Centre, state to spend Rs 575 cr for Mahamastakabhisheka

The Karnataka government, with the assistance of the Centre, has decided to spend Rs 575 crore for organising the historical Mahamastakabhisheka of Gomateshwara at Shravanabelagola, which is held once in 12 years.

The Mahamastakabhisheka is scheduled to begin in the first week of February 2018 at Shravanabelagola, Hassan district. The events will last for 15 to 18 days. This is going to be the 89th edition of the event.

The last Mahamastakabhisheka was held in 2006, during which time Rs 116.66 crore was spent for the event.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah chaired the first meeting here on Wednesday, where several decisions regarding the event were taken.

Hassan district-in-charge minister A Manju later told the media that Siddaramaiah had approved the budget of Rs 575 crore, which will be shared by both the state and central governments. More than 40 lakh devotees are expected this time. Manju said that a large chunk of the budget will be kept aside for PWD works (Rs 400 crore), while Rs 22 crore will be spent on tourism and publicity. With less than 19 months left for preparations, the minister said that focus will be on improving infrastructure facilities including connectivity.

The Railways will be asked to expedite work on the Bengaluru-Hassan line, and operate special trains during the event. Manju said that it was decided to inaugurate the proposed Prakrit university at the time. Around 710 acres of land will be temporarily acquired for setting up accommodation facilities for 25,000 people, and for facilities like toilets and parking. Last time, arrangements had been made for 12,000 people in 400 acres. He said land will be given to other states if they want to erect structures to facilitate accommodation of tourists from their states.