“SHATRUNJAY” in Palitana is a spot with big hills and temples. This is a very historic place especially for the Jain community. Shatrunjay is one of the five sacred places among the Jain community. This place gives you very peace moments to spend with your friends and family. Shatrunjay Mountains are the only mountains near Bhanvangar district. Let me share with you about this place, its perils and some other needful details.
Every religion has its centre point. For the Jains, Shatrujay hill is one of the centre points reaching up in the sky. Some local people say that there are around 900 temples on shatrunjay hills. This is one interesting fact about Gujarat. It is known when the construction of these temples get started but some locals say that around 11th century this place started establishing. This hill thus becomes one of the spiritual places among the Jain. As per the Jain sculpture Adinath, the first Jain Tirthkar, and acheived enlightenment in this place. It is an astonishing fact that most of the pilgrim spots of Jains are in the top of hill to ascend the heaven and achieve enlightenment.
Things to do in Shatrunjay (Palitana)
The foremost activity to do in shatrunjay is climbing up to the top of hill. This gives you a trekking experience. The Jain temple is at a climb of around 3 km up from the foot of Palitana town. After that you have to climb approximately 600 m to reach the top of the hill which is an unforgettable experience. You must try to begin the climbing in the dawn to avoid the mid day heat. There are around 3000 stairs to the top of the hill. Many devotees also gather in the top for the sunset and perform various rituals. The sunset from the top looks very beautiful, something you definitely love to watch.
You must take pre-plan your arrival and spare some more hours to explore the hills. There are many idols you can see while walking. The bath of the idols are done at 9:30 am and puja is done till noon. If you are climbing after midday then make sure you come down before dark.
There are many porters available there who take the old people up in the hill.
How to reach Shatrunjay, Palitana?
Shatrunjay is located on the top of Palitana town. The place is also known as “Palitana temples”. The temple is around 56 km away from Bhavnagar district and 215 km from Ahmedabad. You can reach the temple through public transport also. Private and State transportation runs to palitana from both the districts and even from other cities like Mumbai also. The road is straight and bery nice. You will not face any difficulty if you opt for the road way.
Besides that, if you want to opt for trains then Palitana is on the rail line branch. Trains to Palitana are available from Bhavnagar and Ahmedabad and also from some intermediate points.
The option for Airway is also suitable. The nearest airport to the destination is in Bhavnagar city which is at a distance of 56 km. You can easily find suitable car or taxi from the airport to reach the spot directly.
Key Points to remember:
- You cannot carry any leather products (wallets, belts) in the temple it is strictly prohibited as per the Jain culture.
- You must carry water with you as climbing can make you thirsty.
- There are no food products available in the way.
- Women should avoid wearing tight clothes entering in the temple.
- You have to remove your shoes and keep outside you food items before entering the temple.
- To take photography, it is compulsory to take permission from the temple authority.
- You must not forget to take all your medicines as there are no medical shops you will find.
- You are not allowed to stay in the top of the main in night not even the priest.
Shatrunjay Mountain is a historic place. The local people helps you know about the secrets about the place. The destination is very clean and very cool. It helps you to relax and have a very beautiful day. You can find many low cost Dhamashalas for stays and refreshments. This is a must visit for people of Jain Community and also the other community people.
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