Spiritual Places To Visit In Palitana Jain Temples, Gujarat | Pilgrimage Destination India

Spiritual Places To Visit In Palitana Jain Temples, Gujarat 

Palitana is a small town located in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, India. The town is situated at the foot of the Shatrunjaya hill, which is known for its rich heritage and religious significance. Palitana is the world's largest temple complex with over 800 Jain temples. The town is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year, especially during the holy month of Kartik (October-November). 

Palitana Jain Temples in Gujarat, India is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich heritage and religious significance of Jainism. The town is home to over 800 temples, each with its unique architecture and carvings, making it a fascinating place to visit. The pilgrimage to Palitana is considered a test of one's devotion and determination, and the town is a hub of festivities and celebrations throughout the year. So, if you are looking for a spiritual journey that will take you back in time, then Palitana Jain Temples is the perfect destination for you. 

History 

Palitana has a rich history that dates back to the 11th century when the first Jain temple was built on the Shatrunjaya hill. Over the centuries, many more temples were built, making it one of the most important Jain pilgrimage sites. According to legend, the first Tirthankara, Rishabhdev, visited the hill in ancient times, and since then, it has become a sacred place for Jains. 

Shatrunjaya Hill 

The Shatrunjaya hill is located in the center of Palitana and is considered the most sacred place for Jains. The hill is home to over 800 temples, which are spread over a distance of 2.5 square kilometers. The hill is also known as Siddhachal, which means "a hill that is blessed by the Siddhas (enlightened souls)." 

The Temples 

The Palitana Jain Temples are a fine example of Jain architecture and art. The temples are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures that depict the life of Tirthankaras and other important figures in Jainism. Some of the most famous temples in Palitana include: 

Adishwar Temple 

The Adishwar Temple is one of the most important temples in Palitana. It is dedicated to Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara in Jainism. The temple was built in the 16th century and is known for its beautiful architecture and carvings. 

Kumarpal Temple 

The Kumarpal Temple is another important temple in Palitana. It was built in the 12th century and is dedicated to Lord Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara in Jainism. The temple is known for its magnificent architecture and sculptures. 

Sampriti Raja Temple 

The Sampriti Raja Temple is a unique temple in Palitana. It is dedicated to the 15th Tirthankara, Lord Dharmanatha. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and is believed to have been built in the 14th century. 

The Pilgrimage 

Palitana is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Jains. The pilgrimage to Palitana involves climbing the 3.5-kilometer-long stone stairway that leads to the top of the Shatrunjaya hill. The climb can take up to two hours, and pilgrims are advised to take breaks in between. The climb is considered a test of one's devotion and determination. 

Festivals and Celebrations 

Palitana is a hub of festivities and celebrations, with several events taking place throughout the year. One of the most important festivals celebrated in Palitana is Kartik Purnima. It is celebrated in the month of Kartik (October-November) and is marked by the lighting of diyas (oil lamps) in the temples and around the town. The festival attracts a large number of pilgrims from all over the world. 

Another important festival celebrated in Palitana is the Chandana Mahotsav. It is celebrated in the month of Chaitra (March-April) and is marked by the offering of sandalwood paste to the deities in the temples. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. 

Accommodation and Travel 

Palitana is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is Bhavnagar Airport, which is around 51 kilometers away. The town has several accommodation options, ranging from budget to luxury hotels, and guesthouses. 

Hidden facts about Palitana Jain Temples, Gujarat:-

These temples are considered to be the holiest place for the Jain community and are visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. Here are some lesser-known facts about the Palitana Jain Temples:

The Palitana Jain Temples are said to have been built over a period of 900 years, with the first temple being built in the 11th century and the last one in the 20th century.

The temples are spread over an area of 16 km² and are divided into nine clusters or tuk-tuks, each with its own set of temples.

The most famous temple in Palitana is the Shri Adishwara Temple, which is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha. This temple is believed to be more than 900 years old and is made of white marble.

It is said that walking up the 3,800 steps to the top of Shatrunjaya hill, where the temples are located, is equivalent to performing 10 crore (100 million) acts of charity.

The Palitana Jain Temples have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Jains.

The temples are known for their intricate carvings and beautiful architecture, with some of the temples featuring more than 3,000 idols.

The Palitana Jain Temples are closed to non-Jains from sunset to sunrise, and photography is strictly prohibited inside the temples.

The maintenance of the Palitana Jain Temples is funded entirely by the Jain community, and no government funds are used for their upkeep.

The Palitana Jain Temples have been mentioned in several ancient texts, including the Skanda Purana and the Padma Purana.

Palitana is also home to the world's largest stone-made structure, the Shatrunjaya hill, which has more than 9,000 steps and is visited by millions of pilgrims every year.

How to travel by road to Palitana Jain Temples, Gujarat and the nearest bus stand 

Palitana Jain Temples in Gujarat can be easily reached by road. The town is well-connected to major cities in Gujarat and other neighboring states by a network of roads. 

If you are traveling from Ahmedabad, the easiest and most convenient way to reach Palitana is by road. The distance between Ahmedabad and Palitana is approximately 220 kilometers, and it takes around 4-5 hours to cover the distance by road. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Ahmedabad to Palitana. 

If you are traveling from Bhavnagar, the nearest bus stand to Palitana is the Bhavnagar Central Bus Station, located around 50 kilometers away from Palitana. There are several buses that operate from Bhavnagar to Palitana, and the journey takes around 1-2 hours. 

If you are traveling from other parts of Gujarat or neighboring states, you can take a bus to Bhavnagar or Ahmedabad and then hire a taxi or take a bus to Palitana. 

Overall, traveling by road is the most convenient and comfortable way to reach Palitana Jain Temples, Gujarat, and there are several options available for travelers to choose from. 

How to travel by train to Palitana Jain Temples, Gujarat and the nearest railway station 

Palitana is well-connected by train to major cities in Gujarat and other parts of the country. The nearest railway station is Palitana Junction, which is located about 2 kilometers from the town. 

There are several trains that run between Palitana and major cities like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. Some of the popular trains that stop at Palitana Junction include the Saurashtra Express, the Saurashtra Mail, and the Ahmedabad-Palitana Passenger. 

The journey from Ahmedabad to Palitana takes about 6 hours, while the journey from Mumbai takes about 12 hours. There are also several overnight trains that run between Delhi and Palitana, with a travel time of approximately 20 hours. 

Once you reach Palitana Junction, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the Jain temples. The town is small, and the temples are located within walking distance of each other, so it is easy to explore them on foot. 

It is always advisable to book train tickets in advance, especially during peak season or festivals, to avoid last-minute hassles. 

How to travel by air to Palitana Jain Temples, Gujarat and the nearest airport 

If you are planning to travel to Palitana Jain Temples in Gujarat by air, the nearest airport is Bhavnagar Airport, which is approximately 51 kilometers away from the town. 

Bhavnagar Airport is a domestic airport and is well-connected to major cities in India such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, among others. Airlines such as Air India, SpiceJet, and Alliance Air operate regular flights to Bhavnagar from these cities. 

Once you reach Bhavnagar Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Palitana Jain Temples. The journey from Bhavnagar to Palitana takes around one and a half hours by road. 

Alternatively, you can also fly to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, which is approximately 216 kilometers away from Palitana. From Ahmedabad, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Palitana Jain Temples. The journey from Ahmedabad to Palitana takes around four and a half hours by road. 

Overall, air travel is a convenient and time-saving option to reach Palitana Jain Temples, especially if you are traveling from a distant location in India. 

FAQs 

Q.1 Can non-Jains visit the Palitana Jain Temples? 

Yes, the temples are open to people of all faiths. 

Q.2 Is there an entrance fee to visit the temples? 

No, there is no entrance fee to visit the temples. 

Q.3 What is the best time to visit Palitana? 

The best time to visit Palitana is between October and March. 

Q.4 Are there any restrictions on clothing while visiting the temples? 

Yes, visitors are required to dress modestly and cover their heads while entering the temples. 

Q.5 How long does it take to climb the Shatrunjaya hill? 

The climb can take up to two hours, depending on one's fitness level.