It is 51 km south-east of Hassan and is one of the most important Jain pilgrim centres. It has a 17 m high monolith of Lord Bahubali, the world's tallest monolithic statue. Thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka, a spectacular ceremony held once in 12 years. During the ceremony the 1000-year old statue is anointed with milk, curd, ghee, saffron and gold coins. The next Mahamastakabhisheka will be held in 2006 AD. Hassan is the District Headquarter, set amidst picturesque surroundings. Hassan is called as "Poor man's Ooty". It houses the Master Control Facility of India's space programme. This is a quiet and peaceful town and can be a convenient base to visit Shravanabelagola, Belur and Halebid. Kannada, English, Hindi are the languages in common usage.