Essentials of Gujarat – Palitana

Palitana is a sacred city of the Jains located about 215 km. from Ahmedabad and 51 kms southwest of Bhavnagar. It was the capital of a small princely state founded by Shahji, a Gohel Rajput who belonged to the same clan as the Maharaja of Bhavnagar. Palitana is also very well-known for its temples and there are 863 temples that are situated on the top of the Shetrunjaya hills.

Place to visit:

Shatrunjaya Hill:- The Shatrunjaya Temple is the most sacred temple of the Jains and one of the largest of its kind in India. 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.

Angar Pir:- The tomb of the Sufi saint is located near Adeshwara temple. Angar Pir lived here in the 14th century, when the area was attacked by Allaud- din- Khilji.  Angar Pir was the one who protected the temple from the invading armies. People of other religions also visit the dargah. This is a popular shrine for the childless.

Adinath temple:- The Adinath temple honors the first Teerthankar lord Rishabhdev. This temple was built by a wealthy merchant in 1618 to save his soul. This temple has an image of Adinath which face out in the four cardinal directions.

Kumar Pal Temple:- Amongst the Holy Places in Palitana, a name to reckon with is that of Kumar Pal Temple. Known for its architectural uniqueness the Kumar Pal Temple is a very important place of religious importance for the Jain.

Shri Vishal Jain Musuem:- Located near the Shatrunjaya hills, this museum houses an excellent collection of artifacts, excavated idols from earlier temples, ancient manuscripts written on palm leaves, and an exhibit on the history of Jainism and the life of Lord Mahavira. Most of the accompanying information is in Gujarati, though some is in Hindi and occasionally English.

Best time to visit Palitana:-

The climate of the place are terribly like that of the opposite components of the state. Harsh climatic conditions is expected throughout the summer months and visiting the place throughout this season isn’t well. Winters are milder and temperatures will drop quickly throughout the night. The place gets downfall for regarding four months of the year. The best time to travel is in winter between November and March when the average temperature is around 20 degree Cel.

• Essentials of Gujarat
• India travel tips
• Places to visit around Gujrat
• Places to visit around Palitana