Visit to Shatrunjaya: A Journey to the Abode of the Gods

By Kenneth McIntosh

A Visit to Shatrunjaya

by Kenneth McIntosh

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8652 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	175 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Visit to Shatrunjaya is a travelogue of Kenneth McIntosh's pilgrimage to the sacred Jain temple complex in India. The book offers a glimpse into the history, architecture, and religious significance of this ancient site.

Shatrunjaya is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Jains, and it is said to be the place where the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha, attained moksha (liberation). The temple complex is located on a hilltop in the Palitana district of Gujarat, and it is home to over 863 temples. The temples are all made of white marble, and they are decorated with intricate carvings.

McIntosh's pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya was a transformative experience. He was deeply impressed by the beauty of the temples, and he was inspired by the devotion of the pilgrims. He also learned a great deal about Jainism, and he came to appreciate the religion's emphasis on non-violence and compassion.

Visit to Shatrunjaya is a beautifully written and informative book. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in Jainism, Indian history, or pilgrimage.

The History of Shatrunjaya

Shatrunjaya is believed to have been founded by Rishabhanatha, the first Jain Tirthankara, in the 9th century BC. The temple complex was originally known as Girnar, and it was a major center of Jainism for centuries. In the 11th century, the temple complex was attacked by the Muslim invader Mahmud of Ghazni. The temples were damaged, but they were later rebuilt. In the 15th century, the temple complex was again attacked, this time by the Mughal emperor Akbar. The temples were once again damaged, but they were eventually repaired.

Today, Shatrunjaya is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Jains. It is said that anyone who visits the temple complex and climbs the 3,750 steps to the summit of the hill will be granted moksha.

The Architecture of Shatrunjaya

The temples of Shatrunjaya are all made of white marble, and they are decorated with intricate carvings. The temples are built in a variety of architectural styles, including the Dravidian, Chalukyan, and Hoysala styles. The most famous temple in the complex is the Adinath Temple. The temple is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha, and it is said to be the oldest temple in the complex.

The temples of Shatrunjaya are a testament to the skill and artistry of the Jain craftsmen who built them. The temples are beautiful, and they are a source of great pride for Jains.

The Religious Significance of Shatrunjaya

Shatrunjaya is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Jains. It is said that anyone who visits the temple complex and climbs the 3,750 steps to the summit of the hill will be granted moksha. Moksha is the ultimate goal of all Jains, and it is a state of liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

In addition to being a pilgrimage site, Shatrunjaya is also a center of Jain learning. The temple complex is home to a number of libraries, and it is a place where Jain scholars have come to study and teach for centuries.

Kenneth McIntosh's Pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya

Kenneth McIntosh's pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya was a transformative experience. He was deeply impressed by the beauty of the temples, and he was inspired by the devotion of the pilgrims. He also learned a great deal about Jainism, and he came to appreciate the religion's emphasis on non-violence and compassion.

McIntosh's pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya is a reminder that pilgrimage can be a powerful and life-changing experience. It is an opportunity to connect with our spiritual traditions, to learn about new cultures, and to grow as individuals.

Visit to Shatrunjaya: A Must-Read for Anyone Interested in Jainism, Indian History, or Pilgrimage

Visit to Shatrunjaya is a beautifully written and informative book. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in Jainism, Indian history, or pilgrimage. McIntosh's pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya is a reminder that pilgrimage can be a powerful and life-changing experience. It is an opportunity to connect with our spiritual traditions, to learn about new cultures, and to grow as individuals.

A Visit to Shatrunjaya

by Kenneth McIntosh

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8652 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	175 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE