Palitana Jain Temple: The sixth most prevalent religion in India is Jainism. Its influence on Indian history can be traced back to around 600 BCE, when the religion was popularised by Mahavira, the 24th and final Tirthankara of Jainism. Ahimsa, the principle of nonviolence, is the most fundamental aspect of the religion.
The doctrine of nonviolence can be found in the traditions of other Indian religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, but it is most prominent in Jainism. Here, we will discuss Palitana Jain temples of Gujarat, an extremely religiously significant location for Jain pilgrims in India, including its history, architectural significance, and much more.
According to a number of Jain scriptures, Adinatha, the first Tirthankara of Jainism, delivered a number of his sermons at this location, so this temple is regarded as the holiest pilgrimage site for Jain devotees in the country. There is also evidence that nearly all Tirthankaras visited this location, making it the most significant pilgrimage site for the Jain community.
Situating the Palitana Jain Temple
The approximately 1000 Palitana Jain temples are located in a small hamlet named Palitana, which is approximately 55 kilometres from the city of Bhavnagar in the Indian state of Gujarat. The Jain community regards this location as one of the holiest pilgrimage sites. This is due to the Jain community’s belief that 23 of their 24 Tirthankaras visited this location.
In the highlands, the temples of Palitana are located in roughly nine clusters. Anandji Kalyanji Trust, which also administers more than 1200 Jain temples and is the largest and oldest Jain trust in India, governs the temples. The Palitana train station provides access to Ahmedabad and Bhavnagar. The Palitana temples are approximately 660 kilometres from Mumbai and 237 kilometres from Gandhinagar.
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History of the Jain Palitana Temple
According to Jain texts, Adinatha himself, the first Tirthankara, visited this location nearly 700 million times. This event makes this location the most sacred pilgrimage site for Indian Jains. In the holy text titled Shatrunjaya Mahatmya, which was also his first sermon, there are references to Mahavira reciting the legends of Adinatha during a session organised in these hill communities.
There are indications that these temples were constructed between the 11th and 14th centuries, while others believe it took longer than 900 years. In mediaeval India, these temples were assumed to be destroyed in the 15th century due to Islamic invasions. Since then, these temples have undergone fifteen to sixteen reconstructions. To reach the summit of the Shetrunjaya hills in Gujarat, where the temples are located, pilgrims must ascend nearly 3,500 steps. There is an arrangement of palanquins for those who cannot ascend the numerous stairs.
Architecture and significance of the Jain Temple of Palitana
The architecture of the temples resembles the 10th-century Maru-Gujara style, which was prominent in the western regions of India. Inside the temples, the ceilings, pillars, and walls are elaborately decorated, and there are domes in the centre of the main temple. Popular temples in this region include Adishwar, Kumarpal, Sampriti Raj, and others. Inside the temples, we discover encrypted statues of the Tirthankaras as well as popular figures from the Mahabharata legend, such as Arjuna and Yudhishthira. Jain scholar Kumarpal Solanki constructed the first temples at this location.
Visitation Schedule to the Palitana Jain temple
The temples are open from 5:00 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Even the temple clerics are not permitted to spend the night in the temples. The best time to visit the temples is during the Jains’ most significant festival, Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, which typically takes place in April-May. Pilgrims also visit during Kartik Purnima and Falgun Feri. The average cost to remain and visit the Palitana temples for two to three days is between 5,000 and 8,000 rupees.
The number for the Palitana Jain Temple
You can reach the Palitana Jain Temple by dialling (02848) 2148.
Locations close to the Palitana Jain temple
Best accommodations near Palitana include Hotel Om Palace, Hotel Sumeru, Hotel Nandini, etc. The average daily cost of lodging ranges from 1,400 to 1,800 rupees. In close proximity to the sanctuaries are the Hastagiri Jain Tirth, the Vishal Jain Museum, Talaja Gopnath Beach, the Shatrunjaya river, and the city of Bhavnagar.
The Jain temples of Palitana are the holiest location for Indian Jains. Keeping faith in the teachings of the Tirthankaras, Jain devotees attempt to obtain Nirvana or salvation by climbing to the summit of Shatrunjaya Hill. Shatrunjaya hills and Palitana temples are considered more sacrosanct by the Jains than Mount Abu and Girnar temple.
The Mahavir Jayanti festival is celebrated with great zeal as thousands of pilgrims are seen visiting the area and enormous chariots are decorated to transport the Tirthankaras’ images in the temples. Consequently, we can assert that the Palitana temples hold immense religious significance for Indian Jains.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Palitana Jain Temples
Where are the Palitana Temples situated?
The Palitana Temples are situated in the Shatrunjaya Hills of Palitana municipality, 55 kilometres southwest of Bhavnagar city in Gujarat, India.
Who had constructed the Temples of Palitana?
The Palitana sanctuaries were constructed by the Jain scholar Kumarpal Solanka.
How do you get to the Palitana Jain temples?
From Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, or Mumbai, one can take the train to Palitana Station, which is two kilometres from Palitana City.
Are there any fees required to access the temples?
There are no costs associated with visiting the Temples.
What is distinctive about the Palitana Temples?
These temples are regarded as the foremost pilgrimage destination for Jains. The Jain community believes that Tirthankar Adinatha preached his first sermon here. One can attain Nirvana or salvation by ascending the hill’s 3,500 stairs to the summit, where the oldest Temples are located.
