Shravanabelagola, the pilgrimage centre, is all set for the grand anointing ceremony of Lord Bahubali atop Vindhyagiri, beginning on Saturday. The nine-day event of the holy bath of the world’s tallest monolith attracts thousands from across the globe. Hundreds of people have already arrived here to witness the grand spectacle, held once in 12 years.
The events of the day begin with rituals at 5 a.m. Jain monks and kalasha holders, who will pour holy water on the statue, will assemble on the gallery early. Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamy of Jain Mutt and Vardhama Sagar Maharaj, Jain monk, will hand over the first kalasha to the devotee who has the opportunity to be the first to pour holy water by offering a donation. As many as 108 kalasha holders will pour holy water (Jalabhisheka) on the first day.
Jalabhisheka will be followed by Panchamruta Abhisheka, which includes the pouring of other liquids – coconut water, milk, sugarcane juice, sandalwood paste, saffron, among other items. The colour of the statues keeps changing as the pouring of holy liquids continues.
Hundreds of monks, kalasha holders, guests and mediapersons are allowed to the gallery atop the hillock. The general public can visit Vindhyagiri only after the anointing ceremony has concluded for the day.
Chief Minister Siddarmaiah will be taking part in the abhisheka on the first day. He will reach Shravanabelagola by 1.30 a.m. and climb up the hillock with the help of a doli. He will return to Bengaluru by 5 pm.
