Karkala: Jains call for better security cover for monoliths

Karkala: Jains call for better security cover for monoliths

Mangalore Today News Network

Karkala, Sep 04, 2015:  Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Hassan are home to four monoliths of Lord Bahubali. But, these monoliths get minimal security cover. Besides the CCTVs, no other safeguards exist for the giant statue of Gomateshwara in Shravanabelagola. 

These century-old monuments are maintained by the archaeological department of India, yet the emphasis laid on safety is negligible.  Security provided to the Jain religious monuments does not compare with temples.

 Jitendra Kumar, president of Karnataka Jain Association, who also doubles as the working president of the Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony, which will be held in 2018;  sated a written request to the Central Archaeological Department to fund a better system of surveillance as well as to increase the vigilance for Gomateshwara statue in Shravanabelagola. When compared to all other Bahubalis in the state, Hassan has more security as it attracts hordes of pilgrims. Nonetheless, it is still insignificant. 

A source mentioned that although CCTVs are installed across monument, no frisking of visitors is done before getting in to Vindhyagiri, where the statue is erected. The metal detectors just don’t serve the purpose. It is now proposed as a world heritage site by the government. Sources also revealed that visitors to the hill can enter from two sides, while police personnel is posted only at the main entrance.    Kumar added that apart from the CCTVs and police security, they also have requested for an increase of illumination during the night.

Jain communities have also expressed their concerns over the repeated thefts in basadis (Jain shrine or temple).   Thorough probe into recent thefts in needed which are increasing day by day, but it has fallen to deaf ears. This small town is home to 18 Basadis.

In DK, the monoliths are at Venur, which was erected by the Jain ruler in 16 century; Karkala was installed on February 13, 1432. At Dharmasthala, it was erected in 1973 near Sri Manjunatha temple. The largest of its kind in the world, built by the Ganga dynasty, 57-foot, is at Shravanabelagola, Hassan district.