Palitana is one of the most revered sacred places of the Jain community. Located at the foot of the
Shatrunjaya Hill in
Gujarat, this place was once the capital of the Gohil Rajput clan. Situated at around 50 km south-west of
Bhavnagar, Palitana is the gateway to intricately carved Jain temples and two well-kept museums. Pilgrims climb up 600 meters to worship at the 863
Jain Temples at Palitana.
Every devout Jain aspires to climb to the top of the mountain at least once in his lifetime because of the sanctity of the place. The journey is arduous and takes nearly two hours. Sling-chairs are available for those unable to climb. There is a strict code of conduct to be adhered to for the pilgrims. No consumption of food is allowed on the route and the return journey must begin before evening.
Places of tourist interest include
Shri Adishwara Temple, Chaumukha temple, and temples of Kumarpal, Vimal Shah and Sampti Raja, Muslim shrine of Angar Peer, Stapiya Kala Sangrah and Shri Vishal Jain Kala Sansthan Museum. Palitana town is also an ideal place to shop for textile and handicrafts.
Nearest airport is at Bhavnagar.
Ahmedabad (200 km away) is a more convenient air-strip, as it is connected to all the major cities of the country. Palitana has a small railway station that has connections only with Bhavnagar.
Sihor, 30 km away, has trains to Ahmedabad and
Gandhinagar and is a suitable railhead nearby. By road, Palitana is well linked with Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad and
Rajkot (90 km).
