Padabhisheka ritual held for Bahubali Swami statue in Dharmasthala

Mangaluru: Compassion is the foundation of righteousness, and where there is compassion, there is righteousness, said Kshullaka Nirvana Sagara Munimaharaj. The monk was speaking during a discourse held as part of the Padabhisheka ritual offered to the Bhagawan Bahubali Swami statue at Ratnagiri in Dharmasthala.
He said that understanding and practising the essence of good values and religion leads to self-welfare. If we protect religion, it will protect us, he said.
Kshullaka Darshanakeerthi Munimaharaj said that among the four types of donations, food donation is the greatest, and good deeds accumulate virtue.
Lalitakeerthi Bhattaraka Swami of Karkala Jain Mutt emphasised that preserving the tradition of religion ensures its protection, and in our daily lives, we must uphold religion through our thoughts, words, and actions. The sacrifice and non-violence demonstrated by Lord Bahubali serve as an eternal example to the world.
NR Jnanamurthy from Kolar narrated the life and achievements of Lord Bahubali through a Harikatha recital. Following a grand procession from Beedu to Rathnagiri, the feet of the Bahubali Swami statue were ceremonially bathed with water from 216 kalashas, tender coconut water, sugarcane juice, herbal powders, sandalwood, and other auspicious substances.
The ceremony concluded with a grand aarti, garland offering, and the recitation of peace mantras.
Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D. Veerendra Heggade, Hemavathi V Heggade, D Surendra Kumar, D Harshendra Kumar, Supriya Harshendra Kumar, along with devotees, participated.