Tourism in Palitana: Exploring the Spiritual and Cultural Jewel

Posted On : 15-3-2016
Exploring the Divine Hills of Jain Pilgrimage

There are two more idols of Bhagwan Parsavnath that are situated here. One is known as Vighnaharan Parshvanath and the other one is called Chintamani Parshvanath. One can witness the footprints of Bhagwan Sambhavnath and Bhagwan Adinath on both the sides of the northern entrance. Bhagwan Adinath is believed to have visited the Shatrunjay Hill as many as 93 times.

All the Jain temples in Palitana are constructed in sand and marble embellished with magnificent sculptures. Each and every temple situated on this hill represent the chefs-d'oeuvre of the sculptors of those times. The route to the temple begins right from the bottom of the hill which leads all the way up to the temples. One has to climb 3745 steps in order to reach the apex of the hilltop.

It takes about two hours for the devotees to make it to the top of the hill. These footsteps were built in the thirteenth century under the guidance of Jain Minister, Vastupal. As a pilgrim, you are not allowed to carry any eatables along with you on the way up. You can drink water though. There are many water posts set up for the pilgrims to quench their thirsts on their journey to the top of the hill. You can eat only after you have climbed down off the hill. The prominent highlight over the hill is the one where there are footmarks of the Tirthankaras. There are idols of the Tirthankaras in all the shrines, which are graced with jewels.

The devotees make contributions at the leading shrine of Bhagwan Adinath. The sumptuous temple has been rebuilt and revamped many times. Initially, the temple was built in wood. It was later overhauled using marble by Udaymetha who was Siddhraj Jaisimha's minister. His heir Kumarpal further expanded the temple. Apart from these, there are various shrines devoted to Kumarpal, Samprati Raja, Vimalshah, Adinath, and the Chomukh. You will also witness temples devoted to many Hindu deities here. In addition, there is also an Islamic shrine known as the Angar Pir, where women pray to be conferred with children.

The former summer capital of the country, Shimla, in Himachal Pradesh. is another popular hill station that hordes of people visit in all seasons. If summer tourists come to escape the scorching heat of the plains, the winter ones come to enjoy the spectacle and experience of frost and snow. Amidst the tourist influx, there is one quiet place in the suburbs, vet within the boundaries of the town, that not every visitor hears of and goes to-Sanjauli.

At India Holiday Mall, we offer reasonable tour packages to Palitana where you will get an opportunity to pay a visit to all the holy shrines in a tranquil ambiance that draws pilgrims from far and wide.