Jungle Wale Baba arrives for Mahamastakabhisheka

Hassan: For Mahamastakabhisheka of the statue of Bahubali in Shravanabelagola, thousands of jain munis arrive but this time all eyes are on Chinmay Maharaj, often called the “Jungle Wale Baba” who arrived at the Jain pilgrim centre on foot on Monday, walking 600 kms from Belagavi to get there.

Chinmay Maharaj Baba lives in forests. He set out foot from Belagavi, walking 600 kms facing the rains and heat. On arrival, he was received with great respect by the other pilgrims at the entrance of the town.

It is said that Jungle Wale Baba walked 25 to 30 kms a day to reach Sharvanabelagola. He will stay at Taygi Nagar which is reserved for Jain munis for two days. After that he is said to be heading to scrub forests of Chandragiri hill for meditation. Few leopards from the forest are caught by the forest officials for Baba’s safety.

The devotees say that Baba eats food once a day which is served on his bare hands. It is said that people who come across him have quit alcohol, smoking and have become vegetarians.

Chinmaya Maharaj will stay in Shravanabelagola till the completion of the head anointing ceremony of Bahubali, which is scheduled to be held between February 17 and 25.