Significance
Palitana, on the Shatrunjaya Hills near Bhavnagar in Gujarat, is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Shwetambar Jains. Tradition holds that Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara, visited and meditated on the hill many times, and the site is closely associated with him.
The hill is crowned with more than 800 marble temples, built and added to over roughly nine centuries, giving Palitana its common name, the City of Temples. The main temple, dedicated to Rishabhanatha (Adinath), sits at the summit.
History
Temple building on Shatrunjaya is recorded from around the eleventh century onward, with continued construction, renovation and rededication by patrons across many later centuries. The result is a dense cluster of temple enclosures (tuks), each containing multiple shrines, built in white marble.
How to reach
Bhavnagar district, Gujarat
Palitana town has a railway station, and is roughly a two-hour drive from Bhavnagar. The climb to the summit is on a paved stone stairway of around 3,800 steps, and takes most pilgrims two to three hours each way. Palanquins (doli) and porters are available at the base for those unable to climb.
Darshan timings
Pilgrims begin the ascent early in the morning. By long-standing tradition, nobody remains on the hill overnight, including its temple attendants — the entire hill is descended before sunset, out of reverence for its sanctity.
Timings can change on festival days. Please confirm with the local trust before travelling.