Shatrunjaya Hill Station in Gujarat |
About Shatrunjaya Hill: |
The Shatrunjaya Hill is located at a height of 591 metres. The Shatrunjaya Temple is the most sacred temple of the Jains and one of the largest of its kind in India. One has to climb up the hill for about 4 kms (600 meters) on a stepped path to Shatrunjaya (place of victory over worldliness). You can reach this place either in Doli or lift chairs or by walking. The rich persons visit this place on richly caparisoned elephants. There are about 863 white marble Jain temples, built over 900 years on the hilltop, each with its own enclosure. There is a stunning view from the top of the hill and the air is filled with the scent of the jasmine trees. On a clear day, you can also see the Gulf of Cambay. All the temples are enriched with gold, silver and jewels donated by rich merchants. According to local tradition, Adinatha, the first Jain Tirthankara, visited the hill several times and the first temple was erected by his son. Thereafter the emple builders could not stop. Jains believe that Pundarika.
The chief disciple of Adinatha attained nirvana there. There are two series of temples strung along the two ridges of the hill with further temples in the hollow between linking them. All are surrounded by a tall battlement, erected for the defence. These fortificationsare called tuks and have created a series of nine enclosures, each with a central temple and various other minor temples. Most of the temples are named after their founders, nearly all the structures dating from the 16th century. Many of these temples were built in the 11th century but were destroyed by the Muslims in the 14th and 15th centuries. Later, Jains obtained religious toleration and began rebuilding. Approaching from the right, the first and finest temple that you will visit is dedicated to Shri Adishwar, one of the most important Jain Tirthankars. This temple is one of the most magnificent and sacred temple of the Jains community. Situated about 215 kilometers from Ahmedabad and about 62 kilometers from Bhavnagar in Gujarat. The Shatrunjaya hill near Palitana, is considered to be the most sacred of the five holy hills of the Jains. Every devout Jain wants to make a pilgrimage to this hill at least once in his lifetime and contribute to the temple building and renovation activities there.This hill, with the Shatrunjaya river flowing south of it, rises in a crescendo of 863 temples that soar in marvelous splendour to the top. With an altitude of 603 meters, this hill has the largest number of temples anywhere in the world at such a height. These temples have been built over an impressive span of 900 years.It is believed that Rishabdeoji, the first of the Jain tirthanakras attained his nirvana on this hill. To commemorate the event, according to Jain scriptures, the first temple on the hill was built by King Bharat, son of Rishabdeo. However, most of the temples were built during the 11th and 12th centuries.. White marble and stone were used in the construction of these temples. To an observer. These appear to be ivory miniatures when seen from a distance. Exquisite carvings of figurines, animal motifs, freizes adorn the walls of these temples. Shatrunjaya Hill, literally meaning the Hill of Victory is a famous Jain pilgrimage.. It is believed that Pandavas, the heroes of the Mahabharat, attained their salvation on this hill. Jain legends say that Pandavas were the first ones to build shrines on this hilltop. This tradition of building Jain temples on Shatrunjaya Hill continued for a very long time. The present structures were all, however, built between 11th and 20th centuries. |
Location info Shatrunjaya Hill: |
Address:Shatrunjaya Hill,Palitana,Gujarat,India |
District:Bhavnagar |
Nearest City:Bhavnagar |
Langauge: Gujarati,Hindi,English |
Best time to visit: October to March |
Climate/Weather: |
Summer : Min: 25°C, Max:45°C,Winter : Min: 15°C, Max:35°C |
History of Shatrunjaya Hill: |
It is believed that Rishabdeoji, the first of the Jain tirthanakras attained his nirvana on this hill. To commemorate the event, according to Jain scriptures, the first temple on the hill was built by King Bharat, son of Rishabdeo. However, most of the temples were built during the 11th and 12th centuries AD. White marble and stone were used in the construction of these temples. To an observer, these appear to be ivory miniatures when seen from a distance. Exquisite carvings of figurines, animal motifs, freizes adorn the walls of these temples. |
Interesting things to do: |
Interesting things to Visit: |
Angar Pir Shrine: Palitana is a famous pilgrim site for all Jain worshippers. The famous Adishwara temple is situated here atop a hill. Every devout Jain aspires to climb to the top of the mountain at least once in his lifetime. The journey is arduous. The walk up the stone stairway hewn into the mountain face takes about an hour and a half. For those unable or unacquainted to the strain, sling-chairs are available at a bargain. This famous temple is located at the summit of Shatrunjaya. Very near to this famous temple Angar Pir Shrine is located. This shrine is very auspicious for all Muslim followers. Common men from other religions also revere this shrine and pay a visit to it. Angar Pir Shrine, Palitana is counted among the popular tourist attractions in Palitana.
Kumar Pal Temple: Shri Adishwara Temple: Devotees visiting the famous Adishwara Temple in Palitana desire to climb to the mountain-top at least once in their lifetime, because of the holiness associated with the temple. The journey is exhausting. The walk up the stone stairways comprising of around 4000 steps takes about an hour and a half. Dolis are available those who prefer to avoid the steps. Dolis are held by two men at both ends of a stick in the middle of which are a base to sit on. Food is avoided or carried on the way. The journey must begin prior to the sunset as no one can stay atop during the night. Chaumukh Shrine: The other name of Chaumukh Shrine in Palitana is Adinath temple. As the name suggests, Chaumukh means four faces. This shrine is devoted to Adinath, the first among the twenty four Tirthankaras. The immaculate architecture of this beautiful temple calls for a visit. It has numerous square structures that are in the shape of a dome at the top. These structures are highly symbolical and the inner part of the squares symbolizes the five holy hills of the Jains. Tourists would feel a sense of tranquility and bliss when they visit this place. Sampriti Raj Temple : Palitana in Gujarat is a very renowned pilgrimage destination in Gujarat. It is the coveted destination for especially the followers of Jainism. However a good deal of pleasure travelers also visit this spot to enjoy the architectural feast. The one place which is frequented on close intervals is the mountain of Shatrunjaya abounding in whopping number of Jain temples that amount to around 863. These sublime temples feature intricate and elaborate carvings in marble and are around 900 years old. Although the intricacy in the work may not be same as Mount Abu Jain temples but they are the real mesmerizing sights to lay eyes on. Of the conglomeration of various temples on the hillock, you must visit the Vimal Shah Temple in Palitana. |
Mobile range info: |
How to reach Shatrunjaya Hill? |
Nearest Railway Station:Bhavnagar from Mumbai and Ahmedabad. |
Nearest Airport:Bhavnagar has an airport |
Road Transport:Bhavnagar is well connected by road with towns and cities in Western and Northern India. Ahmedabad is 200 kms, Rajkot is 178kms and Vadodara or Baroda is 280 kms from Bhavnagar. |
Nearest Visiting places from Shatrunjaya Hill: |
Shri Swaninarayan temple: Shri Swaninarayan temple is the major attraction in this place, the temple was built in the year 1829 will speak greatness for its architectural values and splendid spacious square with a high plinth wall and an assembly hall with large sarais will pull in tourist beyond beliefs
Shree J.K. Lukhi Arts College: Digambar Jain Temples: Gopnath: Brahma Kund: Kirtidham teerth: Vallabhipur: Velavadar National Park: Akshar Temple: Barton Library and Museum: Bhavnagar Lock Gate: Gandhi Smriti: Gangajaha: Gaurishankar Lake: Mahuva: Nava Bandar: Takhteswar Temple: |
Nearest Petrol Pump: |
HP petrol pump:Palitana Rammantra mandir,Gujarat,India
shelena bus stop petrol pump:palitana,Gujarat,India |
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
Hotel Apollo:Bhavnagar,Gujarat,India
Hotel Blue Hill:Bhavnagar,Gujarat,India White Rose Hotel:Bhavnagar,Gujarat,India Hotel Jubilee:Bhavnagar,Gujarat,India |
Things to carry: |
Tips & Suggestions for Shatrunjaya Hill: |
Help Line/Phone Number: |
Police Station:100 |
Nearest Hospital: |
Society/Community Phone Number: |
Link:www.shatrunjaya.com |
Nearest Attraction |
Palitana Jain Temples |
Palitana is situated at a distance of 51 km from Bhavnagar and serves as an important Jain pilgrimage of Gujarat. The Shatrunjay Hill loacted nearby the place hosts approximately 900 big and small Jain Temples. These temples are dedicated to the 24 Jain Tirthankarars. Apart from this, the significance of the place dates back to the Mahabharata era of India. It is said that three Pandavas, Yudhishthir, Bheem & Arjun got Nirvana here. Therefore, it is known as Siddhakshetra, where one attains Moksha, amongst Jain devotees.....more |
Gopnath Beach |
A visit to Gopnath Beach is all what is required by a tourist and traveler who is on a jamboree to discover the delights of Gujarat and especially its divinely picturesque, scenic and resplendent seafront in the form of its various beatific beaches. Gopnath Beach in Gujarat, India, is one such place and travel destination which is popular amongsst the people and the various tourists visiting the beatific and enrapturing beach in Gujarat, India.Gopnath town in Gujarat, India, was the place of residence of Maharaja Krishna Singhji, at a distance of 75 kilometers from the city of Bhavnagar in Gujarat, India. Gopnath Town in Gujarat, India, is located near the Gopnath Beach in Gujarat, India, with the Gopnath Beach being profusely supplied with a dainty and colorful birdlife along with the presence of limestone cliffs and other adjuncts to the Gopnath Beach like a pleasurable sea breeze and breathtakingly beautiful views to enthrall the tourists who come down to the Gopnath Beach in Gujarat, India, in the hot summer months to get some relaxation from the sultry, trying and immobilizing heat....more |
Arts And Crafts Museum |
Arts and Crafts Museum, established in 1963, is situated at Bhavnagar, in Gujarat. The museum exhibits a rich collection of arts and crafts objects of Gujarat as well as known crafts of different states of India, including Indian textiles. Guide services are available on request.An arts and crafts museum it has a collection of arts and crafts objects of Gujarat and well known crafts of different states of India, including Indian textiles.Arts and crafts of Gujarat. Guide service, lectures, film shows. Timings : Summer 0830-1200 hrs and 1500-1900 hrs; Winter 0830-1200 hrs and 1430-1900 hrs. Closed on Mondays and public holidays. Entry free Photography not allowed.....more |
Blackbuck National Park |
Blackbuck N.P. Velavadar in the Bhal region of Saurashtra is a unique grassland ecosystem that has attracted fame for the successful conservation of the blackbuck, the wold and the lesser florican. Once found in open plains throughout the country and the state of Gujarat its largest population at present occurs in Velavadar N.P. This exclusively Indian animal is perhaps the most graceful and beautiful of its kind. It has ringed horns that have a spiral twist of three to fours turns and are up to 70 cm long. The body's upper parts are black and the underparts and a ring around the eyes are white. ....more
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