There are different types of religions present on this earth, and each religion has its focal point located somewhere on the surface of the earth. Jainism, for example, has some of the holiest places, including Mount Abu, Girnar, and Chandragiri. Among these, Shatrunjaya is one of the most sacred places for Jains. Climbing the stairs of Shatrunjaya is not only a physical challenge but a journey toward greater knowledge and spiritual freedom. For a visitor, it’s an opportunity to experience Jain spirituality and peace, offering a sense of devotion.
Things You Can Do
One of the best activities to do in Palitana is to climb the Shatrunjaya hill. It doesn’t matter if you are Jain or not; the climb is an unforgettable experience. The hill is located about 3 km from Palitana, with a height of 600 meters and 3,000 stairs leading up to the top. It’s an experience that stays with you. Start your journey early in the morning to avoid the midday heat, and then you can visit all the temples and avoid overheating. Don’t forget to take enough water and explore the mountain properly. If you are climbing in the afternoon, you will still have enough time to reach the top before dark.
The construction of the temples in Palitana took over 900 years and was completed in two stages. The first phase of construction occurred from the 11th to 12th centuries AD, during a period of temple building across India. The second phase started in the 16th century AD. Unfortunately, many of the earliest temples, built in the 11th century, were destroyed by Muslim invaders in the 14th and 15th centuries. The temples we see today were built by affluent Jain merchants, and no one person can be credited with their creation.
How to Reach?
By Road: Palitana is 36 km from Bhavnagar and 210 km from Ahmedabad. You can take private buses from these cities to reach Palitana.
By Train: Palitana is also well-connected by rail, so you can take a train from Ahmedabad or Bhavnagar.
By Air: The nearest airport to Palitana is in Bhavnagar, which is 56 km away.
If you are planning a trip to the Shatrunjaya temple, all the information you need is provided here. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below or contact us, and we will assist you as soon as possible.
