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UPSC CSE Prelims 2009

Jain Festivals and Architecture

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Mahamastakabhisheka, a great religious event, is associated with and done for who of the following?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Mahamastakabhisheka is the 'Grand Head Anointing' ceremony, one of the most significant festivals in the Jain tradition.

Explanation It is held every 12 years at Shravanabelagola, Karnataka, for the 57-foot-high monolithic statue of Bahubali (Gommateshwara), the son of the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option A is correct. The ceremony involves pouring sacred substances like milk, turmeric, and sandalwood paste over the head of the Bahubali statue.
Logic 2: While Mahavira (Option C) is a Tirthankara, this specific mega-event is historically and architecturally tied to the Gommateshwara statue of Bahubali.

Active Recall

Question

Who was Bahubali in Jain tradition?

Answer

He was the son of the first Tirthankara who attained Kevala Jnana after years of motionless meditation, during which vines grew around his legs.

Core Insight

The Shravanabelagola statue and its 12-year ritual highlight the deep-rooted Jain presence in South India and its patronage by the Western Ganga dynasty.

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