Shravanabelagola,Hassan district, is all set to welcome several lakh Jain pilgrims from across the country for the Mahamastakabhisheka,the anointment of the over 1000-year-old Gomateshwara statue, beginning on 7 February. The religous event is held once in 12 years.

According to the district officials, President Ram Nath Kovind will inaugurate the event on Wednesday though the other functions will commence subsequently, running up to 26 February
The state government, which is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the success of the event which takes place once in 12 years, has earmarked over Rs 175 crore for providing basic infrastructure and related facilities for the mega religious event,including accommodation for visitors.

To ensure that everything moves with precision ,the state government has also taken help of the latest know how, evidenced by the employment of a German company for constructing the scaffolding for the near 58 ft high Gomateshwara statue .

For the record, over 12 temporary townships are being set up ,complete with basic amenities. Incidentally, the rituals for the Mahamstakabisheka,which will commence on Wednesday, would witness the use of 108 holy vessels or kalasha. For the other days,about 1008 kalasha would be used every day. “The Panchakalyana ceremonies will start on 7 February .”

The officials told visiting newsmen that several thousand devotees ,officials and related invitees ,including members of the media, would be housed in the temporary accommodation spanning the specially built townships. Apart from building a state of the art Sewage Treatment plant,the organisers have ensured proper civic amenities including underground drainage, lighting and the much needed drinking water.

The townships would also house thousands of Jain seers who will be camping at the sight for the next ten to 20 days,among others. Townships apart, care has been taken to improve available infrastructure including upgradation of existing roads which link the pilgrimage venue, not to mention the over 250 buses that would be ferrying the scores of devotees and related peronalities.