Kartik Purnima 2025 – A Sacred Day of Pilgrimage and Spiritual Renewal in Jainism

Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Kartik Purnima holds a special place in Jainism as it marks the end of Chaumasa (the four-month monsoon period) and the reopening of holy pilgrimages to sacred Jain sites — especially the Shatrunjay Hills in Palitana, one of the most revered places in Jain faith. It is a day filled with devotion, gratitude, and spiritual awakening — symbolizing the transition from restraint to renewed spiritual activity.

The Spiritual Essence of Kartik Purnima

For Jains, Kartik Purnima is more than just a full moon day — it is a time of spiritual celebration and remembrance. The day commemorates several sacred events, including:

• The attainment of salvation (moksha) by millions of monks, including Dravid and Varikhilla Acharyas, at Shatrunjay Hills.
  

• The first sermon (Deshna) delivered by Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara, spreading the eternal message of dharma.
  

It is believed that any pilgrimage or act of devotion performed on this day brings infinite merit and spiritual upliftment.

Pilgrimage to Shatrunjay Hills

The most important tradition associated with Kartik Purnima is the reopening of the yatra (pilgrimage) to Shatrunjay Hills, Palitana, in Gujarat.
During the monsoon months of Chaumasa, ascetics and lay devotees pause travel to avoid harming living beings that flourish during the rains. On Kartik Purnima, as the season ends, the gates of Shatrunjay reopen, welcoming thousands of barefoot pilgrims who climb the 3,800+ steps to pay homage at the temples atop the sacred hill.

The sight of devotees chanting “Jai Adinath!” as they ascend the hill before sunrise creates an atmosphere of deep spirituality and unity.

End of Chaumasa – Return to Regular Religious Life

Chaumasa, the four-month period of monsoon, is a time of intense spiritual discipline. Jain monks and nuns stay in one place to meditate, study scriptures, and guide lay followers in fasting and penance.
With the arrival of Kartik Purnima, this period concludes — marking the resumption of normal religious routines and movement for ascetics. It symbolizes renewal, purification, and the continuous journey toward spiritual liberation.

Rituals and Worship on Kartik Purnima

Jain devotees observe the day with great devotion and gratitude, performing several rituals, such as:

• Snatra Puja and Aarti: Performed in temples to honor Lord Adinath and the Tirthankaras.
  

• Siddhachakra Pooja: Worship of the sacred Yantra representing the nine supreme entities.
  

• Navkar Mantra Recitations: Continuous chanting to purify thoughts and express devotion.
  

• Fasting (Upvaas) and Meditation: Many observe full or partial fasts to cultivate self-restraint and peace.
  

• Charity (Daan): Donating food, water, or essentials to monks, nuns, and the needy — reinforcing compassion and humility.
  

Dietary and Lifestyle Changes

During Chaumasa, Jains avoid eating green vegetables, as the rainy season nurtures countless microorganisms and plant life.
On Kartik Purnima, this restriction ends — devotees resume consuming green vegetables as a symbol of nature’s renewal and balance between ascetic practice and worldly living.

Commemoration of Great Saints

Kartik Purnima is also significant as it coincides with the birth anniversary of Shri Hemchandracharya, the great Jain scholar and saint of the 12th century. His contributions to Jain literature, grammar, and philosophy continue to inspire generations. Remembering such enlightened souls deepens faith and reverence within the Jain community.

The Message of Kartik Purnima

Kartik Purnima stands as a reminder of the eternal Jain path — to live with awareness, purity, and compassion.
It celebrates the balance between restraint and renewal, reflection and action, discipline and devotion.

As devotees complete the sacred Shatrunjay yatra or participate in temple rituals, they reaffirm their commitment to Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), and Aparigraha (non-attachment) — the pillars of Jain philosophy.

A Message from Jain Bliss

At Jain Bliss, we honor Kartik Purnima 2025 as a time to reconnect with our spiritual roots and embrace purity in every thought and action.
May this sacred day fill your life with peace, discipline, and divine wisdom, and may every step you take — whether on the Shatrunjay hills or in daily life — lead you closer to inner liberation.