Massive preparations were on full swing for the century's first mahamasthakabhisheka to the 57 ft monolithic statue of Lord Gomateswara in the world famous Jain pilgrim centre Sravanabelagola.

The pilgrimage will be witnessed by over 3 million pilgrims from across the globe in February 2006.

The nine-day head anointing ceremony will start on February 8 with the world's tallest free standing statue bathed with tonnes of milk, honey, sandalwood paste, sugarcane juice and other articles.

The mahamasthakabhisheka is held once in 12 years for Lord Gomateswara, carved between 978-993 AD in Vindhyagiri situated 3,347 ft above sea level.

Speaking to visiting newsmen from Bangalore, Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji, head of Sravanabelagola Institutions, said works is in full swing to make the stay of Jain pilgrims visiting comfortable.

He said the Union government has released over Rs 100 crore to provide additional infrastructure and improve the existing one to provide basic facilities including accommodation, drinking water and other amenities. Besides, the Digambar Jain Math Managing Committee Trust has also contributed Rs 5 crore.

He said that state government has spent over Rs 12 crore to bring drinking water to the pilgrimage centre from Hemavathi river and over Rs 65 crore for improving the roads around Sravanabelagola connecting national highways.