Shatrunjaya Hill Temple
Shatrunjaya Hill Temple
5
4:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
4:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
4:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
4:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
4:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
4:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
4:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
4:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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Suejata
London, UK64 contributions
Feb 2020
This is a revered pilgirmage site for the Jains where people go to take blessings of Lord Rushabh Dev by climbing more than 3000 steps. Those who can't climb up like old people or sic people there are many porters who carry people up in a chair . As many people want to visit this even when they are sick or old . Definitely visit it once in a lifetime if you are fit and fine and climb up the stairs . It's believed to release some bad karmas
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
payal m(payu)
India732 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
Shatrunjaya temple is the famous temple of Jain religion. Shatrunjaya is of shree Adinath dada, the Tirthankar of Jainism.The height of shri shatrunjay Tirth from the foot of the mountain (called Taleti ) is 2000 feet.It has 3750 steps of climb. After mounting approximately 3 km from Taleti, one can see 2 pathways .One is leading to shre of adinath dada temple (main temple) and the second way is leading to Nav Tuk temple.
The various tuks in shri Shatrunjay Tirth are as follows :
The main Tuk of shri Aadinath Bhagwan
Motisha Tuk
Balavasi Tuk
Pravasi Tuk
Hemvasi Tuk
Ujamfai Ni Tuk
Sakarvasi Tuk
Chhipavasi Tuk
Choumukhji Tuk
Among this 9 Tuks, the temple of Choumukhji in the Sava-soma Tuk is the tallest. In this temple, the Mulnayak is Shri Aadinath Dada, the 1st Tirthankara of Jains. This temple is the most ancient
The various tuks in shri Shatrunjay Tirth are as follows :
The main Tuk of shri Aadinath Bhagwan
Motisha Tuk
Balavasi Tuk
Pravasi Tuk
Hemvasi Tuk
Ujamfai Ni Tuk
Sakarvasi Tuk
Chhipavasi Tuk
Choumukhji Tuk
Among this 9 Tuks, the temple of Choumukhji in the Sava-soma Tuk is the tallest. In this temple, the Mulnayak is Shri Aadinath Dada, the 1st Tirthankara of Jains. This temple is the most ancient
Written May 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kirti K
1 contribution
Mar 2018 • Solo
The town Palitana is full of Jain temples. It makes you wonder what is achieved by creating so many temples and whether the money could have been put to better use. There are around 900 temples. All temples have same diety. You will be uninterested in seeing more temples after you have seen around 50 temples.
The climb to Shatrunjay Hill is not easy. There are palkhis available, but you are taking a risk that you could injure yourself if the palkhi holder slips. There are no medical facilities available. There are no facilities for tea or snacks on top of Hill. There is only one toilet which is around 20 years old. This unavailability of toilet facility makes one wonder as if going to toilet is a crime.
The persons who carry palkhis are poor and have no option but to carry persons at low compensation. Imagine the compensation you would need to pay for such work if done in a European country. But you are able to use palkhi service at low cost because of the poverty and difference in economic status here.
Being a Jain I had visited Palitana with my parents as we had heard a lot about this place. But we have felt a bit disappointed.
When I visited the Main Adinath Temple, there were a lot of monks sitting in front of the main diety so there was hardly any space for ordinary people like us to pray. You are also not supposed to touch any Monk even by accident.
Jains who come to worship in these temples are from well to do and rich families. But it has not occurred to them to arrange for facilities like escalators or cable cars. Life needs to be difficult to be worthwhile.
Most dharmashalas are run by Jains. Most have timings for breakfast lunch and dinner. Dinner is to be completed before sunset. They may not have tea facility and you then need to drink tea from Street vendors.
The climb to Shatrunjay Hill is not easy. There are palkhis available, but you are taking a risk that you could injure yourself if the palkhi holder slips. There are no medical facilities available. There are no facilities for tea or snacks on top of Hill. There is only one toilet which is around 20 years old. This unavailability of toilet facility makes one wonder as if going to toilet is a crime.
The persons who carry palkhis are poor and have no option but to carry persons at low compensation. Imagine the compensation you would need to pay for such work if done in a European country. But you are able to use palkhi service at low cost because of the poverty and difference in economic status here.
Being a Jain I had visited Palitana with my parents as we had heard a lot about this place. But we have felt a bit disappointed.
When I visited the Main Adinath Temple, there were a lot of monks sitting in front of the main diety so there was hardly any space for ordinary people like us to pray. You are also not supposed to touch any Monk even by accident.
Jains who come to worship in these temples are from well to do and rich families. But it has not occurred to them to arrange for facilities like escalators or cable cars. Life needs to be difficult to be worthwhile.
Most dharmashalas are run by Jains. Most have timings for breakfast lunch and dinner. Dinner is to be completed before sunset. They may not have tea facility and you then need to drink tea from Street vendors.
Written March 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Supratik
Leicester, UK2,182 contributions
Feb 2017 • Family
My wife is a Jain, I am not. This was a pilgrimage for her and initially I was reluctant to join her. But later I realised that it was indeed a unique place and decided to join her, which was an excellent decision.
We stayed at Bhavnagar, but there are plenty of Dharamshalas in Palitana town as well, if you are on a budget. It took us 1 hour to reach from Bhavnagar.
One can take the car pretty close to the main gate
I had planned to start the hike just before sunrise and return before mid-day sun to avoid the heat, but got delayed by taking too many stops on the way up to take snaps. .
I had downloaded an app prepared by a Jain lady, which was good for background info but was not too helpful for practical info, like toilets etc. Worth getting as not that expensive.
The only annoying part of the whole day was that as soon as we got off the car we were swarmed by Doli-walas repeatedly asking for our custom. I know that they were doing that for a living, but if you are not used to Indian way of life , you'll find that annoying and intimidating.
Just walk straight without bothering to comment or even have any eye contact. No one tried to snatch anything from us. As soon as you enter through the main gate and climb a few steps they give up.
If you want a doli then you need to go to the office, to the left before the gate, to get a permit. I found it surprising to see some reasonably fit looking men being carried in dolis.
Ideally one should do it barefoot but not compulsory. No shoes or leather goods are allowed inside the main temple complex. Please show respect and do not take photo of idols inside the temples. You can take as many photos of the exterior as you wish.
The climb itself is not too bad. Any fit young person can do it non-stop in 2-2.5 hours. We took longer for photo stops. The steps are nicely spaced and have been painted so they do not reflect heat too much.
There are fairly long stretches of flat sections between steps, so it is not continuous climbing.
There is water freely available on many stops on the way up. You can carry your own water but not allowed to drink inside the main complex. They even have free buttermilk available just outside the complex.
There are several peaks and the road bifurcates about two third way up with the main road going to the left towards Ram Pole ( main gate) while the left one follows a secluded path towards the highest peak ( nava tunk). I suggest you take the right path as it is far less crowded and gives a fantastic view of the main complex of Adinath swami's temple from a vantage point. The architecture of the temple complexes was a bit different.
I have got to say this is indeed a very impressive complex and the climb up was lovely with sun gradually rising over the hills and misty Shatrunjay river. I was amazed to think ho much trouble did the devotees take to carry all those stone blocks up. The designs are not very intricate and temples look the same after a while, but the sheer size of the complex is mind-boggling. There is a queue to do the worship. It was a fairly busy area and I guess during Jan festivals it will be lot busier.
I'm not a very religious person but even I was moved by the entire experience.
There are some toilets up there, outside the main complex. Not Western style. The condition of the toilets was not brilliant but if you are desperate they will do. On the way up there are no toilets and behind the bushes is your only option.
By the time we were ready to start our descent it was late and the sun did roast us nicely. No shade at all. I actually found the descent more painful and calf muscles protested.
Near the base you'll find a very impressive big temple with the history of Jainism nicely depicted by paintings and murals.
And the tradition is to eat Bhel and drink Chaans ( buttermilk) after the descent.
It was a photographer's delight and I enjoyed the day very much and of course my wife had all her sins absolved.
We stayed at Bhavnagar, but there are plenty of Dharamshalas in Palitana town as well, if you are on a budget. It took us 1 hour to reach from Bhavnagar.
One can take the car pretty close to the main gate
I had planned to start the hike just before sunrise and return before mid-day sun to avoid the heat, but got delayed by taking too many stops on the way up to take snaps. .
I had downloaded an app prepared by a Jain lady, which was good for background info but was not too helpful for practical info, like toilets etc. Worth getting as not that expensive.
The only annoying part of the whole day was that as soon as we got off the car we were swarmed by Doli-walas repeatedly asking for our custom. I know that they were doing that for a living, but if you are not used to Indian way of life , you'll find that annoying and intimidating.
Just walk straight without bothering to comment or even have any eye contact. No one tried to snatch anything from us. As soon as you enter through the main gate and climb a few steps they give up.
If you want a doli then you need to go to the office, to the left before the gate, to get a permit. I found it surprising to see some reasonably fit looking men being carried in dolis.
Ideally one should do it barefoot but not compulsory. No shoes or leather goods are allowed inside the main temple complex. Please show respect and do not take photo of idols inside the temples. You can take as many photos of the exterior as you wish.
The climb itself is not too bad. Any fit young person can do it non-stop in 2-2.5 hours. We took longer for photo stops. The steps are nicely spaced and have been painted so they do not reflect heat too much.
There are fairly long stretches of flat sections between steps, so it is not continuous climbing.
There is water freely available on many stops on the way up. You can carry your own water but not allowed to drink inside the main complex. They even have free buttermilk available just outside the complex.
There are several peaks and the road bifurcates about two third way up with the main road going to the left towards Ram Pole ( main gate) while the left one follows a secluded path towards the highest peak ( nava tunk). I suggest you take the right path as it is far less crowded and gives a fantastic view of the main complex of Adinath swami's temple from a vantage point. The architecture of the temple complexes was a bit different.
I have got to say this is indeed a very impressive complex and the climb up was lovely with sun gradually rising over the hills and misty Shatrunjay river. I was amazed to think ho much trouble did the devotees take to carry all those stone blocks up. The designs are not very intricate and temples look the same after a while, but the sheer size of the complex is mind-boggling. There is a queue to do the worship. It was a fairly busy area and I guess during Jan festivals it will be lot busier.
I'm not a very religious person but even I was moved by the entire experience.
There are some toilets up there, outside the main complex. Not Western style. The condition of the toilets was not brilliant but if you are desperate they will do. On the way up there are no toilets and behind the bushes is your only option.
By the time we were ready to start our descent it was late and the sun did roast us nicely. No shade at all. I actually found the descent more painful and calf muscles protested.
Near the base you'll find a very impressive big temple with the history of Jainism nicely depicted by paintings and murals.
And the tradition is to eat Bhel and drink Chaans ( buttermilk) after the descent.
It was a photographer's delight and I enjoyed the day very much and of course my wife had all her sins absolved.
Written April 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nomadic milind
Mumbai, India68 contributions
Nov 2014 • Family
Palitana is popular for ancient jain temple on shetrunjaya hills dedicated to first among 24 tirthankar on Jainism.
There are many pilgrims visit this place every year most of them are jains.
Place is just like yet another small town except for it's India's strictly vegetarian town. place is filled with dharamshalas
one can easily find accomodation in any of them except for some festivals like paryushan, mahavir jayanti and many others in jain calender or panchang.
Talking about the main attraction
SHETRUNJAY HILLS (NIRVANA PLACE OF LORD ADINATH)
The main temple is situated on the top of shetrunjaya hills. there are almost 900+ derasar ofcourse difficult to visit all but not miss the main temple of lord Adinath and his divine charan chaap (foot prints)
I would suggest to start climb as there are 3700 steps to be climbed and some 2 kms to walk
people who are physically not fit can opt for option of Doli. (Please fix the rate in advance)
Carrying food articles is prohibited however please carry water bottle per heead. Though you get water, but its good to carry one.
you will find many maharaj saheb and maha satiji (Jain priests) on your way would suggest you to just bow as we call naman to them.
there are 2 ways you can opt to react top
Navtunk and motitunk
Navtunk consist of no of temples by different trust and people one fine reason for opting for navtunk was you get best panoramic view of this place and shetrunjay river.
I was surprised to see number of foreign tourists. and their curiousity and respect towards Indian culuture.
Things most surprised me was Dargah of ANGARSHA BABA
most people do not know why its situated near one of the most sacred jain temple.
while I was climbing from navtunk way I met the caretaker of Dargah who also told me the story behind this dargah
story goes like centuries ago Islamic King Alludin Khilji came to destroy this sacred place . Angar shah baba was peer baba doing mediation on top of hill. He warned king and asked him to go back. but king didnt bother, It is believed that angar shah baba made shower of fire from sky on troops and they started to delined down. and peer baba to samadhi at that place. same place is now called as dargah.
HOW TO REACH?
NEAREST RAILWAY STATION IS PALITANA 5 KM FROM HILL (NO MAJOR TRAINS HALT THERE)
SONGADH STATION 25 KMS AWAY
ONE CAN EASILY GET TRANSPORT FROM OUTSIDE STATION FOR INR50 PER SEAT OF Rs 400 FOR PRIVATE CAR.
where to stay?
THERE ARE NO OF DHARAMSHALA ONCE CAN OPT FOR. TRY AND GET ACCOMODATION NEAR TALETI(BEGINING POINT OF JATRA)
FOOD : AS I MENTIONED ITS INDIA'S FIRST 100% VEG CITY. WOULD SUGGEST YOU TO AVOID ONION POTATO AND GARLIC SINCE ITS AGAIST JAINISM RULES.
PALITANA IS DIVINE PLACE SO PLEASE AVOID CIGRATE, TOBACO OR ANY ACTIVITY WHICH WOULD EMBARACE PEOPLE.
JAI JINENDRA
There are many pilgrims visit this place every year most of them are jains.
Place is just like yet another small town except for it's India's strictly vegetarian town. place is filled with dharamshalas
one can easily find accomodation in any of them except for some festivals like paryushan, mahavir jayanti and many others in jain calender or panchang.
Talking about the main attraction
SHETRUNJAY HILLS (NIRVANA PLACE OF LORD ADINATH)
The main temple is situated on the top of shetrunjaya hills. there are almost 900+ derasar ofcourse difficult to visit all but not miss the main temple of lord Adinath and his divine charan chaap (foot prints)
I would suggest to start climb as there are 3700 steps to be climbed and some 2 kms to walk
people who are physically not fit can opt for option of Doli. (Please fix the rate in advance)
Carrying food articles is prohibited however please carry water bottle per heead. Though you get water, but its good to carry one.
you will find many maharaj saheb and maha satiji (Jain priests) on your way would suggest you to just bow as we call naman to them.
there are 2 ways you can opt to react top
Navtunk and motitunk
Navtunk consist of no of temples by different trust and people one fine reason for opting for navtunk was you get best panoramic view of this place and shetrunjay river.
I was surprised to see number of foreign tourists. and their curiousity and respect towards Indian culuture.
Things most surprised me was Dargah of ANGARSHA BABA
most people do not know why its situated near one of the most sacred jain temple.
while I was climbing from navtunk way I met the caretaker of Dargah who also told me the story behind this dargah
story goes like centuries ago Islamic King Alludin Khilji came to destroy this sacred place . Angar shah baba was peer baba doing mediation on top of hill. He warned king and asked him to go back. but king didnt bother, It is believed that angar shah baba made shower of fire from sky on troops and they started to delined down. and peer baba to samadhi at that place. same place is now called as dargah.
HOW TO REACH?
NEAREST RAILWAY STATION IS PALITANA 5 KM FROM HILL (NO MAJOR TRAINS HALT THERE)
SONGADH STATION 25 KMS AWAY
ONE CAN EASILY GET TRANSPORT FROM OUTSIDE STATION FOR INR50 PER SEAT OF Rs 400 FOR PRIVATE CAR.
where to stay?
THERE ARE NO OF DHARAMSHALA ONCE CAN OPT FOR. TRY AND GET ACCOMODATION NEAR TALETI(BEGINING POINT OF JATRA)
FOOD : AS I MENTIONED ITS INDIA'S FIRST 100% VEG CITY. WOULD SUGGEST YOU TO AVOID ONION POTATO AND GARLIC SINCE ITS AGAIST JAINISM RULES.
PALITANA IS DIVINE PLACE SO PLEASE AVOID CIGRATE, TOBACO OR ANY ACTIVITY WHICH WOULD EMBARACE PEOPLE.
JAI JINENDRA
Written December 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Artur S.
Bucharest, Romania275 contributions
Jan 2014 • Friends
In my humble opinion, this is the most important place to see in the entire India. I can say that I have seen and travelled at least 50-60% of India by car and during those days I have seen so many marvels and places that even Indians are dreaming to see in their entire lifetime.
But a single place really touched my soul and that place is the Shatrunjaya Hill in Palitana where the 863 Jain temples are located. The first ones go back 900 years and they survived also the Mughal invasions.
I visited these temples twice and the second time I went with even more pleasure than before...it was like returning home.
The first climb of those 3750 carved steps into the mountain over a length of 3.5 km it can take from one hour to 2-3 hours depending on the physical condition you have. The most interesting thing is that the steps are not normally positioned/spaced like in any ordinary modern building. Their contact area is deep so that you need to half walk and half climb so that the next step you take is even more painful than the previous one. Definitely this is not a normal climb but a total strain to your legs and knees and I am sure that who carved the steps made sure that one's ascent will not be easy but a total strain.
The relief that you feel when you reach the main entrance at the top is so great that you feel like floating on air and not walking anymore. The first sight is the groups of bearers that helped and carried other people up the hill with their canvased bamboo sticks.
I started my first climb around 4 PM and reached the top around 6 PM. I had little time to visit few temples and climb on top of the main temple overlooking the ascent route. There, at sunset, I had the feeling for the first time in my life that I am hanging between heaven and Earth. That place provided the most deafening silence and I am sure that I didn't experience that silence not even before my birth. Occasional gusts of wind and the crystalline sounds of few brass bells decorated with red and white flags amplified the feeling. That evening was the closest to divinity I ever encountered in my entire life.
The temples are grouped on 4 main terraces and you can see that they have their own protection walls around them.
When I visited it was forbidden to carry a tripod with you but photography and video shooting were allowed subject to payment of photo and video fee. The tripod interdiction I encountered it in many other places across India and I am sure that is valid also today.
So, all in all, if you ever plan to visit India and you would like to have an off-the-beaten-track experience then put Shatrunjaya Hill on the top of your list and make this number one destination. Wear very comfortable footwear and carry blisters cream or ointment with you. You have to visit the temples barefooted and after the long and difficult ascent your feet will kind of abandon you.
The temples are unique and the visual experience is one of the best you will ever encounter in India.
But a single place really touched my soul and that place is the Shatrunjaya Hill in Palitana where the 863 Jain temples are located. The first ones go back 900 years and they survived also the Mughal invasions.
I visited these temples twice and the second time I went with even more pleasure than before...it was like returning home.
The first climb of those 3750 carved steps into the mountain over a length of 3.5 km it can take from one hour to 2-3 hours depending on the physical condition you have. The most interesting thing is that the steps are not normally positioned/spaced like in any ordinary modern building. Their contact area is deep so that you need to half walk and half climb so that the next step you take is even more painful than the previous one. Definitely this is not a normal climb but a total strain to your legs and knees and I am sure that who carved the steps made sure that one's ascent will not be easy but a total strain.
The relief that you feel when you reach the main entrance at the top is so great that you feel like floating on air and not walking anymore. The first sight is the groups of bearers that helped and carried other people up the hill with their canvased bamboo sticks.
I started my first climb around 4 PM and reached the top around 6 PM. I had little time to visit few temples and climb on top of the main temple overlooking the ascent route. There, at sunset, I had the feeling for the first time in my life that I am hanging between heaven and Earth. That place provided the most deafening silence and I am sure that I didn't experience that silence not even before my birth. Occasional gusts of wind and the crystalline sounds of few brass bells decorated with red and white flags amplified the feeling. That evening was the closest to divinity I ever encountered in my entire life.
The temples are grouped on 4 main terraces and you can see that they have their own protection walls around them.
When I visited it was forbidden to carry a tripod with you but photography and video shooting were allowed subject to payment of photo and video fee. The tripod interdiction I encountered it in many other places across India and I am sure that is valid also today.
So, all in all, if you ever plan to visit India and you would like to have an off-the-beaten-track experience then put Shatrunjaya Hill on the top of your list and make this number one destination. Wear very comfortable footwear and carry blisters cream or ointment with you. You have to visit the temples barefooted and after the long and difficult ascent your feet will kind of abandon you.
The temples are unique and the visual experience is one of the best you will ever encounter in India.
Written September 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John A
Melbourne, Australia20 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
We are active 68-69 year-olds and were uncertain if we could manage the climb. After meeting our guide from the Nilambag Palace Hotel in Bhavnagar the night before, we were reassured that we would be OK and we were. We set off by car from Bhavnagar at 5, started the walk at 7, reached the top at 9, had 2 hours to view temples, then were down again by 1pm. This seems to be the usual "rate-of-climb" judging from other visitors and the doli-wallahs. It was hot on the way down but there was some wind which made it OK. Everything that needs to be said about the temples has been said. I just want to emphasise that 3500 steps is a lot, but this trip is not to be missed.
NB. The doli-wallahs and beggars were a pain but having a guide who went with us the whole way, was a good decision for us. We did not employ a doli but could readily appreciate the strenuous work these men (and some women) do.
Some housekeeping points: (there is almost no info other than Gujarati anywhere)
You should wear good shoes on the walk up. Then no shoes inside the temples. No leather. There is a fair bit of shade on the track but you need sun protection. An umbrella is good. No food can be carried except fruit. The only food available when there is curd. Water is available at several points but take at least 1 litre of bottled water with you. Plastic is OK. The whole area is kept very clean. There are even rubbish bins. Toilets are available at the bottom and the top, none in between. It is not crowded or noisy like some Hindu temples. Actually very peaceful.
NB. The doli-wallahs and beggars were a pain but having a guide who went with us the whole way, was a good decision for us. We did not employ a doli but could readily appreciate the strenuous work these men (and some women) do.
Some housekeeping points: (there is almost no info other than Gujarati anywhere)
You should wear good shoes on the walk up. Then no shoes inside the temples. No leather. There is a fair bit of shade on the track but you need sun protection. An umbrella is good. No food can be carried except fruit. The only food available when there is curd. Water is available at several points but take at least 1 litre of bottled water with you. Plastic is OK. The whole area is kept very clean. There are even rubbish bins. Toilets are available at the bottom and the top, none in between. It is not crowded or noisy like some Hindu temples. Actually very peaceful.
Written October 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Falcarragh13
Atlanta, GA192 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
I am writing this two days removed. Dealing with 100 degree heat and humidity while on the journey, I did feel like I could have had heat stroke. However, it was, without a doubt, one of the most outstanding experiences of my life. My son and I started at 6:15 am and made it back down around 11:30 am. Being pasty, white Americans, we stood out like sore thumbs but all (I don't think all is an exaggeration) of the people doing their jatra(sp?)/pilgramage were exceptional to us. We were often stopped for pictures or just to be asked questions, and in return, people shared with us (those who spoke English) their experiences. If it was one or two people, you might not expect the same experience, but it truly was a majority of the people we encountered were so nice. The trek itself was easy for my son, a marathoner, and hard for me - I am a big guy, but I do exercise. There are guys who, if you need it, will carry you up the mountain on a dolly (a suspended chair carried by two or four guys) for about 1,000 rupees ($15-ish), or for someone as big as me, it probably would have been 2,000 rupees. But, I made it on my own, and the effort was all worth it. We were a bit bewildered when we made it to the top (we went to the left at the split first, then made it to the right group of temples later) and a family came over to us and suggested we follow them - that is the typical kindness you will experience. Truly, truly moving.
Written June 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ajitkumard
Chennai (Madras), India100 contributions
Nov 2014 • Family
The Palitana temples of Jainism are located on Shatrunjaya by the city of Palitana in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, India. The city of the same name, known previously as Padliptapur, has been nicknamed "City of Temples". Along with Shikharji in the state of Jharkhand, the two sites are considered the holiest of all pilgrimage places by the Jain community.[1][2] As the temple-city was built to be an abode for the divine, no one is allowed to stay overnight, including the priests. Every Jain believes that a visit to this group of temples is essential as a once in a life time chance to achieve nirvana or salvation.[3]
This site on Shatrunjaya hill is considered sacred by Jains and have hundreds of temples.[4] There are approximately 863 marble-carved temples on the hills.The main temple is reached by stepping up 3500 steps. It is said that 23 tirthankaras (a human being who helps in achieving liberation and enlightenment), except Neminatha (a liberated soul which has destroyed all of its karma), sanctified the hill by their visits. The main temple is dedicated to Rishabha, the first tirthankara; it is the holiest shrine for the Svetambara Murtipujaka sect. Digambara Jain have only one temple here
This site on Shatrunjaya hill is considered sacred by Jains and have hundreds of temples.[4] There are approximately 863 marble-carved temples on the hills.The main temple is reached by stepping up 3500 steps. It is said that 23 tirthankaras (a human being who helps in achieving liberation and enlightenment), except Neminatha (a liberated soul which has destroyed all of its karma), sanctified the hill by their visits. The main temple is dedicated to Rishabha, the first tirthankara; it is the holiest shrine for the Svetambara Murtipujaka sect. Digambara Jain have only one temple here
Written November 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amma71
Land O Lakes, FL82 contributions
Nov 2017 • Friends
1. Yes you climb about 3500 steps. But they are easy steps and some flat walking in between.
2. Definitely start as early as you can to beat the sun and heat
3. WATER: They DO NOT allow plastic bottles. Westerners seem like exception as they were carrying it. Water is available on the way, but if you are concerned about drinking water everywhere like us, then plan to carry metal containers for water. This was tough part of our trip as we did not get to drink water for a few hours.
4. They may NOT allow leather hand bags, purses, camera bags etc.
5. Camera: You can take pictures outside. Once inside the shrine cameras are NOT allowed. That is where the beautiful architecture is. So think if it is worth carrying heavy SLR cameras.
6. Yes the trip can be completed in 4-5 hours if you want to, But why? Engross yourself in majesty of so many temples and plan to spend some leisurely time.
7. You don't have to be religious to immerse yourself in the scintillating experience.
Any one who is reasonably healthy can walk. It is worth it.
2. Definitely start as early as you can to beat the sun and heat
3. WATER: They DO NOT allow plastic bottles. Westerners seem like exception as they were carrying it. Water is available on the way, but if you are concerned about drinking water everywhere like us, then plan to carry metal containers for water. This was tough part of our trip as we did not get to drink water for a few hours.
4. They may NOT allow leather hand bags, purses, camera bags etc.
5. Camera: You can take pictures outside. Once inside the shrine cameras are NOT allowed. That is where the beautiful architecture is. So think if it is worth carrying heavy SLR cameras.
6. Yes the trip can be completed in 4-5 hours if you want to, But why? Engross yourself in majesty of so many temples and plan to spend some leisurely time.
7. You don't have to be religious to immerse yourself in the scintillating experience.
Any one who is reasonably healthy can walk. It is worth it.
Written December 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fun L
Roswell, Georgia
My wife 75 years age and myself 82 ,
We are physically in good condition and fit to walk all the steps and distance up and down on the same day.
Will there be any restrictions for us to go up and down by foot?
Thanks for your information
Written April 13, 2023
I am planning to go in mid August 2021 ? Is it a preferable time to visit ?
Written July 25, 2021
What is the best way to travel from Palitana to Ahmedabad? I see there is only one train option on saturday, but plan to travel on another day of the week. IS Gsrtc bus a good option? Prefer not to drive with large group.
Written February 12, 2020
Hi Saumyam
the trip is a worthile one. Personally I travelled from Ahmedabad to Politana(and return) by a car with driver. So I cannot help you any suggestion with regards to public travelling means. Sorry
Written February 12, 2020
on aaka teej can we climb palitana hiils
Written May 1, 2019
Yes off course!!
But their is possibility of rush!
Written January 31, 2020
Hello ,
I want to know that whether during the 4000 steps climb , toilets and water fountains are available at regular intervals ?
Written January 26, 2019
Hello,
No toilets until the top. Water available on the way up - but only poured in to tin cups from a larger container. I only drunk bottled water which wasn't on offer, or any other type of drink.
Having said that, there are 2 paths to get to the top and I can't comment on the other path....
Written January 27, 2019
I just want to know if it's allowed to climb palitana before kartik poornima?
Written November 1, 2018
yes it is allowed but Jain saints prefer or advise to climb post kartik poornima.
Written November 4, 2018
Normally during the monsoon. that the chaturmas period for the jains, when they may not be on a pilgrimage.
Written October 8, 2018
How to get this place? Nearest airport or railway station?
Written August 14, 2018
Hello Natalie
Palitana is in the state of Gujarat, about 50 Kms from the town of Bhavnagar. Here is some detailed info I found online. Hope it is helpful. - Ramaa
********
By Air
Bhavnagar, the nearest airport lies at a distance of 51 kilometer from Palitana, but it connects only with Mumbai. For people coming from other places, a more convenient airport would be Ahmedabad which has an international airport or Vadodara a.k.a Baroda 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. Best way is to take a train to bhavnagar and go by road to Palitana using local transport. There is now a direct train from Mumbai via Ahmedabad but it only runs once a week, every Thursday night, arriving at 3 in the morning.
By Road: There are busses for Bhavnagar from Palitana. Regular buses are also available from Ahmedabad, Talaja, Una, and Diu. Taxis are also available on hire for Palitana from Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad or Vadodra. The bus stand is situated 800 meters away from the Palitana railway station. Since Palitana is an important destination for a lot of people who follow Jainism, and the fact that there are a lot of people in Mumbai (Bombay ), there are buses that run daily between Mumbai and Palitana.
Written August 15, 2018
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