Tirth Saurabh

SR No.: 001295
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Atmanandji Maharaj
Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Sadhna Kendra Koba
Publication Year: 2000
Total Pages: 202
Language: Gujarati
Classification: Book_Gujarati, Devotion, & Articles
File Size: 6 MB

Page 192

There are many places of pilgrimage Shatrunjaya (Palitana), Mount Abu and Shravanbelgola are some of the most important ones.
Places Of Pilgrimage
Twenty-two TEERTHANKARS of the present cycle of time attained salvation (NIRVANA) at Sammed Shikhar. There are beautiful temples and CHARANS (representing the footprints of TEERTHANKARS). Sammed Shikhar is one of the most sacred places of pilgrimage for Jains.
There are thousands of beautiful temples on the hills at Shatrunjaya (Palitana). Therefore it is called the City of Temples. Most temples at Shatrunjaya have beautiful carvings in marble and stone. Shatrunjaya attracts visitors from all over the world.
१७४
તીર્થ-સૌરભ
in marble and so they are called the hymns in marble.
Mount Abu is world-renowned for its Delwara Temples. These temples are located on high hills covered with palm trees. There are five temples at Mount Abu: Vimal Vasahi, Luna Vasahi, Pitalhar Temple, Khartar Vasahi and Temple of Mahaveer Swami.1 These temples have been carved beautifully
1. In this context, Swami means virtuous and respectable.
(Courtesy: "Studies in Jainism", New York)
Shravanbelgola is near Mysore in South India. It is famous for the beautiful statue of Bahubali Swami, which is carved out of a mountain. The statue is about 60 feet tall. It reflects the supreme virtues of a VEETARAAG, one who does not have any likes and dislikes. Its message is that we should be humble and free from desires.
In Sanskrit, a place of pilgrimage is called TEERTH. It function as a bridge whereby one can cross a river. Great souls perform penance and meditation at solitary and peaceful places such as forests and mountain tops. They cross the ocean of worldly suffering and attain salvation. Therefore places like Sammed Shikhar and Shatrunjaya are called TEERTHS.
When we visit places of pilgrimage, we are reminded of the virtues of great souls who have become SIDDHAS. We tend to forget our everyday problems. We learn to have peace and happiness in life..
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