On Shatrunjaya (Palitana), the Rayan Vruksha is a very special and sacred tree for Jains.

1. Location on Shatrunjaya Tirth

• The Rayan tree is just behind the main temple (Adinath Dada’s principal tonk) on the top of the hill.
• Under this tree there are charan / foot‑prints (charan-paduka) of Bhagwan Adinath (Rishabhdev).

2. Religious importance

According to Jain tradition:

• Bhagwan Adinath performed long tap (deep penance) under this very Rayan tree on Shatrunjaya.
• Because of this, the place under the tree and the charan there are considered extremely pavitra (holy).
• Doing darshan of the Rayan tree and the charan with bhakti is believed to:

- Strengthen shraddha (faith) in Adinath Bhagwan. - Help in destroying paap (sins) and purifying bhaav.

• Many pilgrims specially go round (pradakshina) of the Rayan tree after doing darshan of Dada’s main idol.

3. About the tree itself

• “Rayan” is a local name for a wild fruit tree (small, yellowish, sweet fruits).
• At Shatrunjaya, this particular Rayan tree is described as very ancient in Jain literature about the tirth.
• It is not worshiped as a separate “devta”, but honored because of the tap and charan of Adinath Bhagwan connected with it.

4. In the Shatrunjaya yatra

When you do the parikrama/visit of the main tonk, the usual sequence includes:

• Darshan of Sri Adishwar Bhagwan in the main temple.
• Then going to the back side where:

- You have darshan of the ancient Rayan tree. - You bow to the large charan of Adinath Bhagwan placed there.

This is a regular and important part of Shatrunjaya darshan for both Śvetāmbara and Digambara Jains; the basic mahatmya (glory) of the Rayan tree and Adinath’s tap under it is accepted commonly.

You can read more about Shatrunjaya and this Rayan tree in the Shatrunjay tirth description here: