German platform being erected for Bahubali anointment

For the first time in the history of Mahamastakabhisheka, German technology is being used for the construction of the platform behind the monolithic statue of Bahubali at Shravanabelagola, Hassan district. The mahamastakabhisheka will be held in February 2018.

The platform is being constructed at a cost of Rs 11.25 crore to enable devotees to make offerings to the deity and also view the anointment as the platform would serve as a gallery that will be able to accommodate 5,500 people. Three elevators are also under construction. The Jain mutt also plans to instal a huge umbrella made of ‘panchaloha’ behind the head of the Bahubali statue.

Lehar, a German-based company, has bagged the contract for constructing the platform. All materials used for the construction are being brought from Germany by ship to Gujarat and will then be shifted to Shravanabelagola. In all, materials weighing 450 tonnes are being used. Labourers from Jharkhand and Gujarat are involved in shifting the materials to the Vindhyagiri hill.

‘Ring and Lock’ technology is being adapted with nuts and bolts fixed to the beams which is said to be safer, state experts. The pipes used have been certified. The platform is of the same height as that of the Bahubali statue (58.8 ft).The strength of the platform and gallery will be subjected to tests using sand bags. Only after that people will be allowed to enter.