A popular pilgrimage destination, Shatrunjaya hill temple represents the largest cluster of Jain temples in the world. Legend has it that omniscient Rishabha Dev, the first tirthankara (Jain teaching god), climbed the hill nearly 100 times to reach Nirvana. Today, pilgrims climb more than 3,000 stairs to visit his temple--the main shrine on the hill--and attain higher wisdom. There are more than 863 Jain temples on the hills spread mostly in nine clusters, some being vast temple complexes, while most small in size. This is considered as the world's largest Temple Complex. The construction of Palitana Jain temples spanned over a period of 900 years. These temples were built in two phases. The first phase being from the 11th to12th centuries AD as a part of the resurgence of temple building all over India. They were destroyed by Turkish Muslim invaders in 1311 AD. Most of the temples which are now present belonged to the 16th century CE. No one person can be attributed for the construction of these magnificent temples rather it was the effort of the wealthy businessmen who were followers of Jainism. The temples were brought under the control of the Anandji Kalyanji Trust in 1730. The main temple is reached by climbing up 3500 steps and the journey is arduous. It takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to make the 3.5 km climb. For those who cannot climb the stairs, sling-chairs or dolis are available at a bargain. The code for the climbers is tough as food must neither be eaten nor carried on the way. The descent must begin before getting dark as no one is allowed to stay atop the sacred mountain during the night even the priests. The temples remain closed for the devotees during the monsoon season.
Entry Fee: Free
Timing: 6:00am to 6:00pm
Location: Taleti Road, Palitana, Gujarat 364270
Hastagiri Jain Teerth located in Gujarat is a Jain pilgrimage centre. It is a four - mouthed, octagonal shaped Jain temple. Hastagiri Jain Tirth is dedicated to Bhagwan Rishabhdev or Shri Adishwar Bhagwan. This hilly land is also known as Hastisengiri. According to the history of the temple, the place is regarded as a sacred place of the times of Bhagawan Adishwar. The sacred place was established by Bharat Chakravartin, the eldest son of Bhagawan Adishwar. Even today one can see the foot images of Bhagawan in a small temple on the very ancient hill. Bharat Chakravartin had attained salvation here. He had observed fast unto death and attained moksha here. The elephant of the King also followed him, thus the teerth is called as Shri Hastagiri Tirth. The Hastagiri Jain Teerth is a four-mouthed, octagonal shaped Jain temple. The principal deity of the temple is Bhagawan Adishvar. The temple has 72 devkulikas, with three hill forts. It also has a marvellous lecture hall. The four mouthed idol of Bhagawan Adishvar is white in colour and is very impressive to the eyes. According to the history of the temple, it was formally installed on the sixth day of the bright half of the Vikram Samvat Era. The temple is taller even than the tallest Jain temple of Taranga. Later with the efforts of the of Late Shri Kantibha Manibhai of Mumbai, an original native of Patan a beautiful temple was build here. Apart from this temple there are other temples located here. At the foot of the sacred place of Hastagiri a new Jain temple has been built.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 9.30 AM - 6.30 PM
Location: Jaliya, Gujarat 364265
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3. Talaja Jain Temple
This was counted as part of Shri Shatrunjay Mahatirth in the olden days. Today also it has the opportunity of being a teerth of Shatrunjay panchtirthi. Ancientness of this place can be identified from the small and big caves present on this hill. Present temple is said to be built by King Kumarpal. It is described on the inscription found at Teemada village in VS 1264. Last establishment of the idol took place after the renovation work on Vaishakh Shukla 13 of VS 1872.
Entry Fee: Free
Timing: No Specific Time
Location: Talaja, Gujarat 364140
4. Vishal Jain Museum
This is a museum dedicated to Jain heritage and culture. The museum is located below the Shatrunjaya Hill.The museum portrays the advent of Jainism in ancient India. The stories and legends surrounding this enigmatic religion are pictorially depicted. The museum holds an excellent collection of artifacts, excavated idols, and ancient manuscripts written on palm leaves. For those interested in the history of Jainism, there is an exhibit on the life of Lord Mahavira. It is one of the very few rare museums in the world dedicated entirely to the history of Jainism.
Vishal Museum is named after a great Jain Acharya Vishalsen Suriji. This Museum also holds the fantastic collection of articles of rich history of India. These include ancient scripts, coins and history of civilization. The attraction includes world tiniest carved articles on Elephant Teeth.
Entry Fee: Rs. 6/-.
Timing: 11am-3pm and 4pm-6pm daily
5. Vimalshah Temple
The Jain temples of Palitana are located on the Shatrunjaya Hill. Vimal Shah Temple is one of the most famous temples in the town which houses more than 900 temples, all devoted to Jain Tirthankaras. The Vimal Shah Temple has a square structure, with two towers. The intricate work is excellent and speaks highly of the architecture of the era. The conglomeration of various temples makes the town of Palitana appear absolutely unreal and magnificent. Vimalshah Temple in Palitana is one of very significant and attractive temple in around 863 temples on Shetrunjay Hill, Palitana. The temple is about 900 years old and made of white marble and nice and elaborate carving in marble. The temple is conse creted to the man of repute Vimal Shah. A nice visit.
Entry Fee: Free
Timing: 6:00am to 6:00pm
Location: Taleti, Palitana, Gujarat 364270
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