Palitana, Gujarat

Palitana, Gujarat

Palitana lies at the foot of the Shatrunjaya Hill, with the Shatrunjaya River flowing to its south. It is 56 kms from Bhavnagar. One of the most famous Jain Temple in Gujarat and also in India.

The sacred hill rises in a crescendo of magnificient temples numbering 863 in all, soaring in marble splendour to the top of the hill. The temples were built over an impressive span of 900 years with each generation of pilgrims making its contribution to the shrines of Shatrunjaya. The 600-metres climb to Shatrunjaya is usually made on foot. Dolis or lift-chairs are also available.

Palitana temples are considered to be the most sacred in all the Jain temples. The most important temple is that of the first Terrthankara. Kuwarpal Solanki, a great Jain patron, built the a earliest temple. It has a fabulous collection of jewels. It takes approximatly two hours to cover the 4 kms long ascent. When you are on the top, the Air is clean and the Shetrunjaya River looks glistening like a foil of silver spread on the ground. Pilgrims and even priests are not allowed to stay overnight. Tourists cannot carry any leather item. The Temple town of Palitana has some interesting handicrafts and 2 museums of Jain art - the Stapiya Kala Sangrah and the Shri Vishal Jain Kala Sansthan.

Air: Nearest airport at Bhavnagar is 62 kms away.

Rail: Palitana is on the Western Railway metre gauge line and is well connected to Ahmedabad , 277 kms. by rail and 215 kms. by road.

Road: State Transport & luxury buses ply regularly.