NewsKarnataka-Mysore
Mysore:The monolith statue of Lord Bahubali at Gomatagiri near Mysore came alive on Sunday during the Mastakabhisheka. The annual event was witnessed by thousands of devotees even as religious leaders led by Jain seer Devandrakeerthi Bhattaraka Swami graced the occasion.
The event added to the festival spirit of Mysore, falling a week after Dasara festival. The 64th edition of Mastakabhisheka, which attracted thousands of Jain community members from Karnataka and other states, started at 9.30am with rituals. The head anointment was held between 12.30pm and 1.55pm. Located 20 km from the city, Gotmatagiri’s 20-foot monolith statue sported different hues during the Mastakabhisheka.
The statue at Gomatagiri, located on a hillock, has a striking resemblance to the celebrated statue of Gomateshwara at Shravanabelagola, 82 km from Mysore. Unlike the Mahamastakabhisheka at Shravanabelagola that is performed once in 12 years, the Sri Gomatagiri Kshetra Seva Samithi performs the religious event annually to promote the religious site.
The Samithi is seeking to protect the site and the ancient statue, which is facing threat due to quarrying activities in the surrounding areas. It is looking for help from the Archeological Survey of India. During the celebration, Hunsur MLA HP Manjunath said he will attend to the needs of the site and promised help.
