Shravanabelagola: Chief Minister Siddharamaiah launched the 88th Mahamastakabhisheka by performing jalabhisheka yesterday. He poured the water six times on the Bahubali statue.
Shravanabelagola Mutt Pontiff Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji and Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr. Veerendra Heggade were by his side during the anointment.
This century’s second Mahamastakabhisheka was launched under the leadership of Sri Vardhamanasagara and later all others present participated in the anointment.
Siddharamaiah climbs the Hill steps
CM Siddharamaiah arrived in Shravanabelagola by helicopter and surprised everyone around him including his security by suddenly taking a decision to climb the 700 steps to reach the top of the Hill. All arrangements had been made to carry him on the doli.
“Shravanabelagola is a holy shrine and Lord Bahubali sacrificed everything and stood in penance preaching non-violence and peace. Therefore, I thought it would not be correct on my part to make the doli-bearers carry me. I had a stent fixed during a heart surgery 18 years ago. But I did not find any trouble climbing,” he said.
The 70-year old CM climbed the steps without taking any break or even taking a sip of water till he reached the top of the Vindhyagiri Hills where the majestic statue of Bahubali stands. He, however, asked his officials to pay the doli-bearers even though they did not carry him.
On the second day of the anointment ceremony today, the rituals are expected to go on throughout the day as it was curtailed yesterday. Hence, more devotees are expected to throng the shrine.
This post was published on February 18, 2018 7:03 pm