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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
42
The purpose of celebrating Jnanapanchami is to worship knowledge in these three ways.
We have explained briefly the significance of three festivals, Akshaya Thrithiya, Deepavali and Jnanapanchami. Now we shall discuss, in some detail, the significance of the fourth festival, Karthik poornima.
Karthik purnima has acquired significance on account of three reasons. On that day the Shravakas and Shravikas (the Jain devotees) go in a group on a pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya, an important pilgrim centre. Anyone would be greatly delighted and elated to see the crowds of pilgrims thronging the foot of Siddachala early in the morning, at four 'o'clock. Children, adults and old people keep rushing towards the place displaying their devotion and piety.
What is the meaning of the pilgrimage to Siddachal? It is actually a pilgrimage to Siddashila. By going there the pilgrims get great joy. Their emotions become ennobled. Many destroyed their karmas and attained salvation by this means. Pilgrims are thrilled, when they touch the pudgals (the matter). The current of piety runs through the hearts of the pilgrims.
The second reason is the religious wandering of ascetics. Their travelling is free from attachments. They do not develop attachment for any place. Here is a famous statement.
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