Jain ‘Maha Kumbh’

Jain 'Maha Kumbh'

Question-At which of the following hill, the 57-feet high statue of Lord Bahubali is located in Shravanabelagola?
(a) Chandragiri hill
(b) Vindyagiri hill
(c) Nandy hill
(d) Brahmagiri hill
Answer: (b)
Related Facts:

  • From 17th-25th February, 2018, Jain Maha Kumbh is being organized in Shravanabelagola (famous pilgrimage site of Jains) situated in Hassan district (Karnataka).
  • During this Maha Kumbh, Mahamastakabhisheka of Lord Bahubali will be performed.
  • This ritual of ‘Mahamastakabhisheka’ is performed once in 12-year.
  • This ceremony is an integral part of the ancient and overall Jain tradition in this pilgrim center.
  • It is said that the program was started by the President on February 7th, 2018, but the main ceremony started from February 17th, 2018.
  • An estimated 30 to 40 lakh devotees are expected to attend the ceremony.
  • The 57 ft-high statue of Lord Bahubali, son of the first Jain tirthankara Adinath, located on Vindyagiri hill here, was carved from a single rock and is said to be the world’s tallest monolithic granite statue.
  • This statue is made of the single stone.
  • It is probably the largest statue in the world created by intact granite.
  • This is the 88th edition of this ceremony.
  • This ceremony began in 981 AD during the Gang dynasty.
  • Since then this function is held regularly on every 12 years.
  • During this ceremony, the statue is bathed and anointed with milk, sugarcane juice and saffron paste and sandalwood, turmeric and vermilion are sprinkled on it.
  • 12 floating townships with all basic facilities have been created for this grand event.
  • Jogi, a separate township called ‘Tyagi Nagar’ has been built for the sadhus.
  • Rs. 300 crores has been allocated by the state government for this ceremony.
  • Shravanabelagola is situated between two hills named Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri, which has been the center of Jain pilgrimage since last 2500 years.

Reference:             
http://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/shravanabelagola-2018-mahamastakabhisheka-bahubali-vindhyagiri-hill-hassan-district-chavundaraya-jainism-karnataka/200001