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Brief -
  
 
This is probably, the most picturesque pilgrim centre of India. Located on ShetrunjayaH ill are 863 temples, built over an impressive span of nine hundred years. The temples are exquisitely carved in marble, veritable prayers in stone, which to an observer, appear to be ivory miniatures when seen from a distance. Though the Jains do not believe in any God, they have built wonderful, artistic and highly decorative temples connected with the lives of the Tirthankaras, who had attained salvation through self-discipline, meditation and penance. This temple city, has been built as an abode for the Gods and, as such, mortals are not allowed to stay over night, not even the priests. One has to go up, at the break of dawn and return before dusk.
  
     
 
History -
 
 
Palitana was the capital of a small princely state founded by Shahji, a Gohel Rajput, who belonged to the same clan as the Maharajah of Bhavnagar. The river bisects the town. The last ruler died, leaving wives and sisters to fight over the royal palace and mansions, which are now decaying, but show signs of impressive architecture. The busy little town is also known for diamond cutting and horse breeding.
 
     
 
Culture -
  
 
Fegaon Sud Parikarama (March) and Kartik Purnima are the festivals that are special to Palitana. During these festivals, devotees throng Shetrunjaya Hill. On Kartik Purnima day, Jains set off on a formal pilgrimage to the temples of Shetrunjaya Hill.
  
     
 
Climate & Geographical Location -
  
 
Palitana is very hot and dry in summer and cool and pleasant in winter. 56 Km from Bhavnagar, Palitana lies at the foot of the Shetrunjaya Hill, at an altitude of 182 meters, with the Shetrunjaya river flowing to its south.
  
     
 
How to Reach -
  
 
Palitana is well connected by rail, road and air. By air, the nearest airport is Bhavnagar at 62 Km and is well connected. By rail, Palitana is on the meter gauge line and is well connected with Ahmedabad at 277 Km. By road, Palitana is well connected by roadways and buses with major towns and cities. Ahmedabad is located at a distance of 215 Km.
  
     
 
: T O U R I S T   P L A C E S :
  
     
 
Shetrunjaya Hill -
  
 
One of Jainisms holiest pilgrimage sites, the Shetrunjaya is strewn with 863 temples. The hilltop complex of Shetrunjaya (the Place of Victory), was built over a period of 900 years, dedicated entirely to the gods, Such is the belief, that at dusk, even the priests depart from the temples, leaving them deserted. Almost all the temples are Jain, and this hill demonstrates their belief, that merit is derived from constructing temples. Sturdy walls bound the hilltops and the temples are grouped into nine tunks (enclosures) - each with a central temple with many minor ones clustered around. Some of the earliest temples here were built in the 11th century ,but were destroyed by Muslims in the 14th and 15th centuries. The most notable of the temples, is dedicated to Shri Adishwara, the first Jain tirthankar. Note the frieze of dragons around this temple. Built in 1618 by a wealthy Jain merchant the Chaumukh, or Four-Faced shrine, has images of Adinath facing out in the four cardinal directions. Other important temples are those dedicated to Kumar Pal, Sampriti Raj and Vimal Shah.
 
     
 
Others
  
 
 
 
ANGAR PIR - Adjacent to the Adishwara temple, is the Muslims shrine of Angar Pir. Women who are deprived of and want children make offerings of miniature cradles at this shrine.
  
 
 
 
JAIN KALA STAPIYA - The Jain kala stapitya has a fine collection of Jain art and manuscripts. The new museum by the name Shri Vishal Jain Kala Sansthan on Taleti road is an interesting place to visit too.