Shravanabelagola (Karnataka), January 16, 2005: The foundation stone for providing basic needs for the pilgrims visiting Shravanabelagola on the occasion of Mahamasthakabhishekha was laid by Sri H.D.Devegowda the ex-prime minister of India on the 16th of January, 2005 in the presence of His holiness swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji. Mr.Gowda, speaking on the speaking on the occasion mentioned that the values of Sacrifice and meditation of Bhagawan Sri Bahubali constitute the guideline to rule the country for its progressive needs. He also reiterated that Shravanabelagola should be developed as world tourist centre.
Both the central and State Governments have come forward for the success of Mahamasthakabhishekha celebration. Many schemes have been evolved to provide the basic needs for the visitors and pilgrims and also to develop the surrounding places. The Bangalore-Mangalore national highway would be linked with Shravanabelagola, Hirisave and Channrayapattna. An amount of Rs.6.3 crores has been sanctioned for the developmental schemes. Sri H.D.Revanna the honourable for PWD and also the chairman of the state Mahamasthakabhishekaha celebration committee told that Rs. 10 crores has been sanctioned to provide water facility to shravanabelagola from Hemavathy river. The construction works have been to Larsen and Turbo. He also mentioned that anew rail link between Shravanabelagola and Bangalore through Hassan will be completed with the central Governments aid. The rail link between Hassan and Shravanabelagola will be completed soon. The discussion with the union minister for transports is completed regarding the formation of National highway in four lanes between Hassan and Nelamangala. Arrangements have been made to provide uninterrupted supply of electricity at the cost of Rs.4 crores. He lauded the efforts and directions given by Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji in fulfilling the schemes evolved by PWD and other departments such as health, horticulture, kannada and culture, forest, transportation, information and publicity and archeological survey of India.
The Swamiji expressed his satisfaction in making the scheme successful and meaningful for ensuing Mahamasthkabhishekha. The dignitarites present in the function include C.S.Puttegowda the president, Sri Gurudev (MLC), Javaregowda (ex MP), Sri Abhaychandra Jain, chief whip of the Karnataka legislative assembly, Sri Ashwatnarayana Gowda, Deputy Commissioner; Sri Chandrashekaraiah, chief engineer for national highways and other were present. Sri A.R.Nirmal Kumar the organising chairman of Mahamasthakabhishekha welcomed and Sri H.N.Rajendra Kumar delivered the vote of thanks. – Jain Heritage Centres News Service (JHCNS)