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A State noted for its religious tourism, while Udvada is renowned as one of the Parsi community’s most important place of worship, Dwarka and Somnath are considered some of the most revered religious sites amongst Hindu Pilgrims and cities like Ahmedabad, Champaner etc attract their share of Muslim devotees for their many religious shrines and mosques.

Standing out amongst Gujarat’s many religious places is the Shatrunjaya Hill of Palitana which is considered the holiest of all pilgrim places by the Jain community. (Svetambara Jain community).

At an altitude of 591 meters, the Shatrunjaya hill is one of its kind and is home to 863 beautiful Jain temples which have been built over the last 900 years. While many date back to the 16^th century, some date back to as early as the 11^th century. However many of the earlier temples that were built during the 11^th century were destroyed by Muslim invaders. It was under Emperor Akbar’s reign that an edict giving Shatrunjaya, Mt. Abu, Girnar and Chandragiri (all extremely religious sites in Jainism) special status was passed, thus protecting the area, and encouraging Jainism to flourish.

According to legends, this was the site the first Jain Tirthankara –Adinatha (Rishabdeva) achieved nirvana or enlightenment. The first temple was constructed by the son of the first Jain Tirthankara –Adinatha, after he visited this hill several times. While the fist temple was built by the first Tirthankara’s son, others were built by several wealthy merchants and with their generous donations.

Made of white plaster and marble, of the 863 stunning temples here, the most striking temples known for unique sculptures and intricate carvings include the Adiswara Temple, Vimal Shah Temple, Sampriti Raja Temple, Adinath Temple, Chaumukh Temple, Angar Pir,  Jambudweep Temple, Talaja etc.

The Adiswara Temple is one of the most striking temples here. This temple pays homage to Lord Adiswara, the first Jain Tirthankara Rishabdeva, who is said to have achieved enlightenment here. Being the founder of the religion he is known as Adinath and the Adiswara temple is the most beautiful temple of all found here, its deity ornamented with gold and various precious jewels.

Of all the temples here, the Adinath Temple that was built in 1618 is the largest, while the Kumar Pal Temple is noted for its architectural exclusivity. Located at the foot of Shahrunjaya hill, the Vishal Jain temple or Museum is a great place for its vast collection of manuscripts, rare ancient idols, and artifacts. The temple also gives an insight into Jainism and the life of Lord Mahavira.

The Chaumukh Temple is also an important temple here for its intricate carvings, designs and beautiful sculptures and decorations on its roof and pillars. One of the most frequented temples here for its rich architectural creativity; it houses a four-faced shrine of Adinath. 

 The Jambudweep Temple is noted for its exhibits explaining Jain cosmology and Jain mathematics, the Khataravasi Tuk is the highest of the temples here, while the Villabhai temple stands out for its thinly clustered spires, while the Vimal Shah Temple, the Sampriti Raja Temple, etc are temples noted for architectural brilliance.

Considered the world’s largest temple complex, for devotees visiting the Shahrunjaya Hill, a climb of over 3000 steps will get you to these beautiful temples, for others there are lift chairs (doli), while the rich can also opt for elaborate caparisoned elephants. A site considered extremely religious, no one is allowed to stay here after dark, not even the temple priests.

Approx 32 km from Palitana is Talaja, another site known for its religious significance as the place houses around 30 Buddhist caves that are famous for their carvings of Boddhisatva. Dating back by approx. 2,000 years, these caves have been carved out of solid rock. The Ebhala Mandapa is the most important structure here noted for its massive hall and pillar. Also seen here are the Hindu temple of Khodiad Mata and the birthplace of the renowned poet Narsinh Mehta. Palitana, the town situated at the foothill of the Holy Shatrunjaya is famous for its excellent horse breeding.

With November to March being the ideal time to visit, for tourists looking at visiting this marvelous destination the nearest airport is located at Bhavnagarm appox. 56 km from Palitana while the nearest Railway Station that connects the town to all parts of India is situated at Ahmedabad.

While in Jainism it is believed that by making this journey a man would be eligible to attain ‘Bhavya’ or nirvana, this  divine destination known for its exquisite temples, stunning carvings and elaborate sculptures, surrounded by eternal natural beauty, surely promises to be an ‘out the world experience’ for devotees as well as tourists!