Bahubali Mahamasthakabhisheka ends

The 10-day Mahamasthakabhisheka of Lord Bahubali concluded at Karkala near here last night as thousands of devotees witnessed the splendour of the 42-foot tall monolith of Gomateshwara being anointed with 1,008 kalashas.
Oscar Fernandes, Rajya Sabha member, who was the chief guest at the concluding ceremony, said the festival proclaimed the message of sacrifice and non-violence to the world, adding that the event had become a confluence of all religions and sent a message of communal harmony.
He said the ideals of religious harmony and coexistence preached by Lord Bahubali should be nurtured and continued.
Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade was conferred the title, 'Dharma Dhurandhara' in token of his services, and felicitated in appreciation for him being chosen for the 'Padma Vibhushan' honour.

Karkala will have to wait till 2027 to witness the next Mahamasthakabhisheka.
The atmosphere was filled with religious fervour and jubilation as the anointing ceremony of the 583-year-old Lord Bahubali was performed amidst chanting of bhajans of the Lord.
The anointing was held under the supervision of the pontiff of Karkala Jain math Swasti Sri Lalithakeerthi Bhattaraka Pattacharyavarya seer.
The Mahamasthakabhisheka commenced at 7.15 PM with the first of 1008 kalasha being poured on the monolith and ended late night.