MOODABIDRI (DK DISTRICT): The foundation of Jainism has been laid on the principles of non-violence, peace and compassion. "Standing atop the hill, He has been spreading the message of sacrifice, abdication, sublimity and non-violence. That is what Lord Bahubali signifies. The values He stood for are more relevant than ever before in these troubled times,'' said Moodabidri Jain Mutt seer Charukeerthi Bhattaraka.

"Bahubali, the crown prince of Paudanapura, realized that 'mind was the source of all diseases', and keeping it in check was the path to salvation," said the seer, pointing out how wars were still fought - because of one person or a wrong decision. "Because of the wisdom of the ministers of Bahubali and his step-brother Bharatha, emperor of Ayodhya, a war was averted. This could be termed as the prelude to disarmament,'' he said.

The seer said blinded by his ambition to conquer the world, Bharatha declared a war on Bahubali. The ministers advised them not to resort to bloodshed, but instead engage in duels. However, Bahubali wins in all the duels - dristhi yudda (staring each other without blinking eyelids), malla yuddha (wrestling) and jala yudda (splashing of water). Blinded with rage, Bharatha uses chakraratna (akin to Sudarshan Chakra, which had appeared in his armoury) on Bahubali. But to his surprise, it goes around Bahubali and stands still. Bharatha realises his folly and bows his head in shame. This has greater impact on Bahubali, who repents that his brother was shamed by him and also materialistic pursuits had caused this rift. In repentance, he gives away his kingdom to Bharatha and goes for penance.

Though 12 years pass, Bahubali does not attain 'kaivalya jnana', the final hurdle in attaining moksha. Bharatha's father Adinatha, who has already attained 'kaivalya', says that Bahubali was guilty that he was still in Bharatha's kingdom. Bharatha tells Bahubali the kingdom was still his and advises him to observe penance in peace. After this, Bahubali attains 'kaivalya', then moksha -- earlier than his father did.

"Their story sends out a message of victory of dharma. The brothers were unique - one conquered the world in the worldly sense, the other in a spiritual sense. Since then, the 'tyaga yogi' called Gommateshwara, has been spreading the message of peace, non-violence and compassion to the whole world,'' the seer said. The ceremony, which takes place once in 12 years, signifies the period spent by Bahubali to attain 'kaivalya jnana'.