Mysuru: The 68th Mastakabhisheka Puja Mahotsava at Gommatagiri near Bettadur village in Bilikere Hobli of Hunsur Taluk was held this morning under the aegis of Sri Gommatagiri Kshetra Seva Samiti, Mysuru, in the presence of thousands of devotees, who had thronged the Jain shrine for the annual ritual.

The Mastakabhisheka was performed to the 18 ft. tall monolith statue, said to have been sculpted by Ganga kings 850 years ago.

The black granite statue looked vibrant in different hues, as colourful liquid mixed with fragrant fluids were poured on it as part of the rituals, amidst cheering   by the devotees.

The rituals began at 12 noon and lasted for more than two hours with the anointment of milk, turmeric, puffed rice and sandalwood paste, among others.

The Abhisheka was performed with turmeric, kumkum, chandana, tender coconut, kashaya, kesari, sugar cane juice, astagandha and a host of other puja items, which was followed by Jalabhisheka.

Even as the Abhisheka rituals were being performed, devotees chanted slogans such as ‘Bahubali Maharajage Jayavagali’ and ‘Ahimsa Paramadharmanige Jayavagali.’

The Jalabhisheka was succeeded by Mahamangalarati.

The rituals were conducted under the guidance of Dr. Devendrakeerthi Bhattaraka Pattacharyavarya Swamiji of Srikshetra Hombuja Jain Mutt, Shivamogga district.

Sri Gommatagiri Kshetra Seva Samiti President G.A. Suresh Kumar, Secretary Dr. M.V. Shantakumar, Hunsur MLA H.P. Manjunath and a host of Jain community leaders were present.

The KSRTC ran special buses from Mysuru and other places to the Jain shrine for the annual event.

The statue at Gommatagiri located on a hillock, has a striking resemblance to the world famous statue of Gommateshwara at Shravanabelagola in Hassan district about 86 kms from Mysuru. Unlike the Mahamastakabhisheka at Shravanabelagola that is performed once in 12 years, Sri Gommatagiri Kshetra Seva Samiti performs religious event annually to promote the Gommatagiri shrine.