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Commanding a special place on the Gujarat
travelers' map, Palitana is a `must visit' destination for the Jains and
all those who would like to witness what the subtle combination of human
enterprise, architectural skills, philanthropy and channelised religious
fervour can achieve. The entire summit of majestic mount Shatrunjaya is
crowned with about 900 temples, each
rivaling the other for beauty and magnificence, presenting an
awe-inspiring spectacle to devotees and visitors.
There are many temples at Palitana, which are revered by Hindus and some
are prominent Jain pilgrim centres.
Shri Adishwara Temple: dedicated to Rishabhdev, stands on the apex
of the northern ridge. Rebuilt by the minister Vagbhatta in AD 1157, it is
one of the most magnificent temples and the most sacred on Shatrunjaya.
The temple is ornately carved with a frieze of dragons along the walls of
its prayer halls.
Chaumukh Temple: or four- faced shrine, the highest of the shrines
is visible from a distance of 40 km. erected in the early 17th century, it
houses a quadruple image of the apostle Adinath, who gazes in the four
directions. Other notable temples are Kumarpal, Vimalsha, and
Shahastrakuta bearing the distinctive aura of the Jain temples.
Another important temple is that of the first Teerthankara, though, in
its overall plan it is simpler than the Choumukh. Other notable temples
are those of Kumarpal, Vimal Shah and Sampti Raja . The earliest
temple was probably built by Kumarpal Solanki, a great Jain patron. The
temple has a fabulous collection of jewels, which can be seen with special
permission.
Adjacent to the Shri Adishwara Temple is the Muslim shrine of Angar
Peer where childless women make votive offerings of miniature cradles
to the saint to bless them with children.
The
Temple town of Palitana has some interesting handicrafts and 2 museums of
Jain art - the Stapiya Kala Sangrah and the Shri Vishal Jain Kala
Sansthan.
GETTING THERE
Air: Nearest airport at Bhavnagar
is 62 kms away.
Rail: Palitana is on the Western Railway metre gauge line and is
well connected to Ahmedabad
, 277 kms. by rail and 215 kms. by road.
Road: State Transport & luxury buses ply regularly.
For travel
Agents & Tour Operators in Gujarat - Click here