Shravanabelagola, Feb 7 (IANS): President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday flagged off the celebrations to anoint the Gomateshwara statue in this Jain pilgrim town in Karnataka's Hassan district.
The President, along with the First Lady Savita Kovind, arrived in Bengaluru on Tuesday evening and were flown by a chopper to flag off the 'Mahamastakabhisheka' (grand consecration) celebrations of the Jain god Bahubali's Gomateshwara statue here.
"This magnificent statue and the whole philosophy of Jainism are valuable because they teach us world peace," Kovind said in his inaugural address.
The President who greeted the gathering in Kannada said that he was participating in the event with joy in his heart.
"This is my third visit to Karnataka and I am pleased to be a part of the Mahamastakabhisheka celebrations which signify a heritage of non-violence," the first citizen of India said.
"The tenets of Lord Bahubali breathe life into the stone statue. Jain values of sacrifice and non-violence are guiding lights for the entire world. The smile on Bahubali's face can calm every anxious mind. I wish the event every success and congratulate those responsible for making it possible," Kovind added.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, "I am participating in this event with a heart full of gratitude.
"I had given directions to various state departments to conduct the event in a way that it draws attention of the entire country. I congratulate all who strived to make this event possible," Siddaramaiah said.
"Lord Bahubali was the epitome of non-violence and sacrifice. We have to cultivate these values in our daily lives. The intolerance between castes and faiths is evident today. We should not forget our humanity. We have to give up selfishness and greed and assure peace in society," Siddaramaiah added.
Lakhs of people from across the country visit Shravanabelagola to take part in the 'Mahamastakabhisheka' festival, which is held once in every 12 years for over 1,000 years now.
The statue of Gomateshwara, dedicated to the Jain god Bahubali (a god with strong arms), built around 983 A.D., is one of the largest free-standing statues in the world. Bahubali was the son of Adinath, the first 'Tirthankara' (spiritual leader) of Jainism.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, state Governor Vajubhai Vala, Janata Dal (Secular) leader and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda were also present at the festival's inauguration.
During the festival, the 17-metre high mighty monolithic statue of Gomateshwara is anointed with milk, saffron, ghee etc.
While the President flagged off the celebrations on Wednesday, the actual anointing of the statue will take place on February 17. The last anointing ceremony took place 12 years ago in 2006.
"The fest will be celebrated for 18 days from February 7 to 25, with various Jain rituals held for the first nine days and the anointing ceremony taking place from February 17 to 25," the festival organising committee's chief of publicity P.Y. Rajendra Kumar said.
While the key days of the festival are from February 17 to 25, devotees and VIPs have been pouring into this town for the last three weeks.
According to officials, about 2.25 lakh people are expected to visit the town for the mega Jain observance. The pilgrim town has been spruced up at an estimated cost of Rs 175 crore for the fest.
Hundreds of policemen were deployed in the town along with CCTV cameras in order to monitor the crowds.
With DHNS Inputs