One of the most important Shwetambar Jain Tirth places is the Siddhachal Mountain or Shatrunjaya Mountain in the town of Palitana. Located 54 kms from the Gujarat town of Bhavnagar, this pilgrimage spot is a popular destination for shwetambar Jains from all across the country especially from Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra.
Palitana, Only Vegetarian Town of India?
Often Palitana is said to be the only fully vegetarian town in all of India. I asked the locals when I was there and they did say it was true – there are no restaurants or open butcher shops. However, within the house, people may be eating non-vegetarian discreetly.
Due to the bustling Jain tirth and Shatrunjaya mountain inflow which provides a good income boost for local economy – harmoniously, the town is openly vegetarian.
In fact, a 5-star Taj Hotel is planning to open up at this tirtha, and they also have announced that it will be the very first veg-only Taj hotel. Obviously, makes sense because they expect to get a lot of affluent Jain customers – and that business would get massively affected if they chose to not adhere to the Jain sentiments of ahimsa.
Largest Temple Complex on Hill-top!
With 850 or more temples constructed right at the top of 600 m Siddhachal mountain top, it is often considered the “largest temple complex” on hill-top. And for us Jains one of the main activities when we visit Palitana – is a pilgrimage of 3500 steps up the mountain to the ancient temples!
Watch my vlog as I was climbing this mountain a few months back…
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