Lighthouse

Author(s): Udayvallabhvijay
Publisher: Pragna Prabodh Parivar

Page 28

Bhojanshalas, Bhataghar and other conveniences on the Taleti Road. All these conveniences have staff totaling to thousands of people. Palitana means land of devotion (Bhakti) Palitana means land of utsavas Palitana is host to chaturmas, updhan tap, navvanu yatra. These anusthanas (holy events) keep happening throughout the year and several bands, charioteers, owners of elephants and horses, bullock carts etc. are always occupied. One could add those providing transportation to the pilgrims such as horse carriages, rickshaws etc. If we expand, those involved in transport and tour industry, rental cars, buses etc. can also be added to those who earn livelihood because of Palitana. Then there are street food vendors and other small traders lining both the sides of Taleti road. (Though from the angle of religion, eating at the road side joints is not permitted, we are including them as we are considering the issue only intellectually). All this can be attributed indirectly to the existence of Shree Aadinath Bhagwan at Palitana. If the hillock did not have the temple of Dada all these also would not be there! Several places around Palitana such as the Shatrunjay Dam, the Teerth of Talaja, Ghoga, Hastgiri, Kadambgiri also attracts pilgrims. However, ninety percent of pilgrims visiting these places are those who have primarily come to Palitana. Thus, the direct employment at these Teerthas have the indirect holding of the adhipati of Shatrunjay. In
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