Shravanabelagola, (DHNS): Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda on Saturday climbed over 600 steps to reach the shrine of Lord Bahubali on the Vindhyagiri hill here for the ongoing Mahamastakabhisheka.

Despite the scorching heat, the 84-year-old MP climbed the hill barefoot with the help of security personnel and MLA C N Balakrishna.

Gowda, along with his wife Chennamma, arrived at Shravanabelagola at 12.25 pm.

While Chennamma depended on a 'doli' to reach the hilltop, Gowda climbed the hill in 50 minutes.

He performed abhisheka to the statue of Bahubali with his wife in the presence of Jain mutt seer Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swami.

Gowda consumed a tender coconut after performing the abhisheka. During his journey, Gowda took three breaks and doctors checked his blood pressure (BP) and sugar level.

Gowda said, "With God's grace, I have successfully climbed up the hill." Chenamma said Gowda had not informed her about climbing the hill barefoot.

"He is focused and has the willpower. He accomplishes whatever he wishes. I had thought of climbing the hill with him. But, it did not happen," said Chennamma.

Meanwhile, as Gowda was climbing up the hill, Saalumarada Thimmakka, who was coming down in a 'doli', got off and greeted Gowda.