Palitana is a small town located in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. It’s an immense religious and historical place that is a must-visit thing in India. Palitana is popular for its awe-motivating collections of more than 800 Jain Temples, one of which is Shatrunjaya Hills, located on the top.
Palitana temples on Shatrunjaya is another such hill top not one but 900 temples. This list of temples built of marble shows an incredible signature of devotion and architectural expertise. The site is believed to be one of the most spiritual locations in Jainism, situated on the top of a hill purified by visits from Adinath, the first Tirthankara, and other religious leaders.
The journey to these temples includes 3500 steps, indicating the way of faith and devotion, giving breathtaking views and profound sacred rewards. Let’s go to find the list of Palitana temples to discover the sacred heights.
History of Palitana Temples
On Shatrunjaya hill, palitana temples were built over 900 years ago in the 11th century. It was Kumarpal Solanki who developed the first temple in this location, a famous Jain devotee. The temple was then ruined by the Turkish Muslim invaders in 1311 AD, while the temple was ruled by the monk Jinaprabhasuri, who was 50 years old.
But both of them eventually redeveloped the temple, and following this, Jain temples were developed again in the place. Over time, the location became a popular tourist attraction, especially for Jain pilgrims from around the world.
Earlier in 2014, Palitana was recognized as the world’s first fully vegetarian community. As it keeps the difference of being the only hill place to have thousands of temples. The most notable temple’s premise is devoted to the first Jain Tirthankar, Rishabhanatha of Jainism’s 24 Tirthankaras. The name of Tirthankar derives from his mother’s 14 fortunate dreams wherein a bull named Rishabha came before his birth. Foreign visitors are only allowed to visit the main temple premises.
10 Must Palitana Temples to See Spiritual Splendor
See the list of top 10 Palitana temples to explore the sacred heights and see spiritual splendor that shows the architectural beauty of the city.
1. Shatrunjaya hill temples
The most famous temples in Palitana are Shatrunjaya hill temples, among other religious sites. The whole complex involves more than 800 marble temples devoted to Jain Tirthankaras. To get there, pilgrims have to climb around 3500 steps. The tracking is complicated but rewarding, giving breathtaking views and profound religious experience. These temples are called for their beautiful crafting and historical importance. The architectural insights show the rich Jain customs made in every temple.
- Major Attraction: Stunning panoramic views
- Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
- Nearest Airport: Bhavnagar Airport
2. Kumar Pal Temple
Another magnificent architectural landmark, Kumar Pal Temple dedicated to 12th-century king Kumarapala, who was a devout follower of Jainism. As he was not a Tirthankar himself but played an important role in promoting Jainism, that can be seen in the temple’s reverence. The temple, rooted on the auspicious Shatrunjaya hill, boasts a beautiful structure with tangled carved pillars and walls that depict ancient tales.
- Major Attraction: Beautiful carvings
- Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
- Nearest Airport: Bhavnagar Airport
3. Ashtapada Temple
Ashtapada temple is the most eye-catching destination due to its distinctive architectural development, which makes it an effective tourist spot among the temples located in Palitana. Being a part of the larger Shatrunjaya hill premise, it enhances the diverse structural landscape of Jain temples. It has unique design components that show the deep religious symbolism found in Jain crafting, making it a central point for visitors and tourists alike.
- Major Attraction: Unique architecture
- Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
- Nearest Airport: Bhavnagar Airport
4. Adishwar Temple
A temple dedicated to the first Tirthankara Adinatha, Adishwar temple. The attraction of this temple is its exquisite marble crafting and serene environment. A unique four-faced idol of Adinatha is rooted in the temple, which is the central point for devotion and reflection. The calm and peaceful ambiance here makes it a perfect place for tourists seeking peace and religious solace. The artistic crafting of the temple is a testament to the skills of Jain crafters.
- Major Attraction: Unique four-faced idol
- Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
- Nearest Airport: Bhavnagar Airport
5. Hingraj Ambika Devi Temple
The temple is dedicated to Hinglaj Devi, Hingraj Ambika Devi temple, a powerful Jain yakshini, and a distinct site in the Palitana temple premise. This temple is one of the rare devoted to the Digambara sect, unlike predominantly Śvetāmbara temples in the location gives a unique glance into the diversity of Jain religious offerings. The aim of the temple is Digambara rituals that give visitors a more in-depth knowledge of distinct sects within Jainism.
- Major Attraction: Digambara sect temple
- Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
- Nearest Airport: Bhavnagar Airport
6. Neminatha Temple
The 22nd Tirthankara Neminatha, a temple dedicated to him, is a prominent and revered pilgrimage site within the temples located in Palitana. The temple is significant due to its striking construction, as the temple stands out for its intricate crafting and grandeur. It maintains important historical and religious significance for Jain followers and shows the rich culture of Jainism. The impressive architecture of the temple and its importance in Jain spiritual rituals make it a must-visit destination for devotees looking for both historical and spiritual fulfillment.
- Major Attraction: Stunning architecture
- Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
- Nearest Airport: Bhavnagar Airport
7. Vimal Shah Temple
The temple Vimal Shah was developed in honor of the wealthy Jain merchant Vimal Shah, which is a prime sample of a Jain architectural masterpiece. The temple is located on Shatrunjaya Hill, renowned for its beautiful design that showcases the detailed craftsmanship of Jain artistry. The intricate ambiance of Vimal Shah temple gives pilgrims a calm environment for reflection, making it the right place for religious consideration and a valued site of Jain cultural heritage.
- Major Attraction: Detailed carvings
- Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
- Nearest Airport: Bhavnagar Airport
8. Sahasra kuta Temple
In the Palitana temple complex, the Sahasra Kuta Temple, devoted to Lord Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara, is a magnificent illustration of Jain craftsmanship. The temple is renowned for its beautiful and complex sculptures, which display the fine craftsmanship of talented Jain artists and serve as a symbol of artistic genius. The dedication and accuracy of the temple’s builders are evident in every feature, from the pillars to the domes.
- Major Attraction: Intricate designs
- Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
- Nearest Airport: Bhavnagar Airport
9. Bhaktamar Temple
Renowned for its stunning murals and beautiful crafting, the Bhaktamar temple is devoted to Bhaktamara, a respected figure in Jainism. The temple is not visited just for its religious importance but for its beautiful craftsmanship. Bhaktamar temple walls and pillars are embellished with beautiful, detailed crafting, showing the rich cultural heritage of Jain artwork. These vivid paintings and carvings enhanced the temple’s beauty and captivating place for Jain religion followers.
- Major Attraction: Beautiful murals
- Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
- Nearest Airport: Bhavnagar Airport
10. Samavasaran Temple
Jainism highly esteems the Samavasaran Temple, which symbolizes the holy gathering hall where Tirthankaras impart their teachings to all beings—human, animal, and celestial. The design of this symbolic area reflects the equality of all life forms in Jain philosophy. The temple is a unique location for pilgrims seeking spiritual enlightenment because of its serene surroundings, which promote a profound sense of tranquility and meditation.
- Major Attraction: Spiritual Significance
- Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 hours
- Nearest Airport: Bhavnagar Airport
Ways to Reach Palitana?
Palitana is located in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, around 215 km from Ahmedabad. There are many ways to get to Palitana based on your mode of transportation and budget.
1. By flight
Get your flight from the nearest airport to Palitana is Bhavnagar airport around 51 km away. You can also take flights from major airports like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Bhavnagar. After reaching, book a cab or taxi to reach Palitana.
2. By train
Songadh railway station is the nearest railway station to Palitana around 8km away. Take a train from Ahmedabad or other cities like Gujarat to Songadh, and book a cab or taxi to reach Palitana.
3. By bus
To reach Palitana by bus, there are multiple buses run on a regular basis from Bhavnagar and other cities. The journey will take about 2 hours by bus from Bhavnagar.
4. By road
If you have your car or vehicle, you can drive to Palitana from Ahmedabad and other cities in Gujarat. If the roads are good, your journey will be enjoyable and complete in a short time.
Tips to Remember While Visiting Palitana Temples
- To respect the Jain culture, make sure to wear traditional or ethnic dress as a mark of respect.
- The temples are on top of the hill, so bring enough water for your trek.
- Eat a little before climbing the hill, as you can’t eat anything on the hill.
- Wear protective or comfortable shoes or footwear.
- Recharge yourself with sugar water or sugarcane juice at a Bhatu Ghar close to Taleti, which is favorable for all the disciples.
- It is illegal to take pictures within the temple.
- It is forbidden for pilgrims to carry food into the temple.
- By sundown, everyone must be back, including the priests.
- Since meat is prohibited here, it is not permitted to kill animals for food. It is forbidden to sell chicken or eggs. The majority of the area is Jain. A hunger strike by Jain priests who wanted to stop the use of meat, which they consider to be against their beliefs and customs, led to the restriction.
Conclusion
The Palitana temple in Gujarat showcases the serenity and harmony on the hill with the capability to cleanse one’s soul and pave the way for Moksha. These temples are the monument testament to the depth of Jain devotion and architectural beauty. Carved with marble structures, set against the backdrop of Shatrunjaya hills, it gives a breathtaking view that catches the attention of pilgrims.
Palitana temple is a visit once in a lifetime, right to refer to it as a magical development. The world’s huge and only hillside complex dedicates itself to Jainism and embodies the spirit of ancient customs and enduring devotion. Hence, visit the Palitana temples to experience the profound sanctity and historical background of Indian religious rituals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most of the temples do not charge any fee to enter the temple, but contributing donations must be appreciated.
The best weather is considered to visit Palitana temples between OOctober and March as the weather is pleasant and multiple festivals are celebrated there. During this time, the temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C, which is perfect for climbing hills and sightseeing.
Mahavir Jayanti, Kartik Purnima, and Paryushan Parva are celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in the temples of Palitana.
Kumarpal Solanki, a Jain patron, developed the first temples on Palitana, as Palitana temples located on Shatrunjaya hills were constructed over a period of 900 years since the 11th century.
You can reach Palitana by catching a bus, train, or car from major cities like Bhavnagar and Ahmedabad.