Bahubali-The Unsung Hero Of History

     

Famous Scene Of Bahubali Movie 

                  You all are thinking that what is the connection between Bahubali and history, because we all know that Bahubali is a famous movie directed by S. S. Rajamauli. You are thinking in the right direction. But the Bahubali in my story is not the character of S. S. Rajamauli's Magnum opus. So let me take you to the historical journey of the real Bahubali.

Holy Symbol Of Jainism

                  Jainism is one of the oldest religion of India. In Jainism we can find 24 Tirthankar(Ford finders).Bahubali(the one with strong arms) was the son of Rishabha natha, who was the first Tirthankara of Jainism. The other names of Bahubali are Kammateswara and Gommateswara.

       

First Jain Tirthankara

                  Bahubali was born to Rishabha Natha and Sunanda in Ayodha. One day Rishabha Nath decided to become a monk and he distributed his kingdom among his hundred sons. Bahubali got the kingdom Aasmaka in South India.

                 Bharata, brother of Bahubali came to Ayodha after his dig vijaya and asked for all the kingdoms of his father from his brothers. His ninety eight brothers gave him their kingdoms and became Jain monks. But Bahubali did not accept his proposal.

             Three types of contest will be held between Bharata and Bahubali. The contests would be Nayana-yuddha (eye fight between them),Jala-yuddha (water fight), Malla-yuddha (wrestling). Bahubali won the all three contest.

                After the fight Bahubali developed a desire for renunciation. So Bahubali abandoned his kingdom and clothes to become a Digamvara monk.

             Bahubali began meditation to attain Kaivalya gyana ( to attain Omniscience).Bahubali meditated motionless in a Kayotsarga (standing posture) for a year.

Statue of Bahubali in Sravanbelagola

            After completing his meditation Bahubali became Kaivalya (omniscient being). Bahubali finally attained Moksha (liberation).

Location of The State Karnataka

Map Of Hassan District

              The Bahubali statue is situated at Shravanabelagola in Hassan district of Karnataka, India. It is situated at the top of a hill named Indragiri. The statue was made by carving the hill. It is 57 feet tall. It is the largest monolithic (made with one stone) statue of the world.

Indragiri Hill

                 Chavundaraya, prime minister of Talakad Ganga kingdom, founded this statue on 13th March 1981 AD.It is perfectly proportioned and display human physiology very nicely.
 

Face Of Bahubali Statue

             The statue of Bahubali is created by Jain tradition. The statue of Bahubali in standing position. Peace on his face,ringlets of curly hair and large elongated ears. The eyes are opened,faint smile at his lips. The statue depict broad soldier with arms stretched straight down.

Devotees Worshipping Bahubali

            The base of the statue depicts an ant hill. A creeper is twined around his legs and arms, blossoming into flowers and barriers on the upper arms. The statue stands on a curved lotus flower, is symbol of divinity. The inscription curved in Kannada, Tamil and oldest Marathi is dedicated in praise of Ganga king Rachamalla and his general Chavundaraya.

The Statue Of Ant Hill

             Three legends are famous about the creation of the statue of Bahubali.
         
             First legend - one day Chavundaraya's mother Kalala devi saw a giant statue of Gommateshwara in her dream.So Kalala devi's son Chavundaraya decided to made the statue there.

              Second legend - Bahubali's brother Bharata made it.Foreign trader went to Chavundaraya and gave the information about the statue. He rescue and reconstruct the statue.

Ancient Location Of Ganga Dynasty

              Third legend - one day Chavundaraya had a dream that Kushmandini Yakshi had taken him to the top of the Chandragiri hill and ordered him to shoot a arrow then figure of Gommateshwara flash.Thereafter he constructed a granite monolithic of the image he had dreamed about. The statue was made under the supervision of sage Arishtanemi.

Mahamastaka Abhisheka

                 At present many devotees gather to celebrate Bahubali's Mahamastaka Abhisheka festival which is celebrated every twelve years. Devotees celebrate this ritual by pouring 1008 vessels of water from the top of the statue.

Mahamastaka Abhisheka With Turmeric

                   The last Mahamastaka Abhisheka was held in 2018. The next Mahamastaka Abhisheka will be held in 2030. Do you want to see history's one of the greatest creation? Come and see with your own eyes.