Hassan: Vice- President M. Venkaiah Naidu performed the Rajyabhisheka rituals at Chavundaraya Mantapa yesterday as part of the ongoing 88th Mahamastakabhisheka of Bahubali at Shravanabelagola here.

Naidu showered flower petals and poured holy water on the bust of the first Tirthankara Rishabhanatha and offered puja. Speaking in Kannada, he hailed Karnataka for its richness in culture and religious values.

He opined that peace and harmony were the essence of culture of the country which has never fought against another nation on its own. He lauded the rich traditions bestowed by the ancestors.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala hailed the culture of Jains and suggested the community to invest money for the welfare of society.

Union Minister Ananth Kumar said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured to visit Shravanabelagola soon.

Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji graced the occasion. District In-charge Minister A. Manju, MP P.C. Mohan, MLA C.N. Balakrishna, MLC Gopalaswamy, Mahotsava Samithi National Chairperson Sarita Jain, Co-Chairman Abhay Chandra Jain, Deputy Commissioner Rohini Sindhoori and other dignitaries were present during the VVIP’s visit to the Jain pilgrimage shrine.