The Grand Consecration: Jaina Religious Observances in South India

Transcendental meditation in quest of self and other has been in vogue in India for long, a home to multi-religious congregations. Assimilated and synthesised cultural traditions mark the uniqueness of country and its social history. Jainism is one religious sect known for its emphasis on selflessness and, peace and order in human life. After twelve long years of wait, the present opportunity is presented before the searching eye of the photographer who tried to capture different dimensions and methods of worship during the celebration of what is called Maha Mastakaabhisheka (the Grand Consecration Ceremony) of Jaina teacher Bahubali Gomatheswara. It was last conducted in 2006. For the Jaina followers, devotion is synonymous with reflections on personalised religiosity recollected in tranquillity in the presence of perceived divinity. The pictographic portfolio capturing varying moods: selflessness, grandeur, emotions, individualised worship and congregational discipline is my passionate effort expressed in all its visual modesty.