Shravanbelagola gears up for Mahamasthakabhisheka ceremony

Hassan: The Mahamasthakabhisheka (Grand Consecration) of program organizers are preparing new set of steps to reach Vindhyagiri here.

Currently there are around 660 steps to reach atop 470 ft, hence, this time around, alongside the two sets of steps going to the top, a third one has been cut into the rock to ensure the crowd is distributed.

The Mahamasthakabhisheka event of Siddha Bahubali will be held between February 17 and 25.

“There are a number of climbing points. But the majority of devotees want to climb the Vindhyagiri from the main entrance which has two rock-cut steps. But keeping in mind the huge inflow of devotees at the time of the Mahamastakabhisheka, this third row of rock-cut steps has been constructed. Though a few devotees have already started using them, officially, it is not open yet,” said an officer.

Also, palanquins (doli) will be available for pilgrims who can’t walk.

Mahamastakabhisheka is an important Jain festival held once in every 12 years in the town of Shravanbelagola. It is an integral part of the ancient and composite Jain tradition.The festival is held in veneration of a 17.3736 metres (57.000 ft) high monolithic statue of the Siddha Bahubali. The anointing last took place in 2006, and the next ceremony is going to take place in 2018. The ceremony in 2018 will be the 88th in the series that commenced in the year 981 A.D.and second Mahamastakabhisheka of the 21st Century.The Mahotsava will be graced by numerous Jain Acharya, Munis, Aryikas, Kshullaks, Kshullikas and Bhattarak Swamijis.The event is being be held under the leadership of His Holiness Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji of Shravanabelagola.