Palitana Jain Temples
Monday, 05 October 2009 09:41
Palitana Jain Temples - Palitana |
About: |
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The Palitana Jain Temples, located in the Bhavnagar district of
Gujarat, India, form one of the most significant Jain pilgrimage sites
in the world. Known for their stunning architecture and spiritual
ambiance, the temples are situated on Shatrunjaya Hill and consist of
over 860 intricately carved marble temples, each showcasing exceptional
artistry and craftsmanship. The Palitana temples are dedicated to
various Tirthankaras, with the main temple being dedicated to Lord
Adinath, the first Tirthankara.
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Location info: |
| Address:Palitana,Gujrat,India |
| Coordinates: Approximately 21.4722° N latitude and 71.8222° E longitude |
| Nearest City: Mohva |
| Best time to visit: October to March |
Climate/Weather: |
| summer temperatures range from 24°C to 42°C and winter temperatures range
from 10°C to 24°C. |
History: |
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The Palitana temples have a history that dates back to the 11th century, with the construction of the main temples taking place over several centuries. It is believed that Adinath, the first Tirthankara, visited this site, making it sacred for Jains. The temples have undergone multiple renovations and expansions over time, with the most significant construction happening under the patronage of various kings and Jain communities. The site has earned the distinction of being the world's largest temple complex and is considered one of Jainism's holiest pilgrimage destinations. |
Interesting things to do: |
| Trekking to the Hilltop: Climb around 3,800 steps to reach the main temple complex at the summit. The trek is an enriching experience, providing scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Temple Exploration: Marvel at the intricate carvings, sculptures, and unique architectural styles of the various temples. |
Interesting things to Visit: |
| Shetrunjaya Hill: The entire summit of majestic mount Shatrunjaya is crowned with about 900 temples, each rivaling the other for beauty and magnificence, presenting an awe-inspiring spectacle to devotees and visitors. The peak is a 3 ½ km climb of over 3500 steps from the town. The cluster of over 800 temples is divided into tuks. Throughout the cluster you can see detailed carvings, beautiful idols and images, jeweled statues and intricate toranas. Sunrise behind the temples is a great sight. One can enjoy views from the summit of the hills and the river Shetrunjaya. On a clear day, the Gulf of Cambay seacoast can be seen. |
Mobile range info: |
| Mobile network coverage is available at the base, but the signal may weaken as you ascend the hill. Major networks like Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea have some coverage, but it can be spotty at higher altitudes. |
How to reach? |
| Nearest Railway Station:Palitana is a small railway station |
| Nearest Airport:Ahmedabad airport |
| Road Transport:There are hourly buses for Bhavnagar from Palitana. Regular buses are also available for Ahmedabad, |
Nearest Visiting places: |
| Bhavnagar: A historic city with attractions like Takhteshwar Temple, Gandhi Smriti Memorial, and Nilambag Palace. Nava Bandar: Bhavnagar Port, on the west coast of India is an all weather direct berthing port for small vessels. It is located in the Gulf of Cambay at a latitude and longitude of 21° 45" N and 72° 14" E respectively. Bhavnagar city is only 10 km from the port. Vessels to be disembarked alongside the concrete jetty must pass through the Lock Gate Door. Takhteswar Temple: akhteshwar Temple is one of the prime places to see in Bhavnagar. It is a white marble temple built on hill with full city aerial view. The temple is located on top of a small hill, which is near the main railway station of the city. Lord Shiva is worshipped as the main deity of this shrine. Victoria Park: It covers an area of about 500 acres(2 km²) with diverse flora and fauna. This park is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers |
Nearest Petrol Pump: |
| HP petrol pump:near rammantra
mandir,Palitana,Gujrat,India Chitra petrol pump:placemarks,Palitana,Gujrat,India |
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
| White Rose Hotel:Bhavnagar,Gujarat,India Hotel Apollo:Bhavnagar,Gujarat,India |
Things to carry: |
| Comfortable walking shoes for the climb Light snacks and water (no food is allowed inside the temple complex) A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen Camera for photography Warm clothing if visiting in winter A walking stick for support if needed |
Tips & Suggestions: |
| Start the climb early in the morning (before 6:00 AM) to avoid the heat and complete the trek comfortably. Photography is allowed outside the temples but prohibited inside. Dress modestly, as it is a religious site. Carry sufficient water, but be mindful of carrying it in reusable bottles to minimize plastic waste. Respect Jain customs, especially by removing footwear before entering temples and avoiding leather items. |
Help Line/Phone Number: |
| Police Station:100 |
| Nearest Hospital: |
| Society/Community Phone Number |
| Links |
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Nearest Attraction |
| Gopnath Beach |
| A visit to Gopnath Beach is all what is required by a tourist and traveler who is on a jamboree to discover the delights of Gujarat and especially its divinely picturesque, scenic and resplendent seafront in the form of its various beatific beaches. Gopnath Beach in Gujarat, India, is one such place and travel destination which is popular amongsst the people and the various tourists visiting the beatific and enrapturing beach in Gujarat, India.Gopnath town in Gujarat, India, was the place of residence of Maharaja Krishna Singhji, at a distance of 75 kilometers from the city of Bhavnagar in Gujarat, India. Gopnath Town in Gujarat, India, is located near the Gopnath Beach in Gujarat, India, with the Gopnath Beach being profusely supplied with a dainty and colorful birdlife along with the presence of limestone cliffs and other adjuncts to the Gopnath Beach like a pleasurable sea breeze and breathtakingly beautiful views to enthrall the tourists who come down to the Gopnath Beach in Gujarat, India, in the hot summer months to get some relaxation from the sultry, trying and immobilizing heat....more |
| Arts And Crafts Museum |
| Arts and Crafts Museum, established in 1963, is situated at Bhavnagar, in Gujarat. The museum exhibits a rich collection of arts and crafts objects of Gujarat as well as known crafts of different states of India, including Indian textiles. Guide services are available on request.An arts and crafts museum it has a collection of arts and crafts objects of Gujarat and well known crafts of different states of India, including Indian textiles.Arts and crafts of Gujarat. Guide service, lectures, film shows. Timings : Summer 0830-1200 hrs and 1500-1900 hrs; Winter 0830-1200 hrs and 1430-1900 hrs. Closed on Mondays and public holidays. Entry free Photography not allowed.....more |
| Shatrunjaya Hill |
| The Shatrunjaya Hill is located at a height of 591 metres. The Shatrunjaya Temple is the most sacred temple of the Jains and one of the largest of its kind in India. One has to climb up the hill for about 4 kms 600 meters on a stepped path to Shatrunjaya place of victory over worldliness. You can reach this place either in Doli or lift chairs or by walking. The rich persons visit this place on richly caparisoned elephants. There are about 863 white marble Jain temples, built over 900 years on the hilltop, each with its own enclosure. There is a stunning view from the top of the hill and the air is filled with the scent of the jasmine trees. On a clear day, you can also see the Gulf of Cambay. All the temples are enriched with gold, silver and jewels donated by rich merchants. According to local tradition, Adinatha, the first Jain Tirthankara, visited the hill several times and the first temple was erected by his son. Thereafter the emple builders could not stop. Jains believe that Pundarika....more |
| Blackbuck National Park |
|
Blackbuck N.P. Velavadar in the Bhal region of Saurashtra is a unique
grassland ecosystem that has attracted fame for the successful conservation
of the blackbuck, the wold and the lesser florican. Once found in open
plains throughout the country and the state of Gujarat its largest
population at present occurs in Velavadar N.P. This exclusively Indian
animal is perhaps the most graceful and beautiful of its kind. It has ringed
horns that have a spiral twist of three to fours turns and are up to 70 cm
long. The body's upper parts are black and the underparts and a ring around
the eyes are white. ....more
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