Shatrunjay a Pilgrimage

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Indira Mansukhlal Doshi Memorial Trust

Page 12

Immediately after that place, pilgrims come across five statues. People call them five Pändavas. But really, they are the statues of Ram, Bharat, Thävachchäputra, his pupil Shukparivräjak and his pupil Shailakächärya. Ram and Bharat are the well known characters of Rämäyan. Thävachchäputra, as the name indicates, was the son of Thävachchä. Renouncing at the prime age, he had become the pupil of Lord Neminäth and is said to have attained the liberation here. His pupil Shukparivräjak and the latter's pupil Shailakächärya also seem to have gained it here.
A little ahead, are the footsteps of Nami and Vinami, who were also the grandsons of Lord Rushabhdev. They were the sons of Kachchha and Mahäkachchha, who had renounced along with the Lord. Nami and Vinami were thus entitled to the shares from the Lord's vast dominion. They had, however, been out at the time of distribution of the estate. The Lord had therefore entrusted their shares to Bharat. Instead of asking for the same from Bharat, Nami and Vinami came to the Lord and began to serve him with the expectation of getting their shares. The Lord, of course, remained unaffected thereby. Dharanendra, the chief of a snake world, was, however, pleased with their sincerity. He therefore gave them the territories around Vaitädhya, the mythical mountain of Jain tradition. But later on, they were subdued by Bharat during his journey of conquest. Thereupon Nami and Vinami renounced the worldly life and attained liberation here.
Thereafter, Pilgrims come to the last Hadä called Hanumän Hadä. Here is the bifurcation of the route. The right side goes towards Navtuk and the left one towards the main Tuk. The left side does not have much ascent. It is a slowly rising walk with a few intermittent steps that lead to the main Tuk. On the way a little up in the rock, there are the statues of Jäli, Mayäli and Uvayäli. They had renounced at the instance of Lord Neminäth and had attained omniscience.
SHATRUNJAY PAGE 8 For Private & Personal Use Only