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 17th 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.
The temples are simply out of this world, and you must visit these temples with magnifying viewing device so that the engravings on the top ceiling of the temples can be seen clearly. Make sure to carry your camera and ample of films as photography at these temples is a rare opportunity. However, cameras are not allowed inside the temples near the statues of god. There are separate temples of all 24 Jain tirthankars here. All of them are having different types of engravings. It takes around 3 hours to view all these temples in detail. The free guide services are also made available through the temple management. Make sure to avail guide services to understand all the detailed history related to these temples. The temple cafeteria serves free lunch during the day to all the pilgrims. The special Prasad of Ladoo is sold at the rate of Rs.5 (15 cents) each. This Ladoo is quiet heavy and weighs around one pound each and is full of all types of dry fruits and is really rich in taste and flavor. The big fair is held here on Chaitri and Kartic Purnimas (full moon days) every year. Lots of pilgrims come here on these days to attend these fairs.
Palitana town is also having few Jain temples but, these are not as good as the temples at the top of the mountain. It may not be necessary to stay here at Palitana. However, if you still want to stay here, there are couple of good hotels as well as Jain Dhrmshalas are available. I would be happy if some of my AC friends decide to visit Palitana based on the facts presented in this article.
