Devotees and people from different parts of the State and the country are arriving here with eager anticipation to participate in the 11-day Mahamastakabhisheka, which begins here on Wednesday.
The Mahamastakabhisheka or anointation ceremony would be held for the 42-feet statue of Lord Bahubali at around 7 p.m. today. This historic town, which was once the capital of the Bhairava dynasty is all decked up for the occasion. All the major roads have been asphalted and decorative banners announcing the Mahamastakabhisheka can be seen in all major junctions.
A festive atmosphere prevails throughout town, which is a major Jain pilgrim centre and houses 22 Jain Basadis. People are waiting for the festivities to begin in the evening as the statue of Lord Bahubali will be anointed with tender coconut water, sugarcane juice, sandalwood paste, and pastes made out of medicinal herbs. The statue of Lord Bahubali was installed by the ruler of the Bhairava dynasty Veera Pandya in 1432.