The Mahamastakabhisheka of Mahatyagi Bahubali is being held in Venur, in the Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka. Devotees from across the country visited the place to offer worship to the deity, whose statue was consecrated in 1603 AD. The reports state that the sculptor of this magnificent statue, also called the Gommateshwara statue, is worshipped to this day, and has an interesting story behind his work, which made his name immortal.
The name of that sculptor was Veera Shambhu Kalkuda, who belonged to the region of Tulu Nadu. According to the beliefs, he created the Bahubali statue, in Venur, with one hand, one leg, and in a single night, right before dawn. The man is regarded as a deity by the people of Tulu Nadu, who are believed to be offering worship to this day.
The statue of Bahubali is situated on the banks of the Phalguni River. Most of the Bahubali idols are installed on hills, while the marvellous structure at Venur, is standing on the ground, making it the only one, a rarity.
As per reports, the village of Venur was home to the Jain people, a long time ago. The Jain scripture mentions that around 770 families resided in the village, about 290 years ago. The reports further state that the Mahamastakabhisheka was performed in the years 1928, 1956, 2000, and the last being in 2012. So, after twelve years the Mahamastakabhisheka is being held again.
The ceremony of Mahamastakabhisheka started on February 22, 2024, starting at 7 pm, and would go on for the next 9 days. The philanthropists of the Jain community were to handle the events during the first eight days of the festival, while the Mahamastakabhisheka on the ninth day is to be conducted by the whole Jain community. Scholars, artists and laureates from all over the country are expected to attend the festival.
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