Mahamastakabhisheka: 12 townships, 15 dining halls coming up

Bengaluru: Preparations are on in full swing for Mahamastakabhisheka to be held from February 7 to 26 at Shravanabelagola in Hassan district.  

Addressing the media here on Tuesday,  Charukeerti Bhattaraka Swamy of Jain Mutt at Shravanabelagola said, “We have just three months for the event and preparations are on in full swing. Twelve temporary townships will be built on 494.19 acres of land acquired temporarily by the district administration.

Stating that over a billion people are expected from across the country and abroad for the 20-day event, Charukeerthi Bhattarka Swamy said “Thousands of tents will be erected for the visitors. They will have all basic amenities.  Fifteen halls will be set up to provide food to the visitors. Adequate security arrangements will be made to avert any untoward incidents,” he added. On the delay in release of funds, he said, “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has provided '175 crore and has directed the officials to get all works completed by January 10. He has assured of releasing more funds if needed."

On the union government not providing funds, he said, “Union minister H.N. Ananth Kumar has promised that he will speak to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on funds for Mahamastakabhisheka.” 

On the construction of a rope way to the hill, Charukeerti Bhattaraka Swamy said that the Archaeological Survey of India had dropped the proposal. But to ensure smooth movement of people, the ASI is building steps to Vindhyagiri.

He said the President, Vice-President and the Prime Minister would be invited to the event.

He said this time ‘ring and lock’ technology is being used to erect scaffolding to perform abisheka. Germany based Layher Scaffolding Systems Private Limited has bagged a contract for Rs 11.25 crore to erect the scaffolding which can accommodate 6,500 people at a time. There will be four lifts to carry the visitors.