PALITANA

Main Deity - Nearly 216 cms. high, white-colored idol of Bhagawan Adinatha in the Padmasana posture. The boarding and lodging facilities are available. Digamabar Jain dharamshala is at Bhairavpura.

History - This tirth is known as the eternal tirth. Palitana was previously called by the name Padliptapur. In olden times this mountain was also called Pundarikgiri. Palitana is a city of temples. Pilgrims come to Palitana, take a bath in the river, bow down to the 99 idols and cross the ocean of re-births. Lamenting over misfortunes, be they of personal or of general nature, is not to the liking of believers in Jainism. After the temples on the summit of Shetrunjay were sacked by Turkish Muslims in 1,311 - Muni Jinaprabhasuri, the author of the above quotation, was then in his fiftieth year the first reaction by leading Jains was not the thought of revenge but of how to repair the damage and to replace the desecrated images. True to this determination', rebuilding began within two years; but most of what one sees on Shetrunjay today is of a much later date.

From the outside the 'new' Shetrunjay -.the hill 'which conquers, enemies' - looks like a fortress yet apparently there never was a garrison to defend it. ( enemies refers to our vices are meant that cause bad karma).

Climbing the 3750 steps on a bright early morning during the winter months of November to March is in itself already an experience that remains in one's memory. .Articles of leather or fur must be left behind or deposited at the appropriate places near the entrance. Owners of cameras should inquire whether a written permit to photograph-is still required, and if so where it may be obtained.

For the Svetambar Jains Shetrunjay is the earliest and, next to Sammet Shikhar in Bihar, the most sacred mountain. Traditionally it was Adinath or Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara of our age, who is said to have sanctified the hill by visiting it to deliver his first sermon. However, it was not Rishabha, as sometimes stated, who died and attained salvation on Shetrunjay but his grandson Pundarika; thus Shetrunjay is also called Pundarikgiri.

Bharata, the father of Pundarika and half-brother of Bahubali, is likewise credited with having frequented Shatrunjaya and established a tirth about nine kilometres south of Palitana. There, on a hill near the river, a new complex of five temples is nearing completion bearing the name. Hastagiri, meaning 'elephant hill'. Tradition has it that at this spot Bharata and his elephant obtained release from samsara, the cycle of perpetual rebirth.

Palitana is the name of the township which has, in close proximity, both a bus and a railway station. From here horse-drawn tongas take the visitor through the town and then along a straight road to the Jay Taleti Mandir at the foot of Shetrunjay. The last mile of this long road is lined with Dharmashala, temples, a museum and houses for monks and nuns respectively. In 1656 the Mughal governor of Gujarat, a Muslim, gave custody of Palitana to the Jaina merchant Shantidas Jhaveri.

For pilgrims visiting of foot there are three circumambulatory routes. The shortest leads round the temples along the outer wall; the other follows the foot of the mountain. The third, about forty kilometres long, frequents en route five temple sites where pilgrims may stay overnight before continuing their holy walk. The major event of the year takes place on the day of the full moon in the month of Phalgun (Feb./March) when some ten thousands of pilgrims go round the Shetrunjay hill, the 'Lord of Peaks'.

In this avasarpinikala (the descending half of the wheel of time), the temple was renovated 16 times as under.

First Renovation : By Chakravarti Bharata, the son of Bhagawan Adinath.

Second Renovation : By the King named Dandavirya.

Third Renovation : By Shri Ishaneshvar in the interim period between the times of the first and the second Tirthankara.

Fourth Renovation : By Mahendra of the fourth upper world(Devlok).

Fifth Renovation : By Brahmendra of the fifth upper world.

Sixth Renovation : By Chamarendra, Indra of Bhavanapatis.

Seventh Renovation : By Sagar Chakravarti, the second Chakravarti of the times of Bhagawan Ajitnath.

Eighth Renovation : By Vyantarendra in the times of Abhinandan Swami.

Ninth Renovation : By King Chandrayasha in the times of Chandraprabh Swami

Tenth Renovation : By Chakradhar, the son of Bhagawan Shantinath in the times of Bhagawan Shantinath.

Eleventh Renovation : By Ramchandraji and Lakshamanji in the times of Munisuvrat Swami.

Twelfth Renovation : By the five Pandavas in the times of Bhagawan Neminathji.

Thirteenth Renovation : By Seth Javed Shah of Mahuva in the year 108 of the Vikram era. He spent a million gold mohurs. In exuberance of joy, he died and was re-born in the fourth upper world (Devlok).

Fourteenth Renovation : By the advisor Bahud in the times of Kumarpal in the year 1213 of the Vikram era.

Fifteenth Renovation : By Shri Samara Shah in the year 1371 of the Vikram era.

Sixteenth Renovation : By Shri Karama Shah of Chittor on the auspicious sixth day of the dark half of the month of Vaishakh in the year 1587 of the Vikram era.

The renovations mentioned above, give us a glimpse of the antiquity of the tirth.. The auspicious occasion of bathing the idol in holy water on the mountain was splendidly celebrated. The festival of the last installation of the idol by Seth Rajnikant Mohanlal Zaveri (Devadi) and Seth Shantichand Balubhai Zaveri was celebrated under the inspiration of His Holiness Acharya Vijaychandradaysurisvarji Maharaj Saheb on the sixth day of the bright half of the month of Posh in the year 2047 of the Vikram era in the presence of 27 Acharyas 3200 Sadhu Sadhvis and lakhs of Shravakas and Shravakas. This splendid festival reminded one of the sixteen old renovations and the city of Palitana looked majestic like Indra’s capital. Here in exuberance of joy, the heart of Rajnibhai stopped functioning and he left for a higher state of life. Even today necessary renovations are being made by the Svetambar Jain Sangha and the Anandji Kalyanji Trust. Leader of the Sangha of Mt. Shetrunjay.

On Mt. Shetrunjay, there were many Sangha leaders from Chakravarti Bharat to Samara Shah and even the present times have seen many Sangha leaders. Many sanghs come on foot or in vehicles to pilgrimage this mountain. Pilgrims, who come on foot follow the necessary code of conduct, devote themselves to penance or worship and devoutly reach the sacred place.

From this holy mountain, many infinite souls went and will go to Moksa. Twenty-three Tirthankara other then Neminath put their on feet on land and added to its holiness. Everyone wishes touch the sand made holy by the touch of feet of Adinath in order to get liberated from good and bad karma and attain Moksha. As the navkar mantra is great and beneficent, so Mt. Shetrunjay is great and beneficent.

The Jaytaleti : In the Jaytaleti, there are 28 temples in all. In them, there are 41 foot-idol. Pilgrims visit at least five temples and the first of them is the Jaytaleti. Pilgrims put the sand of this place on their head and go further and bow down to the idol in the Dharmadas Jain Temple. Then of they reach the beautiful and artistic temple with a vast open square. The chief idol there is of Bhagawan Adishwar. In front of the temple, there is a temple of Pundarika Swami. Inside, there is Jalmandir on the left-hand side. There is an idol of Bhagawan Adishwar standing in deep meditation. There is mini-Shetrunjay with nine peaks. The pilgrims who cannot climb the mountain can bow down the idol there.

There is a temple of Saraswatidevi near the Samavasaran temple to the right of the road ascending from the Jaytaleti to the mountain. The serene idol of Saraswatidevi on the goose is very ancient and impressive Here gurus and pundits practiced penance. School-going children are specially brought here. This temple was installed in the year 1860 of the Vikram era. The Jain religion is great and its tirths are spectacular and wonderful. Showing the worship of the worshippers, charitability of the donors, sadhana of spiritual endeavourers and equanimity of Sadhus, these tirths inspire the pilgrims to cross the ocean of samsara.

The Samavasaran temple is the symbol of this aim. It presents many tirths at the same place. The 108 life-sketches are excellent works of sculpture. They are splendid beyond imagination. For scholars who are thirsty of knowledge and for lovers of sculpture, this is a small University. There are idols of Tirthankara facing temple the 108 idols of Bhagawan Parshvanath in the Samavasaran temple. The 108 ft. high on the vast piece of land built near babudera at the height of 81 ft. from the foot of the Mt. was built under inspiration of His Highness Acharya Vijaychandradaysurisvarji. In took 14 year of hard work to build it. Outside, one sees the wall paintings of Jain tirths. They are tons painted in various colors. Above all, the Ashok tree and the Chaitra tree weighing 500 are there. On the gem-pillar, there is a clinches high, four-mouthed idol of Bhagawan Mahavir Swami. It seems as if he is giving sermons.

Going further, one comes to the hado of Hingraj. Ambikadevi is known here by the name of Hingarajmata, the presiding deity on this hill. In ancient times, the pilgrims sometimes lost their way on the hills. They then prayed to Hingarajmata and found their way. This peaceful and lovely place is most suitable for sadhana. Even today, one sees the miracles of Padmavatidevi. On seeing the Tonk of the main temple of Dada and the summits of the nine tonks, one dances with joy. Then passing by the temple of Varikhijj, the Hirakund, the temples of Ram, Bharat and Thavachchaputra, one reaches Hanumandhara. Here, the road to the right leads to navtonk and the road to the left to the tonk of Dada.

On the way to Navtonk, there is an entrance window. Entering the window, one comes to the shrine of Angarsha, the Muslin saint. In the Muslim age, a Muslim King erected it for protection of the tirth.

Then one comes to the Narsinh Kesharji tonk built by Narsinh Kesharji in the year 1921 of the Vikram era. The chief idol there is of Bhagawan Shantinath. Then there is the tonk of Chaumukhji. It is the highest tonk on the mount. It was renovated by Seth Sadasomji in the year 1975 of the Vikram era.

Behind this tonk, there are idols of Pandavas. The Chhipavasahi tonk was built by Chhipa brothers in the year 1791 of the Vikram era. The chief idol is of Bhagawan Adinath. The Sakarvasahi tonk was built by Seth Sakalchand Premchand in the year 1893 of the Vikram era. The chief idol is of Bhagawan Chintamani Parshvanath. The Nandishvar tonk was built by Smt. Ujambai in the year 1893 of the Vikram era. The main idol is of Bhagawan Chandranan. The Hemvasahi tonk was built by Seth Hemabhai of Ahmedabad in the year 1886 of the Vikram era. The chief idol is of Bhagawan Adinath. The Premvasahi tonk was built by Premchand Modi in the year 1843 of the Vikram era. The chief idol is Bhagawan Adishwar. The Balavasahi tonk was built by Balabhai in the year 1893 of the Vikram era. The tonk of Motisha Seth was built by Seth Shri Motisha in the year 1893 of the Vikram era. The chief idol is of Bhagawan Adishwar.

Besides all the above tonks, the vast multitude of temples adds to the glory and grandeur of the mountain. Behind the mountain, there are Pages of gheti (ewe’s feet). There are ancient foot-idols of Bhagawan Adishwar. The road outside the chief tonk, leads there. The return journey to this place, brings a double reward.

Then comes Rampol. It is an artistic and beautiful gateway to Mokshanagar, the city of temples. The road to the left is the round road of 6 gaus. (1 gau = 3.2 kms). To the right of Rampol, there is a water-hut. It is built by Manibhai Lalbhai of the Jivanamani Sadvachanmala Trust. On entering Rampol, one comes to the tonk of Seth Motasha. Then there is a five peaked temple. Then one comes to the three-peaked temple. The Sagalpol is a resting-place for women who carry children to school. The road passing between Sagarpol and the Motasha tonks leads to Gheti’s paga (ewe’s foot-idols). Then there are Vaghanpol, the tonk of Vimal Vasahi, the temple of Bhagawan Shantinath and the small temples of Shri Chakreshvaridevi and Shri Padmavatidevi. In front of the small temples, there is a temple of Kavad Yaksha. Then there is an artistic temple of Bhagawan Neminath. It has a raised square in it. Further, there is a Paap-punya window with a statue of a female camel. The pilgrim is supposed to pass between her legs. It is, therefore, also called the Moksha-window. Thus passing by a number of temples, one reaches Hathipol. The new gate of Hathipol is splendid and delightful. There are lovely stone elephants on both sides. Then one comes to the temple of Bhagawan Adishwar. On seeing the chief idols of Bhagawan Adinath in the beautiful large temple with a series of domes and charming high summits, the heart of the worshippers dances with joy, the soul delights and the worshippers respectfully bow their heads down to the feet of God. The exhaustion of the pilgrims who have climbed 3800 steps is instantly removed.

The construction of the temple is wonderful, elegant and very artistic. 1245 pitchers and 21 idols of lions brightly shine in the temple. The four yoginis, the ten digpals, 72 dev-kulikas, the four gavaxesx, the 32 dolls and the 32 torarchs, make the temple look very beautiful and extraordinary.

As the tonk of Dada has three (paradakshinas) round side-passages, all small as well as big temples can be seen. The round side-passage represent knowledge, faith and conduct. Passing through the first passage, one sees the Sahasrakund temple, the foot-idols under the Rayan tree, the temple of idols of feet of Ganadhar and the temple of Simandhar Swami. Passing through the second passage, one sees the new temple of Bhagawan Adishwar, Mt. Meru, the temple of Samavasaran and the temple of Sammet Shikhar. Passing through the third passage one sees the temple of Astapad, the new tonk, the temple of Gandhariya Chaumukhji and the temple of Chaumukhji.

In this holy city of temples there are very many temples. Among them, the Vardhaman Jain Agam Mandir, the Minakari temple, the Jambudvip temple and the Kesariyaji temple are unsurpassed and extraordinary.

There is a Digamabar Jain temple also among these Swetamabar Jain temples.

Guidance - It is on the Shetrunjay Mt. at a distance of nearly six kilometers near the city of the bank of the river Shetrunjay. The nearest railway station is Palitana. It is at a distance of 48 kilometers from Bhavnagar and 30 kilometers from Shihor. Bus service and private vehicles are available here. The foot of the hill is at a distance of 105 kilometers from Palitana. The ascending road from the foot of the hill to the main Tonk, is four kilometers long. There is a provision for palki for weak and old people. In Palitana, there are nearly 150 Dharmashala with modern facilities. Under the inspiration of His Holiness Vijayvishalsen Surisvarji Maharaj Saheb, the vast Jain Kala Sansthan Museum is recently built at the foot of the hill near Shri Kesariyaji temple. It is intended to preserve the very ancient cultural heritage of the Jain religion.

Above document is referred from :http://www.jainheritagecentres.com/Gujarat/Palitana.htm

palitana cha Gav Jathara

palitana Fagun sud 13 Cha Gav jathara is been done it is most auspicious day for Jains. It is said the on this day 18000 people from Palitana attained mokasha.

Do Bhav Jathara by watching this video From Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k56EB-y-JI

NAVTATVA

AN EXPLANATION OF THE PICTURE RELATING TO THE NINE TATVAS

IN THE PICTURE, relating to the nine tatvas, there is an illustration of the relationship of the nine tatvas to the jiva.
It is as follows:

1. Suppose that jiva is a lake. This is the jivatatva.
2. This lake is filled with the rubbish of karmas. This is the Ajivatava.
3. Of these Karmas, the auspicious ones are called punyatatvas.
4. The inauspicious Karmas are called sinful tatvas orentities.
5. The gutters and cannels through which the rubbish of Karma is bought into the lake of life symbolize the Ashravatatva.
6. The dams or lids, which can check the in flow of these things, are the samvartatva.
7. The Bandhatatva determines the nature, Condition and time of karma.
8. The Nirjaratatva is like a medicinal Powder.
9. The Mokshatatva emerges after the destruction of all the other tatvas.

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What is Jainism?

Jain religion recognises the fundamental natural phenomenon of Symbiosis or mutual dependence, which forms the basis of the modern day science of ecology. 
Life is viewed as a gift of togetherness, accommodation, and assistance in a universe teeming with interdependent constituents.
Jain whether monks, nuns or householders, therefore, affirm prayerfully and sincerely, that their heart is filled with forgiveness for all living beings and that they have sought and received the forgiveness of all beings, that they crave the friendship of all beings, that all beings give them their friendship and that there is not the slightest feeling of allienation or enmity in their heart, for any one or anything. They also pray that forgiveness and friendliness may reign throughout the world and that all living beings may cherish each other.
Jainism is nature in the purest and truest form. Jainism is as old as nature, which has neither beginning nor any end. The mission of Jainism is the mission of nature, which is to work for the welfare of one and all, to rise from the pitfall of ignorance and inaction to the spiritual climax of infinite bliss and perfect knowledge. i.e. absolute freedom.
Jainism is a religion based on cosmic principles, eternal principles on which this colossal machinery runs without any mistake or even a single momentary halt. The principles of modern science are true and temporary in particular context of space and time only, but the principles of Jainism are true for all time, for all space, for
everybody and everything. Jainism throws light on the colossal structure of universe, its shape, size, origin, purpose and mechanism. It deals in perfect details with six reals out of which the universe is made. Everything that happens in the universe is according to the fixed pattern of eternal laws, which are unshakable and infallible.
Jainism does not belong to any particular sect or fixed dogmas. Jainism does not say that some particular class will be given freedom and the others will remain in bondage, it is a perfect form of democracy. It emphasises equality of opportunities to achieve perfect freedom and spiritual perfection, be it a highborn or any backward class member, even the lowest form of life. Each one has the potentiality of reaching the highest state. It believes that every soul has immense power, which can be released like the nuclear energy.
Jainism believes there are two kinds of energies, one is the energy of mechanism and the other is the energy of intelligence. In technical terms they are called matter and life. (Jada and Chetana). Energies of gravitation, magnetism and electricity are believed to be three scientific forces, which sustain the universe. But the subtle forces of silence and solitude of surrender and prayer, of love and sympathy, of dedication and determination these subtle forces etc., are manifestation of the energies of intelligence. It is a rule in nature that subtle forces of Yoga- (The activities of mind, speech and body are more powerful than the gross forces of material science).

Shravak Jivan

As All Knows Most valuable is our character. We must concentrate first on good character building. We are architects of our own fortune.
.
similarly living life is also an art. We must become a master of this art. This are the taughts of Lord Mahavir. His teaching are very simple.

Be happy by making others happy. Feel happy by sharing other people's misery. Do not forget that you can not collect the roses of joy by burning the hearts of others.


People desire pleasures and enjoyments. They say - "We will be happy if we get wealth... We will be happy if we have good health... We will be happy if we have good brothers and sisters... We will be happy if we have fame and honour...

As Per Lord Mahavir:-
If you want to be happy, march on the path of religion.
Religion is the highway which leads to happiness.

Religion describes the five main sins. These five sins are the root cause of all our pains and miseries. These five sins are -

1) Violence

2) Telling lies

3) Stealing

4) Sex and

5) Possessiveness

One who wants to walk on the path of religion must control these five sins in life. To control these sins, one must follow five anuvrata or five mahavrata. Five anuvratas are for Shravak and five mahavratas are for Sadhu.

"One should accept Ascetic life only. But those who can not become sadhu must accept the Shravak's life.-"Lord Mahavirswami"

To become a sadhu, one has to practice five great vows. Similarly to become a Shravak, one has to accept twelve vows.

Twelve vows include, five Anu-Vrata, three Gun-Vrata and four Shiksha Vrata. We know about five Anu-Vrata.

Paryushan Parva

Paryushan Parva is the king of all festivals and hence is known as
Parvadhiraj. This festival lasts for eight days. Jain festivals are
not meant for eating, drinking and to make merry. Jain festivals are
celebrated by penance, Jap (recitation of Mantra) prayer, worship and
friendship. During the Paryushan Parva we must visit the temple daily,
must worship Trithankar, perform penance and must listen to Kalpasutra
(Jain holy sculpture).

On the fifth day of Paryushan Parva, Mahavir Swami's birth ceremony is
celebrated by displaying the fourteen dreams which Trishala Mata had
seen before Lord Mahavir's birth.

Paryushan Parva is also known as the festival of forgiveness. One who
forgives all and one who seeks forgiveness from all is the one who
really celebrates Paryshan Parva.

The last day of Paryushan Parva is known as Savantsari. The day of
"Universal Forgiveness". On this day, all Jains ask forgiveness from
everybody. They themselves forgive all those who may have done wrong
to them during the year that passed.