Shravanabelagola: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh presented a silver pillars to Bhagavan Bahubali at the Chamundaraya Sabhamantap during his visit to Shravanabelagola yesterday to participate in the 88th Mahamastakabhisheka celebrations.

Speaking later, he said that Sri Bhagavan Bahubali dedicated his whole life to spread the message of peace to the world. Jainism which propagates ahimsa (non-violence) is one of the most sacred religions in the world.

Jainism has a scientific basis and the Mahamastakabhisheka which is held once in 12 years is also based on scientific principles. And to participate in such a celebration of a mystic who was the epitome of sacrifice is indeed a great opportunity and joy, said Rajnath Singh.

The messages spread by Bhagavan Bahubali are universal and relevant for all times to come. Hundreds of Jain monks have built the religion and even an emperor like Chandragupta Maurya came to Shravanabelagola to do penance during his last days, which throws light on this place’s history, he said.

Rajnath Singh expressed his wish to come again to the hill town very soon to view the majestic 58.8 ft monolithic statue and fill his eyes.

Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers and Parliamentary Affairs H.N. Ananth Kumar, MP Ajay Sancheti, MLA C.N. Balakrishna, Mahamastakabhisheka National Committee President Sarita M.K. Jain and others were present.

Demand to develop Shravanabelagola on the lines of Taj Mahal

Jain Mutt Pontiff Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji has appealed to the Central Government to develop the hill shrine Shravanabelagola along the lines of Taj Mahal in Agra.

The Pontiff placed this demand before the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. He said that the monolithic statue of Gomateshwara is as important as the iconic Taj Mahal. “This place should also be treated as an iconic place and developed along the lines of Taj Mahal,” he said. The Organising Committee of Mahamastakabhisheka also presented a memorandum. Meanwhile, Vardhamana Sagar Maharaj, a Jain Monk, appealed to the Union Minister to declare Shravanabelagola as ‘Ahimsa Kshetra.’

During Singh’s address, the audience requested him to respond to this demand. However, the Minister said that this did not fall under the purview of his Ministry.