The construction of a scaffolding to the Gomateshwara statue atop Vindhyagiri, necessary for the anointment of the statue, began with the material being carried to the hillock on Saturday.
People’s representatives, senior officials, and volunteers formed a human chain on the steps and carried metallic poles to mark the beginning of the work. Mahamastakabhisheka, held once in 12 years, will be held in February 2018.
Jain Mutt seer Charukeerti Bhattaraka Swami and others participated in the special pooja. Following the pooja, the metallic poles were carried to the hilltop. Minister for Sericulture and Animal Husbandry A. Manju, C.N. Balakrishna, MLA for Shravanbelgola, Gopalaswamy, MLC, Deputy Commissioner Rohini Sindhuri, special officer for Mahamastakabhisheka Varaprasad Reddy, and others joined their hands for the human chain.
Public Works Department has taken up the construction of the scaffolding at a cost of ₹ 11.25 crore. “We are building the scaffolding using German ring and lock technology. The structure can accommodate more than 6,500 people at a time. As the advanced technology is being used, the work will be completed in a month’s time,” Mr. Manju, who is also the Minister in-charge of Hassan district, told presspersons. The tender process for construction of townships, a makeshift shelter for visitors, has been completed. “All the works necessary for Mahamastakabhisheka are in full swing. The works will be completed by December. There is no need to worry about any delay,” he said.
He also laid a foundation stone for improving drinking water supply to Shravanabelagola at a cost of ₹ 9.7 crore and underground drainage at a cost of ₹ 5.3 crore. The district administration estimated requirement of 3.65 MLD of water considering the number of tourists for the mega event. The organisers are expecting more than 35 lakh visitors. A media centre set up by the Information Department was also inaugurated on the occasion.
