Bāhubali: Messenger of Peace
By Hampa Nagarajaiah
Summary
Dr. Hampa Nagarajaiah’s contribution focuses on Bāhubali, the prince who became a paradigm of non‑violence. The article opens with a vivid description of the monolithic statue at Śravaṇabelagola: the nude figure of Bāhubali stands 58.8 feet high on Vindhyagiri Hill, radiating peace and compassion. Nagarajaiah explains that this colossal image, consecrated by the general Cāmuṇḍarāya on 13 March 981 CE, has drawn pilgrims for more than a millennium and symbolises the Jain commitment to tranquillity. The author then recounts the legend behind the statue. Bāhubali, son of Ṛṣabhadeva (Ādinātha), renounced his claim to half the kingdom when his elder brother Bharata demanded suzerainty. To avoid bloodshed, the brothers agreed to settle their dispute by single combat. Bāhubali defeated Bharata in wrestling, archery and eye‑duel but immediately recognised the futility of temporal power. He abandoned his throne, cast off his garments and entered meditation. Standing motionless in the kāyotsarga posture, he immersed himself in austerity until creepers wound around his legs. Ultimately he attained omniscience and liberation. Nagarajaiah emphasises the universality of Bāhubali’s message. The prince’s renunciation and steadfast meditation exemplify the Jain ideals of ahiṃsā and aparigraha—non‑violence and non‑possession. His giant statue is not merely an artistic marvel but a reminder that compassion and inner conquest are more enduring than worldly victories. Drawing contemporary parallels, the author contrasts Bāhubali’s message with acts of cultural destruction like the Taliban’s demolition of the Bamiyan Buddhas. He concludes that the legend of Bāhubali, celebrated every twelve years during the Mahāmastakābhiṣeka ceremony, continues to inspire people of all faiths to pursue peace and tolerance.
Conclusion
Nagarajaiah uses the towering figure of Bāhubali to demonstrate how Jain narratives promote universal values. By recounting the prince’s duel with his brother and his subsequent renunciation, the article underscores that true strength lies in self‑control and compassion rather than domination. The statue at Śravaṇabelagola endures as a potent symbol of non‑violence, inviting reflection on the need for harmony in a world still marred by conflict. In recognising Bāhubali as a ‘messenger of peace’, the author reminds readers that Jain teachings continue to offer relevant guidance for modern society.