The district administration’s efforts to allow the public atop the Vindhyagiri during the grand anointing ceremony seems to have failed. The Jain Mutt, which conducts the religious programmes, has refused to change the “tradition” it has followed all these years. Hence, except the kalasha-holders, who take part in the ‘abhisheka’, Jain saints, nuns, invitees, and the media, no one else is allowed to witness the spectacular event.
The State government has spent nearly ₹280 crore for the event to create temporary townships, scaffolding and a gallery, besides permanent facilities such as introducing boating at Janivara tank; setting up a sewage treatment plant; among others. Given the expenditure on the event, A. Manju, Minister in charge of the district; the chairman of the State-level committee for conduct of Mahamastakabhisheka; and senior officers, were of the view that the public should be allowed to witness the grand spectacle. However, representatives of the mutt opposed it.
In a meeting held in Hassan on January 26, Mr. Manju had asked why was there a need to spend so much if the event was restricted to only a few people. Special Officer and Principal Secretary to the Government, Rakesh Singh, had also stressed the need for allowing the public in a separate queue, without causing disturbance to the event. Vinod Doddannavar, a representative of the mutt, argued that allowing the public would cause chaos. However, Deputy Commissioner Rohini Sindhuri and other officers maintained that they would convince the mutt and ensure the public is allowed. But this is not to be.
Charukeerti Bhattaraka Swami, on Tuesday, told the media that the public would be allowed on Vindhyagiri once the anointing ceremony was over. “This has been the practice all these years. There will not be any change to tradition.” The mutt and district administration are expecting a huge crowd of 40 lakh for the event. However, even if 5,000 people, those with special passes, are allowed to climb the hill during the anointing ceremony every day, a total of only 45,000 can witness the ceremony in nine days.
