Shravanabelagola: Lakhs of devotees who had come from far and near watched the once in 12-year spectacle as the 88th Mahamastakabhisheka (anointment) to the 58.8 ft tall monolith statue of Bahubali began yesterday at this hill shrine. The anointment to the statue is the second part, as the pujas and other rituals had begun from Feb.7.
Yesterday first Mahamastakabhisheka with 108 kalashas began. Swasthi Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji, the Pontiff of the Shravanabelagola Mutt, led the ritual which was a eye-catching show. The Ashok Patni family of Kishangarh, Rajasthan, purchased the first Kalasha for Rs.11.61 crore through auction and became the first person to perform abhisheka. Kalasha also has gold, silver, diamond and other precious stones.
