Palitana Kartik Purnima Yatra 1979

The day Shatrunjaya reopens after the monsoon, and the steps fill before dawn.

Palitana's Kartik Purnima pilgrimage celebrates the reopening of sacred Shatrunjaya hill after the rainy Chaturmas period, in accordance with important Jain practices of restraint and non-violence. On the hill above Palitana in Gujarat stands a large complex of Jain shrines, especially dedicated to the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha or Adinatha. Jain tradition reveres the site for its association with Adinatha and the spiritual liberation of numerous holy beings. Such sacred associations are matters of faith, not modern archaeological proofs of specific sermons.

During the monsoon travel is restricted in many Jain ascetic traditions to minimize harm to small living beings. Pilgrims return with great devotion as the season ends. On Kartik Purnima many climb Shatrunjaya's long stone stairway, visiting temples for darshan, prayer and reflection. The 99-yatra Navanu tradition is another distinctive pilgrimage discipline, though not every visitor performs it.

The date is a full-moon pilgrimage observance and should be distinguished from the full Chaturmas period, which varies according to Jain community and temple practice. Exact access, climbing hours and current rules are set locally. Ahimsa, self-discipline, devotion and respect for other pilgrims are central to the day.

A reopening rather than an anniversary. What is being marked is that the road is walkable again, which is a plainer and older kind of festival than most.

The climb starts well before first light to be done before the sun is high. Nothing is eaten on the hill and nothing is carried down.

Palitana, Bhavnagar district, Gujarat; local Shatrunjaya hill access rules and Jain traditions govern the pilgrimage.