[ OpIndia ] Palitana, one of the holiest religious centres for Jains, bans non-veg food: The significance of Shatrunjay Hills and why Jains wanted a meat ban in Palitana

The article discusses the city of Palitana, a significant religious center for Jains, and its recent ban on non-vegetarian food. The ban, which includes the sale, consumption, and slaughter of animals for meat, is a result of protests by Jain monks and marks a significant cultural and religious shift. This decision aligns with the Jain principle of ‘Anekantwad’, which promotes tolerance and diversity.

Palitana, often referred to as the “Jain Temple Town”, is home to over 800 temples and is a revered pilgrimage destination. It holds a similar religious significance for Jains as Ram Janmabhoomi for Hindus, Jerusalem for Christians, and Mecca for Muslims. The city is particularly sacred due to its location near the Shatrunjay Hills, an eternal land believed to offer salvation or ‘nirvana’ to countless souls.

The ban on meat in Palitana is rooted in the sacredness of the Shatrunjay Hills and the Jain tenet of Ahinsā, which advocates harmlessness towards all living beings. This principle extends to all forms of life, including animals, insects, and plants, reflecting the belief that every life is sacred and inviolable. The ban is seen as a way to uphold this principle and provide a safe haven for all creatures.

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https://www.opindia.com/2024/07/palitana-one-of-holiest-religious-centres-for-jains-bans-non-veg-food-significance-of-shatrunjay-hills-and-why-jains-wanted-a-meat-ban-in-palitana/