Gautam Adani, the powerhouse behind the Adani Group, marked Akshaya Tritiya with a spiritual sojourn alongside his wife Dr. Priti Adani at the revered Shwetambar Jain temple of Lord Ajitnath in Gujarat’s Taranga hills. Touching down at Daboda helipad in Mehsana’s Kheralu area early Sunday morning, the duo was greeted by enthusiastic Jain followers who escorted them up the hills to the 12th-century site linked to Solanki King Kumarpal.
The temple buzzed with activity as pilgrims flocked for the day’s rituals, a pinnacle of auspiciousness in Jain and Hindu calendars symbolizing eternal prosperity and fresh starts. Inside the garbhagriha, the Adanis conducted heartfelt puja, followed by interactions across the complex, including a stop at the pilgrim canteen.
In a proactive move, Adani engaged in talks with trustee Sachin Ashokbhai Shah about upgrading amenities—think smoother access paths and modern comforts—all while safeguarding the temple’s historical essence. This initiative promises to make the tirth more welcoming for future devotees.
Rooted in Jain lore, Akshaya Tritiya commemorates Rishabhdev’s first alms acceptance post-austerities, birthing the custom of feeding monks. The Adanis’ pilgrimage echoes their recent devotion at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya for Hanuman Jayanti, portraying a family deeply embedded in India’s spiritual fabric. In an era of relentless ambition, their temple visits remind us of the grounding power of tradition.
