Located about 150 KM from Bangalore, the holy place will turn into a beehive of activity in February 2006 when the monolithic statue of Gomateshwara is consecrated and worshipped. with special prayers and pujas spread over 16 days.

Considered to be world's largest batholithic structure, the 57-feet towering statue of the Lord was carved out of a single stone on the hill top and installed in 981 A.D. during the Ganga dynsty that ruled the historic kingdom from 4-13 century.

During the Maha Mastakabhisheka, scores of jain priests and Sravakas climb the specially erected scaffolding to perform the Panchamurtha Abhisheka, consisting of Holy water, Sugarcane juice, Milk, Liquids of turmeric, Herbs and Sandal, eight types of sandal paste and shwering of flowers.

During the grand ceremony, the first one in the 21st Century, Kalashabhisheka will be performed everyday between february 8-19, beginning with Panchkalyanak Mahotsava from February 4, on the colossus statue of bahubali, son of Adinath, the first of 24 Jain Tirthankaras (saints), who attained Nirvana at a young age.

Over the last 11 centuries, the majestic statue not only withstood the vagaries of a tropical climate, but also retained its originality to radiate the serenity of the Lord's visage that can be seen as far from 25 Km. about 614 stone steps on the rocky slope lead up to the awesome statue.

The conduct of Maha Mastakabhisheka every 12 years has transformed the sleepy town into a major jain pilgrimage centre and the most popular in South India for devotees of all hues.

The exclusive frames give a glimpse of the grandeur that marks the holy place and draws thousands of pilgrims as well as tourists alike round the year, especially during the Maha Mastakabhisheka.

The illustrative pictures also portray the temples atop the hills. the panoramic view of beautifull landscape, the Digambara Munis, several devotees worshiping the statue, while young monks meditate in the main temple premises.

The objective of the photo exhibition is to create interest in the unique architecture of jains, their rock cut caves and temples built over the centuries and spread awareness of the epic event Maha Mastakabhisheka that occures once in 12 years.