People participating in the sammelan can not only enjoy a sumptuous meal, but can also burn unwanted calories. Many delegates and participants were found heading to the two hillocks of Shravanabelagola — Vindyagiri and Chandragiri — in the morning. Vindhyagiri is the hillock where the statue of Gomateshwara is located, and Chandragiri houses 92 historically significant memorials.
“Morning is the best time to climb up the hillocks. As the day progresses, the temperature rises, making climbing difficult,” said Jagadish, a retired teacher, from Challakere in Chitradurga district. The devotees of the Jain Mutt had arranged for distribution of sugarcane juice, free, to those climbing the twin hillocks.
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation has introduced two package tours especially for those participating in the sammelan: one towards Belur-Halebidu and another towards Mysuru. While the response to the first tour has been good, the latter has had few takers. Linge Gowda, Traffic Controller of Shravanabelgola, said as many as 58 people chose this package on Monday. “We will provide buses depending on the number of people who register. This package will be available on Tuesday also,” he said.
