SHRAVANABELAGOLA: There was no change in the Mahamastakabhisheka ritual held here on Friday, excepting increase in number of kalashas of water emptied over the statue of Bahubali amidst chanting of hymns and prayers from the Jain sacred texts.

The monolithic statue of Bahubali was anointed with 1,008 kalashas on Friday.

Visual splendour

The visual splendour, which lasted for over nine hours, began at 8 a.m. when the 1,024-year-old, world's tallest monolithic statue was anointed with turmeric, water, milk, flowers.

The ceremony was completed only at 4 p.m.

With the increase in pressure from the general public, who were waiting to have a darshan of Bahubali, Shri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji of Digambara Jain Math, hastened the rituals. Jain Munis, Kshullika and Araikas watched the ceremony at Bahubali's feet.

The number of Jain devotees has also increased considerably. More than 5,000 kalasha holders and mediapersons witnessed the event on Friday.

Union Minister of State for Planning M.V. Rajashekaran was present. He sat among the pilgrims braving the scorching sun for nearly four hours to watch the event.

Shravanabelagola town is returning to normality after two days.

Local people suffer

Due to heavy security provided for the event, the local people were put to hardship as they were not allowed to come out of their houses.

Buses were stopped on the outskirts of the town.

However, when the matter was brought to the notice of Superintendent of Police Panduranga Rane, he directed the authorities concerned to allow the buses inside the town, and local people have been permitted to carry out their routine work. Though the district administration had deputed 503 doctors and paramedical staff, people faced problem in getting treatment, as doctors were not present in many camps.

It was alleged that the doctors asked the pilgrims to fetch syringes.

Stern action

When this was brought to the notice of authorities, the Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayat, F.R. Jamaadar, visited Shravanabelagola Primary Health Centre.

`Streamline services'

On not finding doctors on duty, he terminated the services of one doctor, who was appointed on contract and suspended another. He also directed the District Health Officer to take steps to streamline the services.

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