Palitana Jain Temples – These Temples Modernized Many Times At Different Period

PALITANA JAIN TEMPLES

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BHAVNAGAR

Palitana is a city in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, India. It is located 50 km southwest of Bhavnagar city .Palitana located 51 km south west of Bhavnagar is known for being the largest cluster of Jain temples.

There are in total 863 temples from base to the peak of the Shatrunjaya hill, where the Palitana temples are located. The path is climbed through 3950 steps spanning 3.5 km up the Shatrunjaya Hills.

The construction of temples of Palitana spanned over a period of 900 years and was structured in two phases. From the 11th to12th centuries AD as a part of the resurgence of temple building all over India, the first phase of temple architecture was constructed.

The second phase followed later, from the 16th century AD onwards. Muslim invaders destroyed some of the earliest temples built in the 11th century AD, during the 14th and 15th centuries AD. No one person can be attributed for the construction of these magnificent temples rather it was the effort of the wealthy businessmen who were followers of Jainism.

According to Jainism, since ancient times Palitana is a major site of salvation and nirvana of Jain saints and sages. Palitana is a major pilgrimage site of the Jain religion.

On this temple are situated many temples, which are built of marble carving and are extremely beautiful. The main temple on this mountain is Jain religion s Lord Adinath temple. This mountain is situated at an altitude of about 220 feet.

Palitana is the greatest and biggest pilgrimage center and sacred place of Jains. The Shwetambar Jain community believes that the hill of Palitana (Siddhachal) is eternal. Rshabhadev (Adinath), the first Jain Tirthankara, came here several times and preached. Billions of monks and nuns have attained Nirvana (Salvation) from this hill from times immemorial.

It is also believed that hundred millions monks leaded by Dravida andVarikhilla attained here Nirvana on the auspicious day of Kartika Purnima (Full moon day in the month of Kartika according to Indian lunar calendar) and fifty millions leaded by Nami and Vinami on Chaitri Purnima (Full moon day in the month of Chaitra according to Indian lunar calendar).

From the foot of the hill to the top there are 3,800 and odd stone steps cut to facilitate climbing.The steps were hewn out of the rock in the 13th century CE during the time of Jain minister Vastupal.

These temples are built with an aim of having a common place of gods. People believe that all gods sleep here during night. This is why no priest is allowed to stay in the temple overnight. The rule is for other people as well. At different times, these temples have been renovated around 16 times.

By Air

Various domestic airlines connect Bhavnagar with Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

By Train

It is on the Western Railway Line. It is 777 kms. from Mumbai via Ahmedabad.

By Bus

State transport buses and private luxury coaches gives an easy connectivity to Bhavnagar. It is situated 791 kms. from Mumbai via Ahmedabad and 200 kms. from Ahmedabad via the State Highway.

ADISHWARA TEMPLE

ADISHWARA TEMPLE

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BHAVNAGAR

Adishwara temple is one of the great Jain Temples situated in city of Palitana in Bhavnagar district of the Gujarat State. It is dazzling temple with excellent architecture, situated on shetrunjaya hill, which is about six kilometer near the Palitana city.

This Adishwar Temple took 65 years for the construction and is the largest Jain temples. Temple has three storeys, 80 domes, and 29 halls.

 Visitors get surprise by seeing the pavilions of the temple which are supported by 1444 pillars. The innermost part of the temple is adorned with a four faced image of Lord Adinath or Rishabhdev.

.  It is very complex and is considered to be one of the five most important holy shrines of Jains, in India.

Devotees visiting the famous Adishwara Temple in palitana desire to climb to the mountain top at least once in their lifetime, because of the holiness associated with the temple.

 The journey is exhausting. The walk up the stone stairways comprising of around 4000 steps takes about an hour and a half. Dolis are available those who prefer to avoid the steps.

Dolis are held by two men at both ends of a stick in the middle of which are a base to sit on. Food is avoided or carried on the way. The journey must begin prior to the sunset as no one can stay stop during the night.

Adishwara temple, palitana has many beliefs associated to the temple monuments. One such belief states that if you manage to squeeze yourself through an exceptionally small opening in a particular room, you are regarded to be a person without any sins.

 Before setting your foot down to leave, don’t miss out to pamper your taste buds with masala dahi.Climbing up the hill of the palitana adishwara temple successfully and returning with the blessings of Lord Aadeshwar is believed to be a great reverence and a matter of pride.

 It is seen that at various stretches while getting down many people wash the feet of the devotees and apply a tilak on their head. And some others give out sweets to all. It is believed that by doing this deed they mean to suggest and indicate that please make us a part of the good deed you have done by worshipping the holy temple.

   

   By Air

Bhavnagar to Palitana - the nearest airport lies at a distance of 51 kilometer. But the most convenient airport is Ahmedabad to Palitana as it is connected through regular flights to many important cities of the country like Mumbai and Delhi.

By Rail

Palitana is a small railway station and has connection only with Bhavnagar. Most of the trains stop at Sihor, which is connected to Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. And also connects Palitana to Mumbai and other Indian cities.

 By Road

There are hourly buses for Bhavnagar to Palitana. Regular buses are also available for Ahmedabad, Talaja, Una, and Diu. The total journey time to Una or Diu is around 6 hours as the roads are not in a good condition. Taxis are also available on hire for Palitana from Bhavnagar.