Kartik Poonam (Kartik Purnima) in Jainism

• What it is: Kartik Purnima is the full moon day in the Kartik month. Jain tradition regards this day as highly auspicious because it marks the restart of the Shatrunjay Giriraj (Palitana) pilgrimage after the four-month Chaumasa period. Many Jain devotees visit Shatrunjay and nearby pilgrimage sites on this day, and some begin eating leafy vegetables again after Chaumasa.

• Why it’s important for Jains:

- Shatrunjay yatra restarts: The pilgrimage season to Shatrunjay Hill begins anew from Kartik Purnima, inviting large numbers of pilgrims to climb and perform prayers at the temples there. - End of Chaumasa observances: It signals the close of Chaumasa, when ascetics stay in one place and lay practitioners intensify vows, fasting, study, and reflection. The day helps mark the transition back to regular pilgrimage and daily spiritual practices. - Merit and remembrance: It is associated with renewing devotion, performing puja at Shatrunjay Giriraj, and reciting Navkar Mantra and related prayers. Some traditions also recall that historic figures like Dravid and Varikhilla attained salvation at Shatrunjay on this day.

• Different traditions within Jainism: The core meaning—restarting the palitana pilgrimage and resuming regular spiritual practices after Chaumasa—remains consistent across Digambar and Śvetāmbara communities, though local customs and exact rituals may vary.

• Simple practice on Kartik Purnima:

- Visit a Shatrunjay or other Jain pilgrimage site if possible. - Perform puja to the Tirthankaras, recite Navkar Mantra, and offer a small portion of alms or charity. - Observe revisiting dietary and daily practices as guided by your sangh or guru after Chaumasa.

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