Palitana Temples

Counted among the important sacred pilgrimages for Jains, the Palitana temples are dedicated to Jain Thirthankars. Located at Palitana in Gujarat the temples numbering around 900 were built over a period of 900 years.

The main temple is dedicated to Lord Rishabdev, the first Tirthankar. The temples were built in two phases. The first phase dates back to the 11th and 12th century AD.

Mystery surrounds as to who built the stunning temples. It is said a wealthy businessmen built these temples. It is also believed that 23 Jain Tirthankars consecrated the temples by their visit.

The temples are divided into nine separate wings; each wing houses a central temple and with minor temples surrounding it. They are grouped in systematic groupings with variation in height and space.

The temples have four doors so that the idols are visible from all sides.

The larger temples have marble halls with towers and plenty of openings. They are surrounded with high fortified walls. One can also get to see many small temples of about three square feet with Jain emblem. The interiors of the temple have carved ceilings with geometrical lace designs.

Majority of the temples are located on the Shatrunjaya hills. Pilgrims climb over 3000 stairs to pay a visit to 853 temples situated at a height of 603 meters. The hills are believed to have the largest concentration of temples anywhere in the world.

Adinath temple, Vimal Shah temple, Saraswatidevi temple, Narsinh  Kesharji temple and the Samavasaran temple are the temples known for their architectural splendours.

The ‘Chha Gau Teerth Yatra’ is an auspicious festival which falls during February-March. On the festival day, devotees circumambulate the Shatrunjaya hills covering a distance of 216 km.