Flag hoisting well attended, event off to a grand start

Mangi Tungi/Nashik: The world's tallest idol of Lord Rishabhdeva, the first Teerthankar of Jains, carved out of a single rock at the twin pinnacled peak of Mangi Tungi near Teharabad village of Baglan tehsil in Nashik district was sanctified on Thursday in the presence of lakhs of followers of Jainism.
Unfurling of the triangular flag of Jainism amidst the chanting of Jain hymns marked the beginning of the six-day Panchakalyanak Pratishtha Mahotsava (sanctification) of the idol.Sarita M K Jain from Chennai, the official host of Thursday's event, hoisted the flag in the presence of Maharashtra legislative assembly speaker Haribhau Bagde and other political bigwigs.
Rituals of 'Acharya Nimantran' (inviting the Jain saints and munis), and 'Mandap Udghatan' (inauguration of the grand Pooja Pandal), 'Indra Pratishtha' (making the registered worshippers ready for the six-day ritual) and 'Ankuraropan' (plantation of saplings to mark the inauguration) were held on Day I of the mega religious event. Around 20,000 devotees coming from different parts of the country and abroad, who performed these rituals, have officially gained the status of being the hosts of the sanctification event and the spectacular 'Mahamastakabhishek' that will start from February 18.
"More than 4,500 tents, temporary residents and VIP bungalows have been arranged for lodging these devotees. Three pandals with the capacity to accommodate 1 lakh devotees are ready," said Sanjay Papdiwal, general secretary of the organising committee.
Maharashtra legislative assembly speaker Haribhau Bagde insured that the state government will take every possible step to recognise Mangi Tungi as an international pilgrimage centre. Local MLA Dr Subhash Bhamre said that he has demanded Rs 250-crore packages for Mangi Tungi from the central goverment. Baglan MLA Deepika Chavan, district collector of Nashik Deepender Singh Kushwah, additional superintendent of police (Malegaon) Sanjay Mohite and president of the organising committee Ravindrakirti Swami also addressed the devotees after the event.
Once a remote village in Satana tehsil of Nashik, Mangi Tungi has transforemd into a well-equipped town with almost all modern infrastructure and facilities developed at the bottom of twin-pinnacled peak. Spacious parking lots, 3G internet connectivity and drinking water supply have been ensured by the organisers.
"With the government authorities pitching in during the final phase, we have successfully repaired the internal roads, installed new street lights and ensured water supply to almost all places. However, the real test of facilities will start once the huge rush of devotees would start from February 18 for the Mahamastakabhishek," said reception committee chief A K Jain.