Bahubali Mahamastakabhisheka 2018 Celebration!!!

So the once in 12 years grand occasion of Mahamastakabhisheka was started. The occasion was inaugurated by honourable President of India Ram Nath Kovind on 7th Feb and attended by many dignitaries including Prime Miniter Narendra Modi over the days of celebration. 

We were part of the celebration with invite from Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to cover the occasion. While hubby had moved to Bangalore in January, I managed to fly to Bangalore for a weekend from Pune to attend the celebration. We drove to Hassan the previous day to collect our passes, stayed there for a night and drove to Shravanbelagola the next morning. Being the initial 10 days of celebration, the entry was strictly for media and pass holders who had bought the Jalabhisheka and Panchamrutha Abhisheka in auction. Even with the hot and humid weather, people gathered in thousands to attend the celebration. The celebration started with jalabhisheka(water) followed by Panchamrutha Abhisheka with milk, sugarcane juice, rice atta, tender coconut water, sandalwood paste, saffron paste ending with flowers, garland and aarti. 

The 10 days celebration had religious and cultural celebration at many stages set up in and around Shravanbelagola city. Food and accommodation arrangements were equally well managed by the Shravanbelagola Jain matt, jain communities from different cities, with the help of many volunteers.  

Chamundaraya Mantap - a stage set for the religious celebration

Night view of Vindhyagiri Hill in light

The Mahamasthakabhisheka celebration will be till August, however the other religious celebrations and arrangements were till Feb end only. You can plan a visit soon. There is lot more to just the Mahamasthakabhisheka celebration and Vindhyagiri Hill, explore the temple town along with Chandragiri hill and the other temples to be mesmerised by the history and heritage it offers.

Travel Tips:

1. Footwear not allowed up the hill, carry socks if you want to avoid the burning hot stone steps while climbing up. There are stalls selling socks as well if you miss carrying.

2. Carry caps, umbrellas to avoid the heat while watching the celebration, as there is no shade except near the foot of the idol, which is mostly crowded.

3. There is drinking water available, but food not available, people manage to carrying, but should be avoided.

4. Try to climb the hill early morning to avoid the heat.

5. No good accommodation or food is available other than the first 10 days celebration. For accommodation and food you can opt for Hassan city which is 50km from Shravanbelagola city.