H D Devegowda
H D Devegowda

Hassan (Karnataka), July 1, 2004: With the former Prime Minister and Hassan MP, H.D. Deve Gowda, assuring of all possible help from the Central and State Governments, the exercise of holding the first Mahamastakabhisheka of the 21st century, at Shravanabelagola in February 2006, has gained momentum. A meeting of the district officials was convened on under the president ship of Sri Gowda, to discuss a 20-point proposal submitted by Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji of Shravanabelagola for the overall development of the Jain pilgrimage centre in view of the Mahamastakabhisheka.
Mr. Gowda said that he would try his best to bring in all help from all quarters to make the Mahamastakabhisheka a memorable event. The minister for Public Works and Energy, H.D.Revanna, the Shravanabelagola MLA, C.S. Putte Gowda, the Arkalgud MLA, A.T. Ramaswamy, ex member of the parliament Sri Javare Gowda, ex minister Sri Veerakumar Patil, Hassan Zilla Panchayat president, G.T. Indira and other dignitaries attended the meeting.
Terming the Mahamastakabhisheka as a trans-national cultural event, Mr. Gowda said that it was a challenge to organise an event, which was massive in nature and would be attended by people across the world. He called upon the people’s representatives to work for the success of the event. He said that, he would appeal to the Chief Minister, N. Dharam Singh, and the Deputy Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, to extend all possible help. On the 20-point proposal presented by the Swamiji, he asked the district administration to discuss the proposal in detail and approach the State Government with specific demands.
In his plea to the elected representatives and the officials, Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji said that he did not anticipate either ostentation or grandeur but only expected the basic amenities for the pilgrims who would visit Shravanabelagola on the occasion, especially proper drinking water supply and place to stay. Recalling the help extended by the previous Governments in holding Mahamastakabhisheka successfully, he said that he would expect similar cooperation from both the district administration and the State Government. The Swamiji appealed to the Deputy Commissioner, M. Maheshwara Rao, and the District in-charge Minister, H.D Revanna, to take up the responsibility of conducting the event successfully.
Jains from all over Karnataka had participated in the meeting and gave useful suggestions towards making the event a grand success. The working president of the Rashtriya Mahamasthakabhishekha Mahotsav Samithi Sri A.R.Nirmal Kumar briefened the gathering about the event. – Jain Heritage Centres News Service (JHCNS)