Preparations are on full swing for the Bahubali Mahamastakabhisheka at the Jain pilgrimage centre of Shravanabelagola. The event, celebrated once in 12 years, is scheduled to be held in the first week of February 2018 where Mahamastakabhisheka will be performed to the 58.8ft-high monolithic statue of Gommateshwara that stands atop the  Vindhyagiri Hill.

Yesterday, Chairman of the Mahamastakabhisheka Managing Committee, and head of the Digambara Jain Mutt, Shravanabelagola Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji launched the works for the third line of steps at Vindhyagiri Hill, being developed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), by using a diamond-studded gold chisel and   a silver hammer (which were said to be used to carve the statue of Bahubali).

Speaking to reporters, Bhattaraka Swamiji said that over 700 Jain munis in the country are expected to visit Shravanabelagola during Mahamastakabhisheka. “The number of tourists is also on the rise every year and as permission was not granted for the rope-way and carrying devotees on ‘doli’ is difficult, additional steps are being constructed for the benefit of tourists,” he said.

Superintending Archaeologist at ASI Bengaluru Circle, T. Arun Raj said that a series of developmental works would also be undertaken. Nearly 25 lakh people are expected to pour in to Shravanabelagola for Mahamastakabhisheka. Steps will be built without damaging the heritage structure of the hill, he said.

“We will also reduce the height of the existing steps, improve the pipe railings and ensure that the inscriptions are protected. The site will be equipped with solar lamps for the event. The preparations will be completed either by the end of this year, or by mid-January,” he said.

Over 3 lakh devotees are expected everyday during the Mahotsava and temporary arrangements are being made to accommodate 25,000 people on the premises. The Bahubali Children’s Hospital, constructed in memory of the 2006 Mahamastakabhisheka, is being upgraded into a 200-bed hospital at a cost of Rs. 50 crore. Funds are being mobilised by the people of the community, he added.