Culture
- Beliefs
Every devout Jain aspires to climb to the top of the mountain at least once in his lifetime because of its sanctity to attain "Bhavya" (nirvana or salvation). The code for the climbers is stringent, in keeping with the rigours of the Jain faith. Food must neither be eaten nor carried on the way. The descent must begin before it is evening, for no soul can remain atop the sacred mountain during the night. The Shatrunjaya hills are considered by many Jains to be more important than the temple-covered hills of Jharkhand, Mount Abu and Girnar.
- Festivals
On one special day (Fagun Sud 13), which commonly falls in February/March (According to the Hindu Calendar, it is 13th day of Sud Cycle in the month of Falgun), thousands of Jain followers visit the temple complex to attain salvation. Three times as many pilgrims come at this time, which is also called "6 Gaon".
The special festival day is the "Chha Gau Teerth Yatra" at the temple complex held on Poornima day (Full Moon Day) of Kartik month according to the Jain calendar (October–November as per the Gregorian Calendar). Jains, in very large numbers assemble on this day at the temple complex on the hills as it opens after 4 months of closure during the monsoon season. During this pilgrimage, considered a great event in the life time of devout Jain, pilgrims circumambulate the Shatunitjaya Hills covering a distance of 216 km on foot to offer prayers to Lord Adinatha on the Kartik Poornima Day at the top of the hill.
Mahavir Jayanti, the birthday of Mahavira, is a notable festival celebrated at the temple complex. A procession carrying images of thirthankara Mahavira is made in huge decorated chariots, concurrently accompanied by religious ceremonies in the temples. Rituals include fasting and giving alms to the poor.
Read more about this topic: Palitana Temples
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