Akshay Tritiya (Jain)

Akshay Tritiya is a Hindu holy day that falls during the waxing moon of the month of Vaishakh. For Hindus, it is a day of both festivities and fasting. The word “akshay” means un-decaying, and it refers to the belief that the benefits from the devotion and piety exhibited on this day will never dissolve away.

Akshay Tritiya, also known as Varshi Tapa, is also a holy day for Jains. As with most Jain holy days, it is a time for fasting. A primary focus for celebration on this day is the Gujarati sacred site Shatrunjay, near the city of Palitana, Gujarat. There are hundreds of Jain temples in the immediate area, the most sacred of which is on the top of the hill that is dedicated to the first Tirthankar, Lord Adinath (a.k.a. Rishabdeva). Rishabhdeva is said to have completed a continuous fast of 13 months and 13 days on Akshay Tritiya.

Jains believe that in the legendary past, a Jain monk and his disciple, both of whom could fly and knew the secrets of creating gold, founded this holy site having been attracted by its twin peaks, both rising 2,000 feet above sea level. Over the years, numerous saints and teachers have chosen to conclude their earthly life (attain nirvana), including the first Tirthankar, who also was named the patron saint of Palitana.

Pilgrims on Akshay Tritiya will complete their fast by sipping sugar-cane juice in the cool shadow of the mountain. Some believe that in the future, a massive deluge will occur on earth that will destroy everything except the holy community on top of the Shatrunjay hills.

References
“Shatrunjay Jain Temple in Gujarat.” India-site. Posted at http://www .indiasite.com/gujarat/shatrunjaysscenicspirituality.html. Accessed July 15, 2010. Singh, Narendra K., ed. Encyclopedia of Jainism. 30 vols. New Delhi, India: Anmol, 2001. Wiley, Kristi L. Historical Dictionary of Jainism. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2004.