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IN PICS | Bahubali Mahamastakabhisheka Mahotsav in Karnataka's Vindhyagiri Hills

The monolithic statue of Jain God Bahubali or Gomateshwara is located on the Vidyagiri hills at the Jain pilgrimage site of Shravanabelagola near Karnataka Bangalore. In Pic: Devotees pour milk on Gomateshwara during the anointment at Shravanabelagola. | (Pushkar V | EPS)
The monolithic statue of Jain God Bahubali or Gomateshwara is located on the Vidyagiri hills at the Jain pilgrimage site of Shravanabelagola near Karnataka Bangalore. In Pic: Devotees pour milk on Gomateshwara during the anointment at Shravanabelagola. | (Pushkar V | EPS)
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The 57-foot granite piece is a figure of the Jain God with half-closed eyes and a gentle, serene smile. In Pic: Devotees shower the statue with flowers at Shravanabelagola. | (Pushkar V | EPS)
The 57-foot granite piece is a figure of the Jain God with half-closed eyes and a gentle, serene smile. In Pic: Devotees shower the statue with flowers at Shravanabelagola. | (Pushkar V | EPS)
Every 12 years, thousands of Jain pilgrims from around the world visit this statue in Karnataka for a ceremony known as the Mahamastakabhisheka, or the statue's anointing in the presence of their Acharyas. | In Pic: Women carry cocnuts atop tumblers during the anointment. | (Pushkar V | EPS)
Every 12 years, thousands of Jain pilgrims from around the world visit this statue in Karnataka for a ceremony known as the Mahamastakabhisheka, or the statue's anointing in the presence of their Acharyas. | In Pic: Women carry cocnuts atop tumblers during the anointment. | (Pushkar V | EPS)
This year's ceremony is the 88th one of the series, which began in 981 A.D during the Western Ganga Dynasty, which ruled Karnataka during Ancient Period. In Pics: Devotees celebrate Lord Gomateshwara's anointment. | (Pushkar V | EPS)
This year's ceremony is the 88th one of the series, which began in 981 A.D during the Western Ganga Dynasty, which ruled Karnataka during Ancient Period. In Pics: Devotees celebrate Lord Gomateshwara's anointment. | (Pushkar V | EPS)
The son of the Jainism's first Tirthankara, Bahubali was the one who succeeded in attaining liberty from worldly desires through a long period of sustained meditation. | (Pushkar V | EPS)
The son of the Jainism's first Tirthankara, Bahubali was the one who succeeded in attaining liberty from worldly desires through a long period of sustained meditation. | (Pushkar V | EPS)
As per the Jain mythology and varied accounts, Bahubali won against his brother and then abandoned his kingdom and properties, as he was filled with grief. In Pics: Devotees throw flowers at the Gomateshwara statue. | (Pushkar V | EPS)
As per the Jain mythology and varied accounts, Bahubali won against his brother and then abandoned his kingdom and properties, as he was filled with grief. In Pics: Devotees throw flowers at the Gomateshwara statue. | (Pushkar V | EPS)
The Gomateshwara statue in Shravanabelagola, built in 383 AD, is widely believed to be one of the largest free-standing statues in the world. As per historical records, the figure was commissioned by Chamunda-Raya, the Ganga Dynasty's ruler and minister. In Pic: People rejoice as turmeric powder is being sprinkled at the monolith. | (Pushkar V | EPS)
The Gomateshwara statue in Shravanabelagola, built in 383 AD, is widely believed to be one of the largest free-standing statues in the world. As per historical records, the figure was commissioned by Chamunda-Raya, the Ganga Dynasty's ruler and minister. In Pic: People rejoice as turmeric powder is being sprinkled at the monolith. | (Pushkar V | EPS)
Most inscriptions at the Shravanabelagola site give references to Chamunda-Raya bringing the statue to public notice and ensuring its anointment. He was given the title of Gommta-Raya for this. | In Pic: A woman prays in front of the monolith. | (Pushkar V | EPS)
Most inscriptions at the Shravanabelagola site give references to Chamunda-Raya bringing the statue to public notice and ensuring its anointment. He was given the title of Gommta-Raya for this. | In Pic: A woman prays in front of the monolith. | (Pushkar V | EPS)
The nude figure of Gomateshwara, with broad shoulders and arms hanging staright down the sides, stands tall facing north. The lower body is covered in ant hills, while its face has a smile. | (Pushkar V | EPS)
The nude figure of Gomateshwara, with broad shoulders and arms hanging staright down the sides, stands tall facing north. The lower body is covered in ant hills, while its face has a smile. | (Pushkar V | EPS)
The festival was inaugurated by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind on February 7 and concluded with PM Narendra Modi's visit Yesterday. However, the latter could not take the helicopter ride around the monolith nor could he shower flowers on the statue. | (Pushkar V | EPS)
The festival was inaugurated by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind on February 7 and concluded with PM Narendra Modi's visit Yesterday. However, the latter could not take the helicopter ride around the monolith nor could he shower flowers on the statue. | (Pushkar V | EPS)
Modi's helicopter ride couldn't happen as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials had raised concerns over the safety of scaffolding and the umbrella on top, as the aircrafts's rotors could create vibrations and pose a risk to the people on the scaffolding. | (Pushkar V | EPS)
Modi's helicopter ride couldn't happen as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials had raised concerns over the safety of scaffolding and the umbrella on top, as the aircrafts's rotors could create vibrations and pose a risk to the people on the scaffolding. | (Pushkar V | EPS)

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