Jain Temples at Palitana in Gujarat, India: Beautiful Views From a Mountaintop

There are many places of pilgrimage in the state of Gujarat in India. The most famous spot of pilgrimage for Jains is Palitana. Palitana is situated about 30 miles away from the city of Bhavnagar. It is a small town, but it remains full of pilgrims throughout the year. Palitana is located at the base of Mountain Shatrunjay and also at the bank of River Shantrunjay. It has a population of about 100,000 people and is a taluka headquarter of Bhavnagar district. Jain temples on the Shatrunjay Mountain are the only place to be seen and visited at Palitana.

Shatrunjay Mountain is known as Siddhgiri Mountain, and it is a belief in Jain mythology that whatever wish you make here at the top of the mountain at these Jain temples, would get fulfilled soon. There are 863 Jain temples in all on the top of Shatrunjay Mountain. All these temples are made of beautiful white marble and present the most artistic carvings. These temples were built by two Jain merchants, named Vastupal and Tejpal in 17^th century. The constant flow of donations from all classes of people is still continued and as a result, construction of the new temples is going on continuously. There are 799 stone steps to climb to reach to the top of Shatrunjay Mountain having height of around 1500 feet. There are lots of water parabs available in the way to the temples. The cold buttermilk and sweet yogurt also are served free of cost, all through the way up to the mountain. The climb is little strenuous and if you have some type of heart disease or high blood pressure, make sure to take rest in between at many places. Try to avoid this steep climb during peak summer. Select the winter season if possible and make sure to start your climb as early as possible in the morning so as to complete your climb before afternoon. The doli service has also started recently and the sick and handicapped persons can use this facility. The rates are Rs. 400 ($10) per normal person. If you are highly overweight, then these rates would go up.