The scion of Mysuru royal family Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar participated in the grand anointing ceremony atop Vindhyagiri in Shravanabelagola on Friday. He climbed up the steps and poured holy water on the Bahubali statue. The royal family has been associated with Mahamastakabhisheka for centuries.
Speaking to presspersons during his visit to Vindhyagiri, Yaduveer Wadiyar recalled the long association of his family with the event. “My ancestors also have participated in the event in the past. Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar and my father – Srikanthadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar – have participated in the event. I am happy that I got an opportunity to take part,” he said. The anointing ceremony begins with Jalabhisheka, where holy water is poured from vessels.
The turnout for the event on Friday was monumental. As it is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, the number of devotees visiting the place has been on the rise. Among those who climbed up to witness the ceremony atop the hill included many VIPs from neighbouring States. Hundreds were in the general queue. The public was allowed to climb up the hill only after the ceremony is over.
B.N. Varaprasad Reddy, Special Officer (Mahamastakabhisheka), told The Hindu, “The temporary townships have been full. We have been providing additional beds to meet the requirements. At least 600 additional beds were provided in the last two days.” The State government has made accommodation available for 26,000 people in 12 townships.
In the next two days, the number of visitors is expected to go up. The police have stopped movement of private vehicles inside the town.
