Shravanabelagola (Hassan District, Karnataka), May 22, 2017: The construction of a scaffold for the anointment of the Gomateshwara statue as part of Mahamasthakabhisheka, scheduled for February 2018, began on Monday with Charukeerti Bhattaraka Swami of Jain Mutt holding a special puja atop Vindhyagiri in Shravanabelagola.

The seer conducted the Stambha Muhurta puja to mark the important occasion in the run-up to the event held once in 12 years.

The Department of Public Works has taken up construction of the scaffold and a gallery atop the hillock at a cost of ₹12 crore.

PWD secretary S.B. Siddagangappa said the scaffold would be 70 ft high and the gallery would accommodate 8,000 people.

“This time, we are adopting advanced German technology to construct the gallery and scaffold. Work will begin in August and complete by December,” the officer said.

Charukeerti Bhattaraka Swami said since the installation of the Gomateshwara statue in the 10th Century, Mahamastakabhisheka had been supported by kings who ruled the region.

“The State government has extended all support for the smooth conduct of the programme. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had laid the foundation stone for construction of guest houses,” he said. – Courtesy: The Hindu