Palitana Temples
Palitana is a city in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, India. It is located 50
km southwest of Bhavnagar city. The Palitana temples are considered the most
sacred pilgrimage place (tirtha) by the Jain community, and is the world’s
largest Temple Complex. There are more than 3000 temples located on the
Shatrunjaya hills, exquisitely carved in marble. The main temple on top of
the hill, is dedicated to 1st Tirthankar Lord Adinath (Rishabdeva).
On the top the Shatrunjai Hill is a cluster of Jain temples, built by
generations of Jains over a period of 900 years, from the 11th century
onwards. The temples are managed by the Anandji Kalyanji Trust of the
Kasturbai Lalbhai group.
From the foot of the hill to the top there are 3,800 and odd stone steps cut
to facilitate climbing. The steps were hewn out of the rock in the 13th
century CE during the time of Jain minister Vastupal.
The temples are exquisitely carved in marble, veritable prayers in stone. To
an observer, these appear to be ivory miniatures when seen from a distance.
Created by master craftsmen, the most important temple is that of the first
Teerthankara, Shri Adishwar. It has ornate architectural motifs, though in
its overall plan it is simpler than the Choumukh.
Other notable temples are those of Kumarpal, Vimalshah and Sampriti Raja.
Kumarpal Solanki, a great Jain patron, probably built the earliest temple.
The temple has a fabulous collection of jewels, and these can be seen with
special permission.
Getting There
The city is well connected with the rail lines to all major cities and towns
so people will not face any difficulty in reaching the place smoothly and
comfortably.
Bhavnagar is well connected by road to all major cities. Various types of
buses like Luxury, volvo buses, tourist buses, private buses and state buses
are available. The bus fare is very affordable. Ahmedabad (168 km), Vadodara
(196 km), Surat (360 km) and Rajkot (174 km) can easily reached by road.
The nearest airport is Bhavnagar Airport
which is located 9 km in North from Bhavnagar Railway Station.
Alliance Air and
SpiceJet operate schedule flights to Mumbai
from this Airport. Auto and taxi facility to town center are available in
visitors area in this Airport.
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