Dharmasthala: The fourth edition of Mahamastakabhisheka 2019 that will commence at Ratnagiri here from February 16, is a unique concept envisioned by D Veerendra Heggade, dharmadhikari of Sri Kshetra, to give people a peek into the life of the ascetic.

Panchamaha Vaibhava depicting the life of Lord Bahubali continued to hold the audience at Vaibhava Mantap here spellbound for the second day in succession.

The second day’s enactment revolved round Aadinath Maharaj initiating his children Brahmi, Sundari, Bharath and Bahubali into the world of letters. The scene starts with Aadinath maharaj teaching Brahmi, the Brahmi script as part of her initiation. It is this Brahmi script that in the future brings forth Nagari, Sharada, Devanagari, Pali, Prakruth, Tamil, Tulu, Kannada, Telugu and Malayalam scripts, according to linguistic scholars.

Aadinath maharaj then goes on to teach Sundari mathematics, aesthetics, fine arts, empirical studies, literature and music. The maharaj teaches Bharath economics and dance. It is widely believed that the dance form that he taught Bharath is the forerunner of Bharatanatyam. The king advises Bharath to utilise the dance form and culture he has learnt for global welfare, and not for prestige and fame. The king also advises him not to neglect farmers.

Given that Bahubali possesses the values of a warrior, the king ensures that he has all the mastery over warfare and learns everything about ayurveda, vaastu, geography, and astrology. The king advises Bahubali to treat all life forms equally and not discriminate among them for any particular reason. In the enactment of mass ‘aksharabhyasa’ that follows, a total 46 children participated to give a life-like feel to the proceedings.

A total 166 children, 110 boys and 56 girls were given ‘patropadesha’. Acharya Sri 108 Vardhaman Sagar Muni, by drawing the ‘Om’ symbol with a golden ‘shalake’ on a plate of rice grains, initiated the ‘patropadesha’ rituals. Acharya Sri 108 Pushpadanta Sagar Muni and their disciples were present. Lakshmisena Bhattaraka swami of Simhanagadhe Jain Math and Devendra Keerthi Bhattaraka swami of Hombhuja Jain math delivered benedictions.

Lakshmisena Bhattaraka swami said the first step to salvation is ‘patropadesha’. “Wearing the sacred thread is an acceptance of the fact that one will assiduously follow principles of ‘samyak darshan’, ‘samyak jnana’ and ‘samyak charithre’ as envisioned in ‘Rathnatraya’. Those who wear this thread should not enter the sanctum sanctorum of Jain basadis, not marry and follow the ‘patra’ rules strictly,” he said.

Devendra Keerthi Bhattaraka said those who have accepted the ‘patra’ should abstain from liquor, meat and worldly pleasures. Such persons should not have meals after dusk and should strictly follow the principle of non-violence. Lalitakeerthi Bhattaraka swami of Karkala advised the children to follow the ‘patra’ rules strictly, and not get entangled in vices. Heggade and his family members were present on the occasion.