Photos: Karnataka Gomateshwara statue being prepped for 12-yearly anointment

With the Mahamastakabhisheka or grand anointment of the 57-foot freestanding granite statue of Gomateshwara in Shravanabelagola, Karnataka just a few months away, preparations are underway for support structures needed to scale this 1,000-year-old statue and accommodate the nearly 2 million visitors expected at the event, held once every 12-years. ...read more

1 / 7

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Dec 20, 2017 12:38 PM IST

All eyes are set on the monolithic Gomateshwara statue --also known as Bahubali-- in Shravanabelagola, Karnataka ahead of its ‘Mahamastakabhisheka’. Celebrated once in 12 years, the Mahamastakabhisheka or anointment will be held between February 7 and February 26, 2018 with preparations underway for support structures. (PTI)

2 / 7

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Dec 20, 2017 12:38 PM IST

Scaffolding is being erected near the Gomateshwara statue ahead of the festival. The Public Works Department is constructing the structure using German ring-lock technology and a visitors’ gallery at a cost of ₹11.25 crore. (PTI)

3 / 7

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Dec 20, 2017 12:38 PM IST

Workers fix boards in the scaffolds to prepare a platform near the statue. The structure will include three lifts, necessary to reach the statue’s top for its anointment and will accommodate nearly 6,000 people. (PTI)

4 / 7

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Dec 20, 2017 12:38 PM IST

A worker plasters a wall next to the free-standing statue built around 983 A.D. The ceremony will see devotees carrying 1,008 specially prepared vessels. The statue will then be anointed with libations such as milk, sugarcane juice, saffron paste and water and sprinkled with sandalwood, turmeric, and vermilion powders. (PTI)

5 / 7

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Dec 20, 2017 12:38 PM IST

Tourists at the Gomateshwara statue site. The Mahamastakabhisheka of the Jain deity expects to draw as many as 2 million visitors from across the world to witness this colourful spectacle in 2018. (PTI)

6 / 7

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Dec 20, 2017 12:38 PM IST

Out of the three lifts planned, one is exclusively for transporting materials to be used for the statue’s holy bath, with the other two reserved for use by guests and visitors during the festival. (PTI)

7 / 7

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Dec 20, 2017 12:38 PM IST

The anointment of this gigantic statue carved out of a single block of granite, while slated for February 17 to 26 has authorities anticipating an extension running a few more months for the public, going by past attendance at the event. (PTI)