Shravanabelagola, July 7, 2016: Several Jain seers have commenced their journey on foot in different parts of the country towards Shravanabelagola in Channarayapatna taluk to witness the Mahamastakabhisheka to be held in February 2018. The seers have begun their journey well in advance as they have to cover thousands of kilometres on foot to reach Shravanabelagola.

Among those who have already commenced their journey include 37 seers led by Acharya Vardhamana Sagara Maharaj.

They started the march at Newai in Rajasthan on April 17 this year.

The group has already reached Madhya Pradesh, where they will stay put for four months. From there they will move towards south by November.

Similarly, Munishree Prajna Sagar has also started his journey from Rajasthan. Three of his disciples are accompanying him.

Acharya Pushpadanta Sagara Maharaj and Munishree Vajrasena Maharaj are among the others who are on the march to Shravanabelagola, the major pilgrimage centre for Jains.

“We announced the dates of the Mahamastakabhisheka well in advance as the seers have to cover hundreds of kilometres on foot. A few are old, who take a longer time to reach the town. Moreover, for four months during the rainy season, they can’t travel,” Charukeerti Bhattaraka Swami of Jain Mutt in Shravanabelagola told The Hindu.

As many as 274 seers had reached Shravanabelagola on foot to witness the anointment of the 57-ft Gomateshwara Statue atop the Vindhyagiri during the last Mahamastakabhisheka held in 2006.

This time, the number may go up to 500. “Many seers are expected to start their journey by the end of this year. On an average, seers cover 10 km a day,” he added.

Train facilities

Besides the seers, thousands of devotees and tourists are expected to visit Shravanabelagola for the Mahamastakabhisheka.

In 2006, the railways operated special trains from Indore, Kolkata and Mumbai. This time, the number of special trains is expected to go up as Bengaluru-Hassan railway track will be ready soon.

“This time, special trains may run from Guwahati, Kolkata, Delhi, cities in Rajasthan, Mumbai and a few other places,” Charukeerti Bhattaraka Swami said. – News & Image Courtesy: The Hindu

Shravanabelagola, July 7, 2016: Several Jain seers have commenced their journey on foot in different parts of the country towards Shravanabelagola in Channarayapatna taluk to witness the Mahamastakabhisheka to be held in February 2018. The seers have begun their journey well in advance as they have to cover thousands of kilometres on foot to reach Shravanabelagola.

Among those who have already commenced their journey include 37 seers led by Acharya Vardhamana Sagara Maharaj.

They started the march at Newai in Rajasthan on April 17 this year.

The group has already reached Madhya Pradesh, where they will stay put for four months. From there they will move towards south by November.

Similarly, Munishree Prajna Sagar has also started his journey from Rajasthan. Three of his disciples are accompanying him.

Acharya Pushpadanta Sagara Maharaj and Munishree Vajrasena Maharaj are among the others who are on the march to Shravanabelagola, the major pilgrimage centre for Jains.

“We announced the dates of the Mahamastakabhisheka well in advance as the seers have to cover hundreds of kilometres on foot. A few are old, who take a longer time to reach the town. Moreover, for four months during the rainy season, they can’t travel,” Charukeerti Bhattaraka Swami of Jain Mutt in Shravanabelagola told The Hindu.

As many as 274 seers had reached Shravanabelagola on foot to witness the anointment of the 57-ft Gomateshwara Statue atop the Vindhyagiri during the last Mahamastakabhisheka held in 2006.

This time, the number may go up to 500. “Many seers are expected to start their journey by the end of this year. On an average, seers cover 10 km a day,” he added.

Train facilities

Besides the seers, thousands of devotees and tourists are expected to visit Shravanabelagola for the Mahamastakabhisheka.

In 2006, the railways operated special trains from Indore, Kolkata and Mumbai. This time, the number of special trains is expected to go up as Bengaluru-Hassan railway track will be ready soon.

“This time, special trains may run from Guwahati, Kolkata, Delhi, cities in Rajasthan, Mumbai and a few other places,” Charukeerti Bhattaraka Swami said. – News & Image Courtesy: The Hindu