Halebidu (Hassan District, Karnataka), June 18, 2012: In a show of devotion and grandeur, Mahamastakabhishekha was performed for the idol of Shantinatha Teerthankara, amidst chants by devotees, at the Jain Basadi at Bastihalli near here on Monday.
Members of Jain Milan in Hassan, Adagur, Kadadarahalli, Hongere and surrounding areas had organised the mega event on the occasion of Janma, Moksha and Deeksha Kalyana days of the 16th teerthankara of Jain sect, aligning on the same day.
The idol of Shantinatha was anointed with water, milk, sandalwood paste, turmeric, tender coconut water, rice flour, decoction of herbs and finally, with flowers. Women devotees sang songs of devotion and watched the anointment ceremony unfold in front of their eyes.
Vedic chants coupled with those of Jainism created an aura of devotion. Mahamangalarati was performed after the ‘Shantidhaare’ was completed.
Mass feeding ceremony was held for all devotees and their families who had arrived to attend the auspicious event. Priests Jina Raju, A B Nagaraju, Jinendra and others performed the pooka rituals.
Executive president of Jain Milan Zone 8 Prasanna Kumar, director S P Naga Kumar, Yuvaraj Bhandari, Jain Milan Arogya Raksha executive president S B Suresh, leaders S N Ashok Kumar, Prem Kumar and others were present on the occasion. – News Courtesy: Deccan herald