Great Palitana Temple, Gujarat, India
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Palitana
is the greatest and biggest pilgrimage center and sacred place of
Jains.
The Shwetambar Jain community believes that the hill of Palitana (Siddhachal) is eternal. Rshabhadev (Adinath), the first Jain Tirthankara, came here several times and preached. Billions of monks and nuns have attained Nirvana (Salvation) from this hill from times immemorial.
It
is also believed that hundred millions monks leaded by Dravida
andVarikhilla
attained here Nirvana on the auspicious day of Kartika Purnima (Full moon day in the month of Kartika according to Indian lunar calendar) and fifty millions leaded by Nami and Vinami on Chaitri Purnima (Full moon day in the month of Chaitra according to Indian lunar calendar).
The
Palitana temples are considered the most sacred pilgrimage place
(tirtha) by
the Jain community, and is the world's largest Temple Complex. There are more than 3000 temples located on the Shatrunjaya hills, exquisitely carved in marble. The main temple on top of the hill, is dedicated to 1st tirthankar lord Adinath (Rishabdeva).
On
the top the Shatrunjai Hill is a cluster of Jain temples, built by
generations of Jains over a period of 900 years, from the 11th century
onwards. The temples are managed by the Anandji Kalyanji Trust of the
Kasturbai Lalbhai group.
From
the foot of the hill to the top there are 3,800 and odd stone steps cut
to facilitate climbing.The steps were hewn out of the rock in the 13th
century CE during the time of Jain minister Vastupal.
The
temples are exquisitely carved in marble, veritable prayers in stone.
To an observer, these appear to be ivory miniatures when seen from a
distance. Created by master craftsmen, the most important temple is that
of the first teerthankara, Shri Adishwar. It has ornate architectural
motifs, though in its overall plan it is simpler than the Choumukh.
Other
notable temples are those of Kumarpal, Vimalshah and Sampriti Raja.
Kumarpal Solanki, a great Jain patron, probably built the earliest
temple. The temple has a fabulous collection of jewels, and these can be
seen with special permission.
The temples date from 11th to the 20th century
On
one special day (Fagun Sud 13), which usually falls in February/March
of every year (According to Hindu Calender, it is 13th Day of Sud Cycle
in the month of Falgun) there is a huge crowd of thousands of people
visiting its place as it is said that on this particular day, millions
of Jain followers attained salvation from this Hill. Also the pilgrim on
that day is almost 3 times as compared to any other day which is also
called as "6 Gaon" which is approximately 15-18 Kilometers of walk and
climbing of Hilly terrain.
Every
devout Jain aspires to climb to the top of the mountain at least once
in his lifetime, because of its sanctity. The journey is arduous. The
walk up the stone stairway hewn into the mountain face takes about an
hour and a half. For those unable or unaccustomed to the strain,
sling-chairs are available at a bargain.The code for the climbers is
stringent, in keeping with the rigours of the Jain faith. Food must
neither be eaten nor carried on the way.They can, however, drink water
and water posts are provided all along the route
Moti Shah Toonk (Temple) at the top of Siddhachal hills
The
descent must begin before it is evening, for no soul can remain atop
the sacred mountain during the night. Such is the mystique of Palitana,
the summit of Shatrunjaya. While atop one can also visit a Muslim shrine
of Angar Pir. The childless women seek the Pir's blessings to be
blessed with children. They offer miniature cradles to the Pir and the
shrine is strewn with such cradles.
Facts about Palitana :
Shetrunjay Temples: Steps: 3364
Height: 2000 ft; 7.5 miles
Pratima (Idols): 27007 Jinmandir: 3507
A recently concluded count reveals that there are a total of more than 27,000 idols of jain god on this mountain alone
No one is allowed to sleep overnight including the priest, because the temple city has been built as an abode for the Gods
There
are 900 temples big and small on the two summits. The sculptures that
adorn the marble temples present a feast to the eyes. You need not be a
Jain to admire the spectacle. Generations of Jain all over the country
have contributed their mite to make Shatrunjay Hill what it is today.
Samavasharana temple in Palitana valley
It
is said all the Jain Tirthankars, excepting Neminath, had attained
nirvan on Shatrunjay Hill. This fact adds to the veneration the devout
have for the place. The place is therefore called Siddhakshetra where
one attains moksh.The mountain is associated with Rishabhdev, the first
Tirthankar who is also known as Adinath.
Carving in lime in Neminath Temple, Shatrunjay Hills, Palitana
The
main temple at the top contains his idol in padmasan. He belonged to
the Ikshvaku Dynasty of Ayodhya. So Rama was his ancestor. Adinath
visited the Shatrunjay Hill 93 times.
Every shrine has idols of Tirthankars adorned with jeweled eyes.
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