Seers brave scorching heat to climb Vindhyagiri

The scorching heat did not deter the devotees from participating in the 1,000 kalasha jalabhisheka that was held from 8.30 am to 12 noon on Wednesday.

The giant monolithic statue of Bahubali was anointed with tender coconut water, sugar cane juice, milk, turmeric, sandal, and others amid the chanting of hymns by thousands of devotees.

The statue was also anointed with 'Kashaya', made of herbal ingredients, symbolically to destroy hatred, inhumanity and other evil desires from human minds. The herbal ingredients are said to protect the statue, it is said.

Adichunchanagiri seer Nirmalanandanatha Swami and seers of the mutt's branches climbed Vindhyagiri and had darshan of Bahubali, on Wednesday.

They also performed abhisheka to the statue of Bahubali. The seers were performing jalabhisheka to the feet of Bahubali, at the same time when the statue was anointed with sandal paste from the head.

They were drenched in a sandal, which enthused the huge crowd. Special arathi was performed amid singing of 'Sri Bahubali ki arathi utharo milke' by devotees.

MLA C N Balakrishna, Assistant Commissioner H L Nagaraju, Hassan Adichunchanagiri mutt seer Shambunatha Swami, Mysuru branch seer Someshwaranatha Swami, Shivananandanatha of Chunchanakatte, Gunanatha Swami of Sringeri and others climbed the hill to have the darshan.

Drinking water

All necessary arrangements have been made to ensure drinking water facility during the 20-day event.

The authorities have ensured 24x7 drinking water for the devotees and a huge tank with five lakh litre capacity has been constructed at Vindhyagiri, at a cost of Rs 45 lakh.

Besides quenching the thirst of the devotees climbing the hill, the tank provides drinking water to two villages – Nagaianahakoppal and Kumbarakoppal situated at the foot of the hill. A pump house has been constructed with two motors and generator facility.

Little champs perform

The participants of 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs' and 'Drama Juniors' entertained the devotees during the cultural programmes held here on Tuesday evening. Achintya, Venugopal, Vishad, Sanvi Shetty, Sunidhi, Tushar and others of 'Drama Juniors' fame performed.

Women artistes from Channarayapatna presented 'kolata'. A laser show on Jainism, which showcased Bahubali's story, Chavundaraya, who sculpted Bahubali's statue, history of Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri were presented.