RNS-ARCHIVE-PHOTO 102213

(1981) Thousands of members of the Jain sect gather in Karnataka, India to annoint the head of what is said to be “the tallest monolithic statue in the world.” A committee spokesman said, “This is the Maha Mastakabhisheka ceremony or the sacred head annointing of this colossus, Lord Bahubali or Gommateshwara, a patron saint of the Jain sect.” The event marked the 1,000 anniversary of the statue. Religion News Service file photo