|
Palitana is situated about
51 kms south west of
Bhavnagar. Palitana is a
sacred city of the Jains
located about 215 km. from
Ahmedabad. It is the gateway to
the Shatrunjaya hill. Palitana is one of Jainism's
holiest pilgrimage sites.
About 863 temples are
situated on the top of the
Shatrunjaya hill. These
temples are exquisitely
carved in marble and built
over a period of 900 years.
The top of the Shatrunjaya
hill is bounded by the
sturdy walls and the temples
are grouped in nine
enclosures. Each group of
these temples has a central
temple with various minor
temples clustered around it.
Some of the temples were
built in the 11th century
but were destroyed by
Muslims in the 15th and 16th
centuries. The current
temples belong to the 16th
century. One has to climb the 600 m
height of the hill. From the
base of the hill to the
summit one has to climb up
for 2 kms, more than 3000
steps. At a moderate pace
the ascent will take about
two hours. You can also
visit this place in Dolis or
lift chairs. Walking sticks
are also available. The Shatrunjaya hill provides a
breathtaking view of
Palitana town.
|
Palitana
Attractions
