Shetrunjaya

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High up, on Shetrunjaya Hill in Gujarat, western India, is the abode of the Jain Tirthankaras - a set of 24 gods, including Adinath. A cluster of 863 shrines, 600 meters above the town of Palitana, the architecture of the temples reflects centuries and generations of grandeur, wealth, religious leanings, aesthetic values. It is an arduous climb, anywhere between 3500-4000 steps - but in miles, a mere 2.5. Standing atop at the summit, it is possible to view the Shetrunjaya River below. Devout Jains refrain from eating during their uphill climb, which may begin at dawn, as well as when they are descending just before dusk; they may sip on some boiled water.

Jains and others should not carry any goods, including wallets, nor wear footwear crafted from leather, especially when they are on the pilgrimage or visiting the temples on Mount Shetrunjaya. Nobody may stay overnight up on the hill, nor within the temple complex. Be prepared to spend anywhere between three to five hours for just the time to ascend and descend Shetrunjaya Hill.

Today Jainism has a relatively very small following globally, with their largest population mainly in India. Paradoxically, even to this day, Jains are among the wealthiest set of people, both in their country of origin, as well as abroad.