Shatrunjay Giriraj Darshan in Sculptures and Architecture

Author(s): Kanchansagarsuri
Publisher: Aagamoddharak Granthmala

Page 63

Shri Shatrunjay Giriraj Darshan
(a) Three-mile 'Pradaxina' : There is a three-mile fort encircling all the
temples on Shri Shatrunjay. A pilgrim desiring to perform a three
mile 'Pradaxina' walks all around the fort. (b) Twelve-mile 'Pradaxina' : On Falgun Sud 13, every year, a twelve-mile
round trip is undertaken. Almost 20,000 pilgrims join this 'Pradaxina' and the bliss experienced is beyond words! Proceeding East from Ramapole one comes to Devki-Shat-Nandan Deri on a hillock; then comes Ulakha-Navan-Deri, Ajitnath-Shantinath Deri, Chilan Talavadi, Bhavada Hills, Samba-Pradyumna Deri, Sidhhavad Deri, Aatpur camp and Palitana.
The facilities for food, water and rest are available at Aatpur. (c) Twentyfour-Mile 'Pradaxina': A very few strong and healthy pilgrims
start on a 24-mile round trip, starting from Palitana to Bhandaria - Kadambgiri - Hastigiri and back to Palitana.
(4) SEVEN YATRAS WITH 'CHHATTHA'
It is said that one who completes seven pilgrimages of Shatrunjay observing two 'Upavas' (without water) attains 'Moksha' in the third life.
(5) 'CHHATTHA-ATTHAM'
Seven 'Chhatthas' and two 'Atthams' have to be accomplished by a pilgrim within a year. At each step 'Sadhak' is given a different ascending 'Mantra'.
(6) IMPORTANT DATES
A list of special festive dates is as follows: (1) Kartiki Poornima, (2) Maha Vad 13 (Posh Vad 13 as per Gujarati) which is also called Merootryodashi, (3) Falgun Sud 8, (4) Falgun Sud 13, (5) Falgun Vad 8, (6) Chaitri Poornima, (7) Vaishakh Sud 3 (Akshaya Trutiya), (8) Vaishakh Vad 6, (9) Ashadh Sud 14.
(7) NINTY-NINE "YATRAS' OF GIRIRAJ (“NAVVANOO')
Lord Aadishvar visited Shri Shatrunjay on Falgun Sud 8 for 99 'Purvas' (One 'Purva' = (84000 X 84000) years). Every year He visited on the same day invariably.
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