Shatrunjay a Pilgrimage

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

Page 44

CHHA GÄUNI YÄTRÄ
Outside the Rämpol gate, there is a paved route on the left side, which circumscribes the hill for 12 miles. Pilgrims on that
route first come to the templet of Devkishatnandan, meaning six sons of Devki. Her 7th son, Krishna, was destined to kill Kansa, the king of Mathurä. When Kansa came to know about it, he decided to kill her sons, as they were born. According to Jain belief the first six of them were secretly sent away to a place of safety
and were reared in Templet of Davakishatnandan
obscurity. Later on,
they became pupils of Lord Neminäth and attained the liberation on this hill.
Then the pilgrims come across a templet of Lords Ajitnäth and Shantinäth. Thereafter they come to the Chilan Talavadi named after Chilanmuni. He is considered to be a pupil of Sudharmäswämi, the 5th Ganadhar of Lord Mahävir. It is said that once the Muni was traveling towards this hill along with a large group. When they came to this place, the people became very thirsty and could not go ahead without water. By virtue of his accomplishments, the Muni is said to have raised
SHATRUNJAY -- PAGE 40