Palitana – The Unfading Enchantment.

 



Witnessing a Cluster of Temples After Climbing 3,500 Steps

A hike that is both rejuvenating and a feast for the eyes, as one ascends the holy mountain. Every breath feels fresh and soothing to the soul. The Palitana Temples are the abode of Lord Adinatha, the first Tirthankara according to Jain scriptures. These temples have existed since the 11th century and have a history of construction and restoration spanning about 900 years.

Kumarpal Solanki, a Jain patron, was the first person to build a temple on the Shatrunjay Hill.

This is one of the most important and holiest pilgrimage sites for Jains.

A Place of Soul Purification.

A Place of Peace.

A Place of Hope.

Interesting Facts:

  • The main idol of Lord Adinatha was believed to have breathed seven times after its installation in 1006 AD. 

  • The holy hill of Palitana is believed to be an abode only for divine souls, and therefore, no one is allowed to stay overnight, including the priests.

  • A Sufi Pir, Angaarsha, the Savior of the Palitana Temples: After the Pir's efforts to dissuade Allauddin Khilji's army from destroying the Palitana temples failed, miraculous fire showers from the sky, believed to have been sent by the Pir, eradicated half of Khilji's army as they approached the main temple complex, thus saving the temples. He was later considered a holy man by the Jains.

Visitors to Palitana often see a dargah dedicated to Angaarsha Pir, which is believed to be a place where wishes are granted. For example, if someone wishes to become a doctor, they might leave a stethoscope at the dargah.

The holy land of Palitana is believed to be a place where divine souls attain moksha. In fact, 23 out of the 24 Tirthankaras are believed to have attained moksha on this sacred land. It is also believed that the Pandavas, along with Kunti, attained moksha on Shatrunjay Hill.

The Palitana Temples are considered indestructible and are believed to exist forever.

Lord Adinatha is believed to have visited this hill 6,985,440,000,000 times, which corresponds to 99 Purva cycles.

One Purva equals the square of Purvang, and one Purvang is 84,000 years. Therefore, 84,000 x 84,000 = 1 Purva, which equals 7,056,000,000,000 years. Multiplying this by 99 gives the total number of visits made by Lord Adinatha to this holy place.

Hence, the most sacred spiritual journey, called the Navanu Yatra, is performed by thousands of Jains as an act of reenacting Lord Adinatha's journey.

As a Jain myself, every visit to this place has been both healing and refreshing. 

The stories of the Palitana Temples have never failed to fascinate me.




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