For Pathshala Students Shatrunjay Tirth in Palitana, Gujarat Mt. Shatrunjay, situated near the river Shatrunji, has about 900 temples each rivaling the others for beauty and magnificence. The peak is a little over two miles, a climb of over 3745 steps from the foot of the hill. Let’s go, do Jatra! Let’s go, do Jatra at JSMC Palitana!! Jay Taleti “Ädishvar Bhagawän Ki Jay!” Samavsaran A temple constructed in the shape of Samavasaran has 108 idols of Bhagawän Pärshvanäth from 108 Tirthas and 24 Tirthankars. The top of the temple has 4 idols of a Tirthankar under a giant Ashok tree, giving sermon facing all four directions just like Samavasaran. Hingläj Hado Shree Neminäth Bhagawän’s Yakshini Ambikä Devi is also guardian of this region. She saved pilgrims from the tyrant demon Hingul and made the pilgrimage to Shatrunjay safe. Since then she is known as Hingläj Devi and helps the pilgrims even today. Padmavati Devi Mandir In this small temple, there is an idol of Devi Padmävati with a sevenhooded serpent with idol of Pärshvanäth Bhagawän on the top with a five-hooded serpent. Here we bow down to Devi Padmävati as our Sädharmik. Motishä Tunk This magnificent temple was constructed about 150 years ago by a businessman named Motishä. In this complex, there are 15 other temples and 125 small Deri. About 4000 workers worked for 7 years to build this marvelous work of art. Dädäni Tunk The main temple of Ädinäth Bhagawän Here is the main temple of Ädinäth Bhagawän. This 78 feet tall two-storied imposing temple structure is supported by 72 pillars. Historically, temple was constructed by King Kumärpäl in12th century. As it was destroyed during Muslim invasion it was restored again during 15th century by Shree Karmäshä. Seeing the peaceful and serene, white-colored, nearly 7 feet tallidol of Bhagawän Ädinäth, our heart forgets all the worries and we bow down to Bhagawän’s feet with great joy. Räyan pagalä Under a very old Räyan (berry) tree, a foot-idol of Bhagawän Ädinäth was installed in memory of Bhagawän Ädinäth’s Samavasaran. Ajitnäth - Shäntinäth Deri Here in two small temples there are foot-idols of Bhagawän Ajitnäth and Bhagawän Shäntinäth. As the story goes, Muni Nandisen during the time of Bhagawän Mahävir was praying here. But as these two temples were facing each other he had his back to one of these temples. Therefore, he composed a Stotra (prayer) in praise of these two Tirthankars and both temples came next to each other. Siddha Vad (Banyan tree) Even though infinite numbers of souls have liberated from Mt. Shatrunjay, more souls have liberated from here. So, it is known as Siddha Vad. Chandan Talävadi (pond) Sudharma Swämi’s disciple Chillan Muni came here with a large number of pilgrims. On the way, all of them became very thirsty. Muni with his special power created a pond of clean water. While repenting for the water souls, Muni recited Iriyävahiyä sutra and became enlightened with Kevaljnän. Later on this place became known as Chandan Talävadi. Bhädaväno Dungar (hill) On this very hill Lord Krishna’s chief queens Rukmini and Jambvati’s sons respectively Pradhyumna and Shämba were liberated with other 850,000,00 Sädhus. It was the thirteenth day of bright half of the month Fägan. In the memory of that incident, only on this day thousands and thousands of Yätris embark upon Yäträ of about 12 miles known as Chha Gau Yäträ around Mt. Shatrunjay. This is one of the auspicious days for Shatrunjay Yäträ. Gheti Päg (road) There is another trail from a small town named Gheti to go up on Mt. Shatrunjay. It is said that Bhagawän Ädinäth had climbed from this side of the mountain. Minister Udayan’s son Ämbad had installed foot-idol of bhagawan adinatha in about 12th century. There are several other temples nearby, where one of the temples has a 2200 year old idol of bhagawan Adinath.