Mahamastakabhisheka: Vidhayagiri Hills crowded double its capacity, police to blame

SHRAVANABELAGOLA: Concerned were raised after Vindhyagiri Hills was overcrowded on the eighth day of veneration ceremony in Shravanabelagola. The capacity of scaffolding created for Mahamastakabhisheka is about 6,000, and on Saturday there were a minimum of 10,000 people during anointing ceremony.

The goof-up is said to be caused by reluctant police, who left people from VIP entrance even though they did not had any valid pass. The Jain mutt in Shravanabelagola and Information Department together provides about 5,000 passes every day and a few special passes are given to the police and district administration. It’s said on Saturday, the police allowed many of their relatives and friends from VIP entrance.As the crowd swell, the security atop the hill went haywire. When former prime minister Deve Gowda came, number of JD(S) supporters too crowded the scaffolding.

The pass checking counters atop Vindhyagiri were shut due to devotee rush. “We have come from Madhya Pradesh and we have purchased the Kalash. The police are asking us to return as there is rush on hilltop,” said a devotee. A police officer said people who have been let by police had VIP darshan pass. “As there are a few days left for Mahamastakabhisheka, several locals after obtaining passes from the police,” the officer said.

Last day of anointing
With Sunday being the last day of anointing of Lord Bahubali, a number of devotees is expected in the temple town. Anointing of statue will be conducted on Sundays for the next six months.

Spl anointing for volunteers
The Shravanabelagola mutt may hold an additional anointing ceremony on February 26, to facilitate volunteers who have been working in Shravanabelagola for over a month. Hundreds of cadets from Scouts and Guides and members of several Jain volunteer organisations have been camping and helping the proceedings.