SHRAVANABELAGOLA: Acharya 108 Sri Viraga Sagar Muni reached here on Sunday along with a group of 34 monks to participate in the rituals of Mahamasthakabhisheka of Bahubali, which will begin on January 22. With this, 114 monks have reached Shravanabelagola.

Acharya Viraga Sagar Muni and his group covered nearly 200 km on foot from Moodbidri.

Another long journey

Before reaching Moodbidri in September, they travelled similarly from Bhilai in Chhattisgarh to Karanja in Maharashtra, more than 1,500 km.

The Archarya, who is visiting Shravanabelagola for the first time, was given a warm reception near Vidyananda Nilaya and brought in a procession to the Mangayi Jain Temple, where he was received by Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji with "poornakhumba".

The Acharya said it was his lifetime ambition to visit Shravanabelagola and have a glimpse of Bahubali. "I propose to climb the hill without wasting time," he said.

Reaching out to people

The true meaning of religion has to reach the people to bring about a transformation of society, he added.

Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji said the group led by Acharya 108 Sri Viraga Sagar Muni is the second biggest to arrive in Shravanabelagola.

Earlier, Shrutakevali Badhrabahu Swami and his group of 12,000 monks visited the place.

The Mahamasthakabhisheka will spread the message of peace and universal brotherhood, he added.

Acharya 108 Sri Vardhamana Sagarji Muni spoke.

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