Palitana Jain Temples- Gujarat

Address

Palitana Jain Temples- Palitana, Bhavnagar district, Gujarat- 364270, India

Deity

Rishabhanatha

Introduction

• Location: The Palitana temples are located on Shatrunjaya hills near Palitana in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, India. Known as Padliptapur in historic texts, this site is renowned for its dense collection of over 900 Jain temples, earning it the title of a “city of Temples.”
• Historical Significance: Constructed from the 11th century CE onwards, the Palitana temple complex is one of the most sacred sites in the Svetambara Jain tradition. The temples are spread across nine clusters along the ridges of the hilltops, with the main temple dedicated to Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara. Pilgrims typically ascend the hill via a steep trail of about 3500 stone steps.

Puranic Significance:

• Architectural Brilliance: The Palitana temples are noted for their exquisite and ornate architecture. Constructed predominantly from marble, the temples are designed to reflect light, giving them a radiant, ivory-like appearance.
• Notable Features:
  • Adishwar Temple: The most revered temple among the 900, featuring tall pillars, intricately carved interiors, and elaborate geometric lace designs.
  • Historical Legends: According to the Shatrunjaya Mahatmya, Rishabhanatha delivered his first sermon on these hills, sanctifying them. His grandson, Pundarika, is said to have attained nirvana here. The hills, originally known as Pundarikgiri, have also been visited by Bharata Chakravartin, the father of Rishabhanatha.
• Religious Significance: The hills are considered more sacred than other Jain pilgrimage sites such as Mount Abu and Girnar. It is essential for devout Jains to undertake this pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.

Beliefs:

• Pilgrimage Requirements: Devotees are expected to climb to the top of the hill, adhering to strict codes that include fasting and not carrying or eating food on the way. Descending before evening is mandatory as no one can stay overnight on the sacred mountain.

Special Features:

• Unique Collection: Palitana is unique for housing nearly 900 temples on the hill, each showcasing the intricate Māru-Gurjara style of Jain temple architecture.

Festivals:

• 6 Gaon or Chha Gau Teerth Yatra: Celebrated on Phagun Sunday (February/March), this pilgrimage attracts thousands of Jain followers who visit the temple complex to attain salvation.
• Purnima (Full Moon Day): Marks the opening of the temple gates after the monsoon season. Pilgrims circumambulate the 21.6 km Shatrunjaya hill and offer prayers at the temple of Lord Adinath.
• Mahavir Jayanti: Celebrated with fasting, alms, and a grand procession featuring images of Tirthankaras in decorated chariots.

Century/Period/Age

11th-century CE

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Palitana

Nearest Railway Station

Bhavnagar

Nearest Airport

Bhavnagar

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