Karthik Purnima (Kartik Poonam) in Jainism

• What it is: A full moon day in the Kartik month. Jains mark this day as highly auspicious because it signals the restart of the Shatrunjay (Palitana) pilgrimage after Chaturmas, and the end of the four-month Chaumasa period. On this day many Jains visit Shatrunjay Giriraj and nearby pilgrimage sites, and some resume eating leafy greens after Chaumasa. The day also involves renewed vows, prayers, and remembrance of Tirthankaras. You can read more here .

• Why it matters for Jains:

- Shatrunjay Giriraj Yatra restarts: Pilgrims undertake the Shri Shantrunjay Teerth Yatra as the Palitana temples reopen after Chaumasa. - End of Chaumasa observances: The four-month period of restraint and study concludes, and regular pilgrimage and devotional routines resume. - Merit and practice: Many devotees recite Navkar Mantra, perform puja to the Tirthankaras, and engage in charitable acts as part of the day’s observances. - Traditional beliefs: It is associated with the mood of renewed devotion and remembrance of past salvations connected with Shatrunjay.

• Traditions and small differences: The core meaning—restarting the Palitana pilgrimage and resuming regular spiritual practice after Chaumasa—is shared across Digambar and Śvetāmbara communities, though local customs and exact rituals may vary.

• Simple ways to observe (common across traditions):

- Visit Shatrunjay or another Jain pilgrimage site if possible. - Perform puja to the Tirthankaras and recite Navkar Mantra. - Reflect, give charity, and resume routine spiritual practices after Chaumasa.

If you’d like, I can share more about Palitana’s significance on Kartik Poonam or provide a short Navkar Mantra recital for the day.