India : Gujarat : Attractions and Excursions - 3

Image Source: Palitana Temple

Palitana is actually the modified present name of Padlipatapur. Being unvanquished by the enemies, it is also called "Shatrunjaya" (vanquisher of enemies). the path winds through 3950 steps for a trying 3.5 km up the scrub covered Shatrunjaya Hills. Much of the track is unshaded and the higher you climb the more the heat haze skimmers across the plains for below. And then, after two hours and quarter, Palitana spreads white and crenelated above you. Camelot must have been like this, rising above the plains, wrapped in its own mystique. Some of the 900 temples of Palitana were built in the 11th century. Construction activity, however, spanned 900 years. As successive worshipers of the non-violent and trading Jain community designed their own temples, they cleared the crest of the hill, leveled it into terraces, walled and fortified most of them.

Visitors naturally wonder how such a mammoth task of covering the entire summit with temples has been achieved. The answer is simple. Generations after generations of Jain devotees have spent money on some construction or the other on the Shatrunjaya. This is aptly described in Ras Mala thus: There is hardly a city in India, through its length and breadth, that has not supplied at one time or other, contributions of wealth to the edifices which crown the hill of Palitana.

Because of its sanctity, every devout Jain aspires to climb to the top of the mountain at least once in his lifetime. The journey is arduous. The walk up the stone stairway hewn into the mountain face takes about an hour and a half. For those unable or unaccustomed to the strain. sling-chairs are available at a bargain. The code for the climbers 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 right and Gods are to be left alone. Such is the mystique of Palitana, the summit of Shatrunjaya.

The mount Shatrunjaya lies hardly a kilometer away from the town, the way which is now dotted on both she sides by sarais and minor temple. The mountain is associated with Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankar, also known as Aadinath. This great journey performed by the first Tirthankar Shri Raishabhdev, is in itself an inspiration for the followers of Jainism. Even today thousands of devotees visit the pilgrimage 99 times which is called "Navanu Yatra". Due to special connection with Lord Aadinath the solemnization of the "Varshee-tap" (penance performed for full one year) is also done by people here on "Akshay Tritiya" or "Aakkhateej". Every year thousands of "Varshee-tap" observers visit the pilgrimage and perform final rituals of this "top" (Penance) here.

"Top" is the main feature of Jainism. "Varshee-Tap" (one full year of penance) is considered to be the longest and the hardest. But, thousands of Jains every year observe this "tap". In this "tap" fasting is observed on one day and food is taken on the next day. This sequence continues for full one year. The "parna" (concluding ritual of this "tap") is considered to be auspiciously important both at Hastinapur and Palitana.

The journey to Palitana Pilgrimage begins with a dip in the Shatrunjaya river. On the pathway first comes the "Baawan Jinalaya" temple which stands at the foothill. It was built in Samvat 1950 by Shresthi Dhanpat Singh Lakshmipat Singh. There are fifty-two ("Baawan") cells in this temple.

Delhi : overfilled, striking colored and boisterous heart and soul of India.

Image Source : Delhi

Delhi is the second largest metropolis in India after Mumbai. Located in northern India on the banks of the River Yamuna.

Delhi has a semi-arid climate with high variation between summer and winter temperatures. Summers are long, from early April to October, with the monsoon season in between. During the summer season, the city faces extreme power and water shortages. The summer heat waves kill dozens each year. Winter starts in November and peaks in January and is notorious for its heavy fog, which often disrupts road, air and rail traffic.

Both Old and New Delhi exert an influenced by slyness beguile on visitors. Lose yourself unwinding the secrets of the city's Mughal past in the mazy streets of Old Delhi before emerging into the wide open spaces of imperial New Delhi, with its ordered governmental vistas and generous covered with leaves avenues.

The Red Fort: The Red Fort locally known as Lal Quila, is Delhi's distinguishing style attraction, rising high above the blare of Old Delhi as a reminder of the wealth and power of the Mogul empire. The monolithic arenaceous rock walls were built in the 17th century to keep out predatory encroachers and still prevail the skyline today. Inside are an array of dainty buildings, which once provided the living quarters for Shah Jehan, his courtiers, family and staff of three thousand. Visitors can wonder at the complex medal and only imagine the scenes here at the empire's height when the walls were constellated with precious stones and a 'stream of paradise' drove an imaginative air conditioning system. The fort was the scene of the Indian uprising of 1857 and the mighty Lahore Gate, on the west side of the fort, remains a potent symbol in the fight for Independence.

Chandni Chowk: Missing your visit at Chandani Chowk, it means you are unsuccessful to grab the good moments of Delhi. It would be complete without a visit to one of the bazaars that surround Chandni Chowk (Moonlight Square), in Old Delhi, where shops and stalls display a wonderful array of goods and offer a mordacious and colourful insight into Delhi life. Chandni Chowk has a large number of galis (lanes) and each one is different, with their own atmosphere and smells. Naya Bazaar, on Khari Baoli, is the spice market that displays a wonderful selection of foodstuff in neat, colourful piles. The nearby Gadodial Market is the wholesale spice market. Hundreds of spices and flavorings can be found including aniseed, ginger, pomegranate, saffron, lotus seeds, pickles and chutneys, to name just a few. Chor Bazaar sits behind the ramparts of the Red Fort and comes to life on Sundays to trade a collection of 'second hand' goods. Chawri Bazaar was once notorious for the ladies who beckoned men from the arched windows and balconies above street. Today, these houses have made way for shops specialising in brass and copper Buddhas, Vishnus and Krishnas. Some of the busiest galis house the poultry and fish markets, east of Kalan Mahal, but most tourists wisely avoid them.

If you are on the tour of Delhi, do not miss to visit at Jama Masjid, Qutb Minar, Humayun’s Tomb and Rashtrapati Bhavan ... the list has no bounds.

Friends, waiting for you at Delhi...