Jainism is one of the six major religions in India, and is known for its core principles of non-violence (ahimsa) and reverence for all forms of life. This religion encourages its followers to practice non-violence in thought, speech, and action, making it a religion deeply connected to the ideals of peace and self-discipline.
Palitana is approximately 51 kilometers southwest of the city of Bhavnagar. The temple complex here consists of 823 temples, each dedicated to the 24 Tirthankaras, known as the enlightened spiritual leaders revered in Jainism. It is located in the Bhavnagar District of Gujarat, which is home to the world's largest Jain temple complex. This sacred city is a significant pilgrimage center, particularly for the Shwetambara sect, also known as the “white-clad” Jains. The term Shwetambara refers to ascetics who wear white garments, symbolizing purity and detachment from worldly possessions. These temples are spread across a vast area, offering a beautiful landscape that is both spiritually and architecturally awe-inspiring.
The complex is perched on Shatrunjaya Hill, which stands 1,000 feet above sea level. Pilgrims must ascend a total of 3,750 stone steps to reach the temples at the summit, which is a physically demanding yet spiritually enriching experience that adds to the sacredness of the journey. Pilgrims are expected to follow strict rules that highlight their dedication and devotion. One such rule is that no food is allowed to be carried during the climb. Pilgrims are only permitted to drink water, with water posts placed along the route to ensure they remain hydrated. They consume food only after descending the mountain.
Jainism has five major hill locations where the holiest clusters of temples are located, but Shatrunjaya Hill at Palitana is regarded as the most important. The name “Shatrunjaya” translates to "Victory Over Enemies," symbolizing the triumph over inner enemies such as desires, ego, and attachments. This hill is considered a place of immense spiritual power, and its temples are revered by Jains worldwide.
The Rich History of Palitana:
The history of Palitana is as captivating as its temples. The origins of this sacred site can be traced back to the 11th century CE, during the reign of King Kumarpala of the Solanki Dynasty. Under his royal patronage, many of the first temples were built, marking Palitana as an important center for Jainism. These early temples set the foundation for what would become one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in India.
However, like many ancient religious sites, Palitana has faced its share of challenges. In the 13th century, the temples here were ravaged by the forces of Alauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi. His armies destroyed many of the structures, but despite this, the resilience of the Jain community ensured that the spirit of Palitana remained unbroken.
Fast forward to the 17th century, and the fortunes of Palitana saw a dramatic turn. In 1656 CE, Murad Baksh, the son of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, granted the villages of Palitana to the prominent Jain merchant Shantidas Jhaveri. This act not only gave the area financial support but also revived the region’s religious significance.
Earlier, during the reign of Emperor Akbar, the importance of Palitana was officially recognized. Akbar issued a royal edict granting special status to Shatrunjaya, ensuring the protection of the region and its temples. This imperial decree helped Jainism flourish, as it exempted the area from taxes and allowed for the continued prosperity of the temples.
Today, Shatrunjaya Hill is home to over 1,300 temples, all beautifully carved in marble. These temples, which are spread across the hill, continue to fascinate everyone with their intricate designs and spiritual significance. It’s said that the name Shatrunjaya, meaning “Victory Over Enemies,” perfectly captures the resilience of Palitana, a place that, despite the challenges it has faced over the centuries, has remained a beacon of devotion and spiritual strength.
The Beauty of Temple Architecture:
The Jain temples of Palitana are built in the North Indian style of temple architecture, a style that emphasizes intricate details and spiritual significance, guided by the ancient Indian science of construction known as Vastushastra. This traditional system provided practical guidelines for the layout, design, and structure of these sacred buildings. These temples are not only places of worship but also masterpieces of craftsmanship.
The most striking feature of the Palitana temples is their ornamentation, which is so finely crafted that in the sunlight, they appear as though made from ivory. This effect is created by a combination of plaster and marble used in the construction of the temples, which gives them a glowing, almost surreal appearance.
The deity figures inside the temples are made from marble, adding to the temple’s serene aesthetic. These images are beautifully adorned with gold ornaments and precious stones, enhancing their divine presence and the spiritual experience for pilgrims.
The design of these temples also takes into account the needs of the devotees. Since many pilgrims walk barefoot and cover their mouths with cloth to avoid harming even the smallest living beings, the temples are built in groups and clusters. This arrangement makes the pilgrimage easier, allowing devotees to move between the temples without unnecessary difficulty.
In Jainism, purity is highly valued, and it is reflected in the choice of white marble for the temples. Each temple tells its own unique story, often leaving visitors in awe of the intricate carvings and the devotion that went into their creation.
As you explore the temples, you’ll notice that they serve more as a stage for the artisan and stone carver than for the architect. The artistry involved is evident in every corner of the temple, from the detailed carvings to the fine sculptures that narrate the spiritual teachings of Jainism.
What Sets Palitana Apart?:
What makes Palitana more than just a historical site or architectural wonder is its deep spiritual significance. It is regarded as Mahatirtha (eternal pilgrimage ) by the Jain community, one where thousands of souls are believed to have attained samadhi (spiritual liberation through meditation) and entered the eternal light of mahanirvana (final release from the cycle of birth and death). This spiritual association makes the site one of the holiest places in Jainism.
Of the 24 Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers or enlightened beings in Jainism), 22 are believed to have sanctified this land with their presence. Among them, Lord Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara and founder of Jainism, holds a special place in the history of Palitana. According to Jain scriptures, he visited the Shatrunjaya hills 99 times, and it was here that he is said to have delivered his first preaching, thus making the hills a sacred ground for the devotees. Hence, no one is allowed to sleep overnight, including the priest, because the temple city has been built as an abode for the Gods.
The history of the pilgrimage is so ancient that its origins are said to predate even the third Kalpa (era or time cycle in Jain cosmology) of the present time cycle. It is believed that Chakravarti Bharat (a universal emperor in Jain tradition), the son of Lord Rishabhdev, once restored the site. Other legendary figures such as Maharaja Sagar, Lord Rama, and the Pandavas (heroes of the Mahabharata) are also credited with contributing to its renovation and upkeep. Over time, the temples have undergone at least sixteen major restorations, demonstrating the continued restoration and care offered by generations of Jain devotees.
The present temple structures that stand today were built gradually by wealthy merchants (Shreshthis) and noble patrons (Samantas). Their contributions helped preserve not just the religious architecture but also the spiritual atmosphere of the site.
The Heart of Palitana:
At the summit of the hill stands the main temple, dedicated to Lord Adinath (Rishabhdev). The figurine is crafted from white marble and seated in a lotus posture; it is 2.16 meters tall and embodies peace and purity. Even today, the spiritual journey of climbing the hill 99 times, in reverence to Lord Rishabhdev’s practice, continues through the tradition known as Navanu Yatra (Navanu meaning ninety-nine, Yatra meaning pilgrimage). Thousands of devotees from across India and abroad undertake this sacred journey, reaffirming their faith and deep-rooted connection to this divine mountain.
Where Different Faiths Coexist in Peace:
An interesting and lesser-known story from the 14th century is one that many find shocking. During this time, Palitana was already a rich and important Jain pilgrimage site. Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi decided to attack the temples, planning to steal the valuable jewels and destroy the idols, which he thought went against his religion. However, a Sufi saint named a Sufi Pir Angaarsha tried to stop him, urging Khilji not to destroy such a holy and pious place.
Khilji ignored his plea, mocked him, and even questioned his sanity as he was protecting the temples of Kafirs and continued his march. But Angaarsha was not discouraged. He called upon divine power, where he summoned fire which suddenly rained down from the sky, burning most of Khilji's army and forcing him to retreat. The temples were saved, and he earned the name "Angaarsha" (angaar means fire).
This shows us how Palitana is not only a place of deep spiritual significance but also a symbol of unity, bringing together people of different faiths and transcending religious boundaries.
So, if you ever get the chance, visiting Palitana should be on your bucket list. It’s a place that offers a unique blend of spirituality, history, and breathtaking architecture that everyone should experience once in their lifetime.