryan Emperor Chandragupta came here with twelve thousand other Jain sages, and settled down in Shravanabelagola, performing austerities. The large congregation of the devotees today indeed symbolizes the continuity of a great tradition.
Jainism has had a great influence on the people. The contribution of Jains to the Indian philosophy, thought, literature and science is noteworthy. The great poet Pampa, Ranna, Ratnakara Varni and many others have enriched Kannada literature. Jain rulers also contributed immensely in the architecture. With its ever lasting smile and benign looks Gommateshwara Bahubali declares Ahimsa and Vairagya as the solution for all the ills of this world. I am happy that Mahamastakaabhisheka has become an auspicious festival, not only for he Jains but also for people from different religions. This is a great unifier. I wish that this message of unification is taken and all the sects in every religion forget the differentiation and follow the twin principles of Ahimsa and Vairagya.
Conclusion
I understand that the celebration of Mahamastakabhisheka has led to the creation of five satellite towns in and around Shravanabelagola. All the activities towards the Abhishekam has been supported by State Government, Central Government, political leaders, religious leaders and people from all walks of life. This spirit of cooperation for a common cultural endeavour should percolate in all our nation building activities.
This five satellite towns can have a physical connectivity, electronic connectivity, knowledge connectivity leading to economic connectivity of the cluster of villages around the satellite towns. Economic development under the divine blessings of towering Gommateshwara, will become an example of how living conditions can be improved through the provision of urban facilities in rural areas.

I have one suggestion: to establish a research centre where the work of best of great saints of Jainism is synthesized. This would enable the propagation of the value system adopted by the great tradition of Jainism in the affairs of the contemporary world.
It is a beautiful sight of people of multiple faith and affiliations gathered to celebrate a great cultural event. The most sacred meaning of life consists of helping the establishment of the peace and harmony on the earth. This can only be achieved through the practice of Truth, Ahimsa and Vairagya by all of us. The stone sculpture of Bahubali symbolizes renunciation, self-control and subjugation of ego as the first step towards salvation. The digambara form of Bahubali represents the complete victory over earthly desires and needs that hamper spiritual ascent towards divinity. Let this message travel to all parts of the country and bring forward peace and harmony among all the citizens of the nation.
With these words, I inaugurate the Gommateshwar Bhagawan Sri Bahubali Mahamastakabhisheka Mahotsava.
May God bless you all.

Shravanabelagola, Jan 22: The new millennium's first Mahamastakabhisheka celebrations was flagged off today by President Dr.A PJ Abdul Kalam with a clarion call for world peace.
Dr.Kalam, speaking after lighting the lamp marking the commencement of the celebrations and declaring open the 100 bed Bahubali Children's Hospital, said the values of non violence and renunciation enshrined in the life and ideals of Bhagawan Bahubali holds the key to world peace.

The President termed it as a privilege to have got the opportunity to inaugurate Mahamastakabhisheka, celebrating the life of Bahubali, a great unifier bringing people from all walks of life and different religions together.

"It is a beautiful sight of people of multiple faith and affiliations gathered to celebrate a great cultural event. The most sacred meaning of life consists of helping the establishment of the peace and harmony on the earth. This can only be achieved through the practice of Truth, Ahimsa and Vairagya by all of us," he said.

Dr.Kalam said the stone sculpture of Bahubali symbolizes renunciation, self-control and subjugation of ego as the first step towards salvation. The digambara form of Bahubali represents the complete victory over earthly desires and needs that hamper spiritual ascent towards divinity. "Let this message travel to all parts of the country and bring forward peace and harmony among all the citizens of the nation", he said.
Dr.Kalam said Shravanabelagola should be declared as a world heritage site and a Jain research center should be established at Shravanabelagola propagating the values of Jainism as enshrined in various fields and to ensure that all the best works of great saints of Jainism is synthesized. This would enable the propagation of the value system adopted by the great tradition of Jainism in the affairs of the contemporary world, he added.
Turning to the majestic monolith of Bahubali, the President said he was inspired by the serenity and peace radiating in the face of the Gommateshwara. "Now, when I am at Shravanabelagola standing in front of the majestic Gommateshwara statue built by Chavundaraya in 981 AD, the serenity and peace radiating in the face of the Gommateshwara inspires me. The sculptor Aristenemi carved out the beauty and harmony hidden in the huge rock by the skill of his hands, so creatively," he lauded.

Terming Bahubali as a 'warrior of Non-violence', he recited a celebrated poem written by a devotee as "A strain of sanctity":
"A strain of sanctity You stand sky high,

un-clad in mind and body,
Bahubali! A warrior of non-violence.
You wrought your mind in sobriety; the damsel
Of detachedness enamoured you: your soul bloomed.
This poem celebrates a warrior of non-violence."

Recalling how he came into spiritual contact of Jain Dharma, the President said in 2003, he visited Pavapuri in Bihar. "There was a beautiful temple of white marble in the midst of a placid lake. Lord Mahavira walked on this sacred land. I was studying Mahavira's life and I found that Mahavira spent seven days preaching to all the rulers
of the world when he felt that he was to leave this world soon. All the rulers learnt the beliefs of Jainism particularly protecting the lives of all living beings including animals and plants. Mahavira was a great teacher and he taught that before becoming free, a person has to pass through four stages namely Sadhu (Ascetics), Upakhyaya (Teachers), Acharya (Heads of Orders) and Arhat (Freed Soul, which are still attached to mortal condition). What a beautiful ascent of human soul!" he marveled.
The President said he then undertook the traditional parikrama of the temple while chants of religious slokas rent the air. During the Parikrama, he saw lotus flowers around him blooming in the sprawling Lake. His mind engulfed in beauty of the flowers, a couplet written by a famous Tamil poet Tiruvalluvar 2000 years ago, which gives the axiom of life came to his mind.

After reciting the couplet in Tamil, he explained the meaning. "It means: whatever be the depth or the state of cleanliness of the pond, the lotus flower springs out and blooms majestically looking towards the sun. Similarly the human living can be transformed into a purposeful high living, whatever the circumstances may be, only when a
great aim engulfs the mind of the individual.
Dr.Kalam said Jainism has had a great influence on the people. The contribution of Jains to the Indian philosophy, thought, literature and science is noteworthy. The great poet Pampa, Ranna, Ratnakara Varni and many others have enriched Kannada literature. Jain rulers also contributed immensely in the architecture. With its ever-lasting smile and benign looks Gommateshwara Bahubali declares Ahimsa and Vairagya as the solution for all the ills of this world, he said.
"I am happy that Mahamastakabhisheka has become an auspicious festival, not only for the Jains but also for people from different religions. This is a great unifier. I wish that this message of unification is taken and all the sects in every religion forget the differentiation and follow the twin principles of Ahimsa and Vairagya," he said.
He lauded the activities towards the Mahamastakabhisheka being supported by State Government, Central Government, political leaders, religious leaders and people from all walks of life. This spirit of cooperation for a common cultural endeavour should percolate in all our nation building activities, he added.

Shravanabelagola, Jan 22: The new millennium's first Mahamastakabhisheka Celebration of Bhagawan Bahubali Swami began with the consecration of the statue of Bhagwan Mahaveer at the panchakalyana pendal at Sharavanabelagola.
In the dharmic rituals that began early morning with consecration of Mahaveera's statue, which was carried from the Bhandara Basadi to the pendal in Thyagi Nagar in a grand procession with a poorna kumba features. His Holiness Acharya Vardhamana Sagar Muni Maharaj, Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji and all the Jain acharyas and Mathaji's lead the procession into the Panchakalyana Pendal.
The procession led by horses and an elephant with school children marching to the tune of drum beats behind followed by ladies attired colourfully in saffron sarees carried the mangal kumbas through the procession offering salutations to the Bhagawan, which was carried in a newly built silver palanquin. The Acharyas and other monks followed with Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji and others of the mutt making the rear.
People standing on both sides of the road welcomed the procession with great reverence even as bhajanas reverberated the early morning air and the sun seemed shining welcoming the procession even as the wind wafted those in the procession in a cool morning breeze.
After the procession reached Thyagi Nagar, Charukeerthi Bhattaraka of Moodbidri and Thyagi Seva Samithi President Shripalji Gangwal unfurled the Mahamastakabhisheka flag amidst dharmic slogans.
Later Mr.Mahaveer Prasad of Assam inaugurated the Shantisagar satellite town. Nirmal Kumar Sethi, Reception committee President of Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsava, Chainroop Bakliwal, Vicepresident and A.R Nirmal Kumar, Working President of Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsav also took part in the procession.
During the president's inaugural function, simultaneous 108 kalashabhisheka was performed to the feet of Bahubali atop the Vindhyagiri hills and the same was telecast live on the gaint screen at the president's function.

His Holiness Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji exhibiting the gold foot prints of Badrabahu that was worshiped at Chandragiri.

Shravanabelagola, Jan 23: Jain monks and devotees moving around from one place of action to the other is the order of the day at Shravanabelagola.
After the morning poojas in different Jain temples in the morning, the action today shifted to Chandragiri hills with a colourful procession led by Acharyas and Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji climbing up the hills for paying homage to the first Acharya of Shravanabelagola and guru of Emperor Chandragupta Mourya, Sruthakevali Bhadrabahu.
Drum beating devotees and the Jain monks braved the hot afternoon sun and climbed the hills armed with a golden replica embedded with precious tones of the foot imprints of Saint Bhadrabahu found inside the cave where the saint meditated, preached and later attained Nirvana.
On reaching the cave, the Archaryas along with Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji entered the cave amidst chanting of slogans and bhajanas. The Swamiji worshipped the foot imprints and the golden replica of the same as the Acharyas looked on.

His Holiness Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakji and other Digambar Munis involved in the worship of the foot prints of Badrabahu.

Later speaking to media persons, the Swamiji said Sruthakevali Bhadrabahu was a scholar beyond comparison and knew all the Jain scriptures, known as the `12 Angas and 14 poorvas'. "Sruthakevali Bhadrabahu migrated from North to South along with Chandragupta Mourya and 12, 000 other followers and stayed atop the Chandragiri hills.2000 years ago Chandragiri was full of monks. This first Acharya of Shravanabelagola gave deeksha to Chandragupta Mourya and since then the Emperor turned Sadhu was known as Prabhachandra. Both Bhadrabahu attained Nirvana and Sallekana (the final moments of his life) atop the hills and so did his disciple Chandragupta.
"Emperor Ashoka named Chandragiri hills in the memory of his father and hence, even before the Bahubali Monolith was carved Shravanabelagola was a Jain pilgrim Centre. The first Prakruth University was also functioning from Chandragiri and poet Ratnakara, who has left behind his signature on the Chandragiri hills, which is as old as 2300 years with 555 scriptures and 5 caves, endorses this. The cave is also closely associated with the royal families Ganga, Hoysala and Vijayanagar kingdom," the Swamiji explained.

Shravanabelagola, Jan 23: The month long celebration of Mahamasthakabhisheka would be coloured by the cultural events to be performed by National and International standard artistes.
Mr. Naresh Kumar Sethi, Honorary President of Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsav Committee inaugurated the month long celebration of cultural programmes at Panchakalyana Pendal today. Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji graced the occasion. A.R Nirmal Kumar, Working President of Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsav Committee and Mr. Aravind R Doshi were also present on the occasion.

Shravanabelagola, Jan 24: The dharmic rituals of Mahamastakabhisheka Mahotsav 2006 that began with the consecration of the statue of Bhagwan Mahaveer at the Panchakalyana Pendal and later the 108 Kalasha Abhisheka to the feet of Bhagwan Sri Bahubali Swami (Gommateshwara Statue) atop the Vindhyagiri hills, simultaneously even as the President A P J Abdul Kalam light the ceremonial lamp at Panchakalyana Nagar is gathering momentum by the day.
In the dharmic rituals that began early morning on Sunday the highlight was the consecration of Mahaveera's statue, which was carried from the Bhandara Basadi to the pendal in Thyagi Nagar in a grand procession with a poorna kumba features. His Holiness Acharya Vardhamana Sagar Muni Maharaj, Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji and all the Jain acharyas and Mathaji's lead the procession into the Panchakalyana Pendal.
The procession led by horses and an elephant with school children marching to the tune of drum beats behind followed by ladies attired colourfully in saffron sarees carried the mangal kumbas through the procession offering salutations to the Bhagawan, which was carried in a newly built silver palanquin. The Acharyas and other monks followed with Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji and others of the mutt making the rear.
People standing on both sides of the road welcomed the procession with great reverence even as bhajanas reverberated the early morning air and the sun seemed shining welcoming the procession even as the wind wafted those in the procession in a cool morning breeze.
After the procession reached Thyagi Nagar, Charukeerthi Bhattaraka of Moodbidri and Thyagi Seva Samithi President Shripalji Gangwal unfurled the Mahamastakabhisheka flag amidst dharmic slogans.
The scene shifted to Chandragiri Hills on Monday and Tuesday with the footprints of Bhadrabahu in the Cave being worshiped yesterday and the imprints of Bhadrabahu and Chandragupta Mourya on the tip of the hills being worshiped today.
After the morning poojas in different Jain temples yesterday morning, a colourful procession led by Acharyas and Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji climbing up the hills for paying homage to the first Acharya of Shravanabelagola and guru of Emperor Chandragupta Mourya, Sruthakevali Bhadrabahu.
Drum beating devotees and the Jain monks braved the hot afternoon sun and climbed the hills armed with a golden replica embedded with precious tones of the foot imprints of Saint Bhadrabahu found inside the cave where the saint meditated, preached and later attained Nirvana.
On reaching the cave, the Archaryas along with Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji entered the cave amidst chanting of slogans and bhajanas. The Swamiji worshipped the foot imprints and the golden replica of the same as the Acharyas looked on.
Later speaking to media persons, the Swamiji said Sruthakevali Bhadrabahu was a scholar beyond comparison and knew all the Jain scriptures, known as the `12 Angas and 14 poorvas'. "Sruthakevali Bhadrabahu migrated from North to South along with Chandragupta Mourya and 12, 000 other followers and stayed atop the Chandragiri hills.
2000 years ago Chandragiri was full of monks. This first Acharya of Shravanabelagola gave deeksha to Chandragupta Mourya and since then the Emperor turned Sadhu was known as Prabhachandra. Both Bhadrabahu attained Nirvana and Sallekana (the final moments of his life) atop the hills and so did his disciple Chandragupta.
"Emperor Ashoka named Chandragiri hills in the memory of his father and hence, even before the Bahubali Monolith was carved Shravanabelagola was a Jain pilgrim Centre. The first Prakruth University was also functioning from Chandragiri and poet Ratnakara, who has left behind his signature on the Chandragiri hills, which is as old as 2300 years with 555 scriptures and 5 caves, endorses this. The cave is also closely associated with the royal families Ganga, Hoysala and Vijayanagar kingdom," the Swamiji explained.
Today, similar scenes were witnessed atop the hills with the procession climbing up to the edge of the Chandragiri hills to worship the footprints of Bhadrabahu and Chandragupta Mourya. Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji who worshipped the footprints in the presence of the Acharyas and monks later visited the Chandragupta Basadi, built by Emperor Ashoka, and detailed out the screen stone sculptures narrating the arrival of Bhadrabahu and Chandragupta Mourya to the Chandragiri with 12, 000 followers. Later, at the Panchakalyana Pendal in the afternoon, Acharyas, monks and other speakers offered salutations to the life and times of Chandragupta.
On Wednesday, an early morning procession would leave for Chandragiri hills from Bandara Basadi (temple) to commemorate the arrival of Emperor Ashoka. Later, in the afternoon, the monks including revolutionary monk Tarun Sagar will pay salutations to Emperor Ashoka in the afternoon.

His Holiness Swasti Sri CHarukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji and other ascetics encircling the Parshwanatha Basadi atop the Chandragiri Hillock.

Shravanabelagola, Jan 25: Wednesday at the Mahamastakabhisheka celebrations belonged to Emperor Ashoka with the Acharyas and Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji commemorating his visit to Chandragiri hills by grand offering of a silver Chatharathraya, the dharmic head shades resembling three dropping umbrellas linked one below the other, and pearls Abhisheka to Teerthankara Parswanatha Swamy's idol in Chandragupta Basadi the Jain Temple built by Ashoka in the memory of his grandfather, Chandragupta Mourya, atop the hill and circling the Basadi thrice.After the morning poojas in different Jain temples in the morning, drum beating devotees and the Jain monks braved the early morning chill and climbed the hills armed with the Chatharathraya. Once the entourage with all the 12 Acharyas led by Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji reached the Basadi, slogans were raised and the Chatharathraya was raised in a grand show, following which the entire procession circled the Basadi thrice.
Speaking on the occasion, Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji said the temples at Chandragiri Hills were models to be emulated. "Samrat Ashoka built Chandragiri Basadi in memory of his grandfather. We can find this kind of architecture only in Karnataka. Chandragupta Basadi Vaastu principles have been followed thoroughly in this temple, built by Ashoka.

His Holiness Swasti Sri CHarukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji and other ascetics encircling the Parshwanatha Basadi atop the Chandragiri Hillock.

The Swamiji said when Emperor Ashoka visited Shravanabelagola, a complete colony was built for him and his entourage and this could be what is today known as Halebelagola. "There is a need for conducting extensive research on all the 555 scriptures and other heritage structures atop Chandragiri, and it is always better late than never", he said and added that he had held talks with ASI about Halebelagola to renovate the temples there.
Swamiji though Chandragupta Basadi is very small it has been built very scientifically and this 2300 years old Basadi has the best Vaastu recorded so far.
Later, speaking at the 'Ashoka Namana' function in the afternoon, Acharya 108 Vardhamana Sagar Muni Maharaja said Ashoka was an indelible part of India, enshrined as the Ashoka Chakra in the national flag and the Ashoka Sthamba, the national insignia. Other Acharyas and matajis, including revolutionary Jain Muni Tarun Sagar, also spoke on the occasion.

Digambar Jain Munis look on to the rituals being performed during the offering of the Chatratraya.

Shravanabelagola, Jan 26: In a colourful ceremony led by the 12 Acharyas and Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji, all the 24 Jain Teerthankaras worshiped in the 13 Basadis or Jain temples atop the Chandragiri Hills were offered silver Chatharathraya, the dharmic head shades resembling three dropping umbrellas linked one below the other.
After the morning poojas in different Jain temples in the morning, drum beating devotees and the Jain monks braved the early morning chill and climbed the hills armed with the Chatharathrayas. Once the entourage with all the 12 Acharyas led by Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji reached the Basadi, slogans were raised and the Chatharathrayas were raised in a grand show, following which the entire procession circled each Basadi.

A priest performing the dharmic rituals after the offering of the Chatratraya at Chandragiri, Shravanabelgola as Charukeerthi Bhattarakji looks on.

The Acharyas, the Swamiji and MMC06 Honorary President Naresh Kumar Sethi took turns in making the offering to individual Teerthankaras followed by floral abhishek, offering of fruits and performance of arathi. Beginning with Santhinath Basadi, the dharmic procession offered the Chatharathrayas to Teerthankaras at Suparshwanath Basadi, Chandraprabhu Basadi, Chavundaraya Basadi, Chandragupta Basadi, Kattale Basadi, Shanthinath Basadi, Parshwanath Basadi, Chandraprabha Basadi, Shasana Basadi, Majjigana Basadi, Eradukatte Basadi, Savathigandavarna Basadi, Terina Basadi and Shantishwar Basadi.