Pilgrimage of Jainism - 22 Days

Mumbai - Bhavnagar - Palitana - Ginar - Rajkot - Ahmedabad - Patan - Tranga - Ambaji - Mt. Abut - Udaipur - Ranakpur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Bikaner - Delhi.

JAINISM is all about LIVE & LET LIVE, the oldest relgion in INDIA. The main followers are the JAINS. All those who follow the relgion are vegetrain and they follows what Lord Mahaveera said LIVE & LET LIVE. There is one "Great Navakar Mantra," it say all about to have Moksha (Salvation). It can be achieve by chanting the Navakar Mantra in one concentration of mind and have self faith in you. Peace on Earth can be achieve if we all follow the Non-Violence. All people on the Earth should Love one another and not to kill the animals. They have the rights to live on the Earth also. It was established by Mahavira in about 500 B. C. Mahavira like Buddha belonged to the warrior caste. Mahavira was called 'Jina' meaning the big winner and from this name was derived the name of the religion. In many senses Jainism is similar to Buddhism. Jainism like Buddhism, developed as a dissention to the Brahmanic philosophy that was dominant during that period in north- east India. Mahavira just like Buddha isn't the first prophet of his religion.

Day 01 ARRIVE MUMBAI
Arrive Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India's most cosmopolitan city. You are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to Hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 MUMBAI
Morning cruise across the harbor to Elephanta Island and its famous caves, filled with carvings and sculptures dating to 550 A.D. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Mumbai includes the British-built arch "Gateway of India," Mumbai's landmark; the Hanging Gardens and the affluent community of Malabar Hills; the Prince of Wales Museum, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, the Gandhi Memorial Museum. Later evening visit Jain Temple - (1904) Built of marble & dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankar. Much of the decoration depicts the lives of the Tirthankars. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 MUMBAI - BHAVNAGAR
In time transfer to airport to board the flight for Bhavnagar - is an important trading centre for cotton goods manufactured in Gujarat. Bhavnagar lies in the southeast corner of the peninsular region of Gujarat known as Kathiawad or Saurashtra. Once the capital of a princely state, Bhavnagar is home to several lakes and temples.

Day 04 BHAVNAGAR - PALITANA
Morning drive to Palitana- Shetrunjaya Hill, 2,000ft. near Palitana town, has 863 temples with arches, carved pillars and bejewelled idols, ranging from the 11th-20th century. The summit has the most revered of Jain temple complexes. On arrival check-in at hotel. Full day visit temples - there are many popular Jain pilgrimage sites in Gujarat. Palitana is an important temple town and lies at the foot of the sacred Shatrunjaya Hill. To the south of the town, the Shatrunjaya River flows by, lending immense beauty and serenity to this holy spot. As many as 863 beautiful marble temples built over as many as span of 900 years dominate the landscape-a sight to fill any pilgrim's heart with delight. An air of devotion and spirituality permeates the town with pilgrims preparing for the ritual four-kilometer (3,572 steps) climb up the hill. For those who cannot climb up, chair slings are available. Most of the temples are named after their founders and are mostly 16th century alothough the earliest may be date from 11th . Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 PALITANA - GRINAR
Drive to Girnar- Rising up on the outskirts of Junagadh is Mt Girnar, whose 3660 foot high summit is crowned by some of the finest and most religiously important temples in Jain religion. The fortification around the temple is called Deva Kota and is associated with Rao Khegaji of Kutch. The enclosure is well filled with temples of both Hindu and Jain religions, but only 5 Jain temples are really impressive, though it is also worth looking at some smaller temples like the granite shrine built by Rao Bhojraj of Kutch.On arrival check-in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 GIRNAR
Morning climb up this worn volcanic cone by 10,000 stone steps take at least two hours to Girnar Hill, the rising, 900metres above the surroungding plain, 03 kms east of town, has been an important religious entre for the Jains from the third century BC. Visit the temples of Girnar also hold a special appeal for Jain pilgrims. The Girnar Hill which rises to a height to more than 600 metres is sacred to the Jains and there are as many as 16 exquisite temples adorning the hill sides. These marble shrines are visited by thousands of Jains every year. The two near the top are the Nemiatha(1128), one of the oldest, and Mallinath Temples (1231). There is also Sampara Raja Temple (1453), a fine example of the later period, and the Melak Vasani(15th century). The climb can be trying in the heat so is best started very early in the morning. If you can't walk then there are dhoolis are available but quite expensive (charge depends on weight of person). Return to hotel & overnight.

Day 07 GIRNAR - RAJKOT
Morning drive to Rakot - The pleasant city of Rajkot, was once the capital of the princely state of Saurashtra. Today, it is best known as the town where Mahatma Gandhi spent the early years of his life when his father was a 'Diwan' or Prime Minister to the king of Saurashtra. Even today, their family home here houses a permanent exhibition of Gandhiji's personal belongings. On arrival check-in at hotel. Afternoon visit Kaba Gandhi No Delo: Gandhiji's ancestral home which now houses the Gandhi Smriti, a permanent exhibition, Watson Museum And Library: Located in the pleasant Jubilee Garden, the museum is a good introduction to Saurashtra's cultural heritage, Rashtriya Shala: famous for the center of 'Patola' weaving, Rashtriya Shala was founded by Mahatma Gandhi, Jagat Mandir: Built of red stones, it is a beautifully carved temple of Shri Ramkrishna Paramhansa.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 08 RAJKOT - AMEHDABAD
Morning drive to Amehdabad -Ahmedabad is situated along the Sabarmati River in the western state of Gujarat. The city contributes about 25 per cent of India's total textile production. Founded in AD 1411, the city of Ahmedabad was named after its founder Sultan Ahmed Shah. The city became an important business centre after it was annexed by Mughal Emperor Akbar in AD 1572. In 1818, the city was taken over by the British who set up a number of textile mills here. Ahmedabad was the capital of Gujarat from 1960 to 1970. On arrival check-in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09 AMEHDABAD
Morning visit Hatheesing Jain Temple:Built outside Delhi Gate in 1850 by a rich Jain merchant, the Hatheesing Temple is the best known of Ahmedabad's many ornate Jain temples. Afternoon visit Shahibag Palace : built during the reign of Shah Jahan who, as Prince Khurram. Adalaj Vav is situated 18 kms. north of Ahmedabad in Gandhinagar district. Built in 1499 A.D. by Queen Rudabai, this step well at the village Adalaj is a fine example of magnificent architectural form, unique to Northwestern India. Shaking Minarets:The shaking minarets are two minarets located at the Siddhi Bashir mosque. Sabarmati Ashram: on a quiet stretch of the river Sabarmati, 7 kms. north of the city, Mahatma Gandhi set up a simple retreat in 1915. This was his first Satyagraha Ashram and for many it was the nerve centre of India's freedom movement. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 AMEHADABAD/PATAN
Morning drive Patan - Famous for Patola saris, Patan is situated at about 125 km north-west of Ahmedabad on the banks of the river Saraswati. Originally known as Anhil-Vad-Pattan, the town flourished during the reign of the Solanki dynasty in 8th-11th century. Enroute visit Modera- . on arrival check-in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 PATAN
Full day visit Rani Udaymati Vav :It is one of the largest step wells in Gujarat. It was built during the last decade of the 11th century by Rani Udaymati in memory of her husband Bhimdeva I of the Chalukya dynasty. The Vav is decorated with around 800 stone sculptures and reliefs. Sahastralinga Talav:It occupies the northwestern part of the city. It's on the left bank of the river Saraswati. The Talav is reputed to have been built by Siddharaja Jaisinh, the Chalukkyan ruler. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12 PATAN - TRANGA - AMBAJI
Morning drive to Ambaji - Situated on the Arasur hill near Mount Abu, Ambaji is one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Gujarat, built of the finest quality of marble. It is the principal shrine of the goddess-Amba and is recognised as one of the original Shakti Pithas. Enroute visit Tranga Temple - Nearly 9 feet 2 inches high, white colored idol of Bhagawan Ajitanatha settled by Digambara Jains on this isolated hill with it's three rocky peaks. Taranaga is a siddh kshetra. It is said that 3.5 crore muni including Vardutt and sagardutt attained nirvana from this place. On arrival at Ambaji check -in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13 AMBAJI
Full day Visit Amba Bhavani Temple - the famous temple of goddess Ambaji, also known as Amba Bhavani or Arasuri. It is the principal shrine of the goddess in Gujarat and its actual origins are still unknown. Sambhavnathji Temple -This temple is termed as Nirandhara. One of the peculiar features of this temple is it is devoid of surrounding devakulikas or accompanying maidens as in the other temples. It is similar to the Mahavir Swami Temple. The ceiling is beautifully decorated. The inscriptions on the pedestals indicate that the temple was built in 1077 A.D.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 14 AMBAJI - Mt. ABU -UDAIPUR
Morning drive to Udaipur was founded in 1599 by Maharana Udai Singh, and this extraordinarily beautiful city has come to be celebrated for its association with Queen Padmini, and Meera Bai, royal princesses who are linked with the fortunes of the Sisodia family. Enroute visit famouse Temple in Mt. Abu - The Jain temples at Dilwara, near Mount Abu are considered to be masterpieces of temple architecture. The Vimalvashi temple was built by the commander Vimalshah on the order of King Bhimdev in 1031 A.D. It took around 1,500 workers, several years to build. Lunvasahi temple has the image of the Jain tirthankara Neminath. Sculptures in stone, elaborate carvings, beautiful pillars, dome shaped roofs give a majestic and surreal look to the temple. There are sixteen images of the goddess of knowdege and also carved are glimpses from Lord Krishnas life. On arrival check-in at hotel. Evening boat ride at lake Pichola. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15 UDAIPUR
Morning visit Eklingji & Nagda Temples - 24 kms north of Udaipur is the temple of Eklingji, the tutelary deity of the rulers of Mewar. It is a complex of 108 temples enclosed by high walls with bathing terraces leading down to the water. The fifty feet high Eklingji temple has a multi- faced image of Lord Shiva made of black stone. Images of Yamuna and Saraswati are also present. Specially attractive are the doors of silver which show Lord Ganesh and Kartikya. Near the temple, as we move up are the temples of Ambamata, Ganeshji and Kalika. The trunk of Ganeshji is towards the right although generally it is found to be facing the left. The brackets show nymphs in erotic dance postures, while the life size image of Bapparawal is a piece of art. Afternoon Visit City Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari or Garden of Maids; and the folklore museum where you can see a presentation of the string puppet show typical to this area.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 16 UDAIPUR - RANAKPUR - JODHPUR
Morning drive to Jodhpur the blue hued city of the Rathore Rajputs, overlooked by the imposing Mehrangarh fort is the imperial city. Enroute visit famous Ranakpur Jain Temple - Ranakpur is one of the five main holy places of the Jain community. These 500 years old temples are in good condition. The main temple is dedicated to the first Jain saint, extensive in architecture, is located in a quite and picturesque valley, deep in the Aravalies, has 1444 pillars, 80 domes and 29 halls. No two pillars are same and are very beautiful carved. On arrival at Jodhpur check-in at hotel. Later visit Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Tadha. Overnight at hotel.

Day 17 JODHPUR - JAISALMER
Morning drive to Jaisalmer -the 12th century inhabited fort city. This fort city built by Rawal Jaisal has exquisite stone work in typical yellow sandstone. This drive also gives you a glimpse of typical desertic lifestyle with little thatched hutments, camels and sand dunes strewn from horizon to horizon. Enroute visit Osian Jain Temple - The Mahavir temple of Osian (also Osia or Osyan), is situated on the western edge of the town and a long way from the Hindu temple-hill, has found entry into about all the major books on Indian art and architecture. The same cannot be said, regrettably, of other, equally splendid Jaina temples. Continue drive to Jaisalmer - deep in the heart of the Thar Desert is Jaisalmer, one of the last princely bastions in the region. Founded on what was the cross - road of lucrative trade routes, this remote settlement came to be celebrated for the valour of its rulers, and for the aesthetic sense represented by their palaces and havelis. On arrival check-in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 18 JAISALMER
The temple in the fort of Jaisalmer where countless feet have polished the yellow Jaisalmer stone into gold, making the whole temple glow with a strange radiance in the afternoon sun. Morning visit Fort & temples. Fort - yellow sandstone of Jaisalmer Fort, over 800 years old, crowns the Trikuta Hill. Within its walls, defended by 99 turrets, lies the old city, nearly a quarter of modern Jaisalmer. Seen from outside, the sight must be almost identical to what was seen by merchants on their overland camel caravans to central Asia. , Amar Sagar Jain Temple -The Parswanath Temple is the oldest and the most beautiful of the Jain temples. Afternoon visit Lodurva now has ruins of the ancient townhip. It is an important center of Jain pilgrimage. The temples at Lodurva exhibit some more fine examples of intricate craftsmanship on yellow stone (the walls of the sanctum are carved with animal and human figures). There is a small dome which is crowned by an amalak and a waterpot containing a lotus flower. Evening camel safari at Sam dunes to view sunset. Return to hotel for overnight.

Day 19 JAISALMER - BIKANER
Morning drive to Bikaner - the royal fortified city with a timeless appeal, lies to the north of the desert state and is dotted with many sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval splendor that pervades the city's lifestyle. On arrival check-in at hotel. Evening attaned Puja ceremony at the Bhandasar Jain temple in Bikaner. It's a beautiful Jain temple from the 16th century sacred to the 23rd tirthankara Parsavanathji. The construction was started in 1468 by a rich Jain merchant and only finished in 1514 after his dead. Overnight at hotel.

Day 20 BIKANER - DELHI
Morning excursion to Deshnok: 30 km south of Bikaner. Deshnok, a small village well-known for the fascinating temple of Karni Mata, a reincarnation of Durga. The temple owns a magnificent marble facade with huge silver doors, donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh. Afternoon visit Jain teerthankar, Parsvanathji. Located in the old city are two exceptional Jain temples built by two merchant brothers in the 16th century. The Sandeshwar Temple is covered with marble sculptures of Jain saints. Also visit Junagarh Fort: Built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, a general in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat and has some beautiful palaces within. In time transfer to railway station to board the train for Delhi.

Day 21 DELHI
Arrive Delhi Cantt at 0601 hrs, meeting assistance on arrival & transfer to hotel. Delhi, India's bustling capital city. It was from here that Hindu, Muslim and Mughal dynasties, as well as the British. Afternoon visit temples . Digambara Jain Temple, Delhi :The Digambara Jain temple is the oldest and most important Jain temple in Delhi. Located at the eastern and of Chandni Chowk, it has detailed carvings and excellent gilded paintings. The Bird's Charity Hospita-The temple premises house a unique medical center for birds, the Birds' Charity Hospital and also visit Mahavir Temple near Qutab Minar. Drive along Rajpath, where you will see such sights as the Parliament, Presidents Palace and India Gate Overnight at hotel.

Day 22 DEPART DELHI
In time transfer to international airport to board the flight for back home.