Shravanabelagola (Karnataka), June 1, 2004: The first head anointing (Mahamasthakabhishekha) ceremony of this century of Bhagawan Sri Bahubali of Shravanabelagola will be celebrated in the month of February 2006 as stated by Paramapujya Jagadguru Karmayogi Swastiri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji. This historical event bears great testimony since the time of installation of the statue by Chavundaraya the commander in chief of Gangas of Talakadu on March 13, 981 A.D. This 57 feet monolithic statue is situated atop the Vindhyagiri hill. It is the ritual of Mahamasthakabhishekha is being conducted once in every 12 years from time immemorial. The last mahamasthakabhishekha was held in 1993. This event attracts the devotees and tourists in large number from different parts of the world.

The arrangements are in full swing to make the event successful. The Rashtriya Mahamasthakabhishekha Mahotsav Samithi (RMMS) has been formed under the able chief patronage of Dr.D.Veerendra Heggade, Dharmasthala.
Sri Sahu Ramesh Chand Jain of all India Digambara Jaina Tirthakshetra Committee , New Delhi is the honorary chairman. A.R.Nirmal Kumar of Bangalore (Executive Chairman); Aravind Doshi, Mumbai (Chief Secretary); Sri Ashok Badjaty, Indore of national committee is the vice chairman. D.A.Patil, Kolhapur and S.Jetendra Kumar, Bangalore are also in the committee.
Late Prime minister Smt Indira Gandhi participated in the celebration held in 1981. Furthermore Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma the President and P.V.Narasimha Rao also participated in the event in 1993. It is enterprising to remember that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru the first prime minister of India had expressed admiration for the serene beauty of lord Gommateshwara. He was dumb founder and looked at this magnificent statue.
The committee has envisaged many measures to be taken as part of preparation for the celebration of mahamasthakabhishekha these include providing of basic facilities for the pilgrims and incumbents at the place. The Swamiji has strongly urged for the completion of Hassan-Bangalore Railway project initiated by former Prime Minister Sri H.D.Devegowda. Attempts have been made to Beautify the place and thus providing an aesthetic background to the town.
The message of ahimsa for the welfare of mankind is spread through out the country on the occasion. The state and central governments and the member of the parliament from Hassan Sri H.D.Devegowda and Sri C.S.Puttegowda, member of the legislative assembly from Shravanabelagola have assured full fledged support for this mega event to make it a grand success. – Jain Heritage Centres News Service (JHCNS)