Lord Bahubali head anointing ceremony in 2018 to be simple

Shravanabelagola (Ktk): The next Mahamastakabhisheka, the head anointing ceremony of Lord Bahubali at the famous temple here performed once in 12 years, will be a "simple" affair in the backdrop of severe drought in the state, pontiff of the Jain Mutt has said.

The Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony is scheduled to be held in February 2018.

Charukeerti Bhattaraka Swamiji after attending the first national-level Digambar Jain Committee meeting said his wish was to hold the Mahamastakabhisheka with "minimum expense" and not as a "mega event" in view of the drought, a release from the mutt said.

Stating that stress will be on religious activities and providing amenities to pilgrims, he said in accordance with the practice during the rule of Mysuru Maharaja and the British, both central and state government have promised support for the event.

Swamiji also said that the tournout was likely to be high this time as the Hassan-Bengaluru rail project is expected to be completed this year.

The Archaeological Survey of India has sent a proposal to the Union government to widen the steps of the hill on which statue of Bahubali is present.

Former Prime Minister and Hassan MP H D Deve Gowda has promised to take up the matter with the government, he added.