President to inaugurate 88th Mahamastakabhisheka today, Feb 07

Mangalore Today News Network

Shravanabelagola, Feb 07, 2018: The Gommata Nagar at Shravanabelagola town is all decked up to host the Mahamastakabhisheka, the anointing ceremony of Lord Gommateshwara Bahubali. Observed once in 12 years of the Jain calendar, the ceremony of 2018 is said to be the 88th in a series that commenced in the year 981 AD.

 

President Ram Nath Kovind will launch the 20-day festival at Chavundaraya Sabha Mantap at Panchakalyana Nagar on Wednesday at 10.45 am. Governor Vajubhai Vala, District in-charge Minister A Manju, Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade and others will participate. Seating arrangements have been made to accommodate 10,000 people. Special seating arrangements have been made for more than 300 munis and matajis.

Lakhs of devotees are expected to visit the Jain shrine during the month-long festival. Jain munis, tyagis and matajis from different parts of the country have already reached Shravanabelagola and are involved in religious rituals.

All the roads, circles, Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri hills have been illuminated. The District Administration, Jain Mutt and the Festival Committee have made all arrangements to provide accommodation, food and medical facilities to the devotees. More than 5,000 police personnel have been deputed.

Programmes  :  Local and International artistes will perform during the 20-day festival. Professor Krishnegowda and his team will present a humour programme ‘Hasyotsava’ on the first day. Bollywood singer Roopesh Jain and Vijayaprakash and troupe will present a musical night.

With the Mahotsava being held from February 7 to 25, festive a environment prevails in the town. The Mahamajjana for the 58-foot Bahubali’s idol will be held on February 17 atop Vindhyagiri. A hi-tech platform has been constructed to accommodate around 5,000 people.