The splendid “Palitana Jain Temples”

A rough analogy of Rome and the Vatican can be made to explain the wonder of the Palitana Jain Temples.
While the former are spread over seven hills, covered intermittently with cathedrals and churches, Palitana in Gujarat is covered with a staggering 863 Jain shrines.
Located at the summit of the Shetrunjaya Hill, the long and arduous trek up the steep steps is worth it for the sheer marble splendor that is spread out before one’s eyes.

The culmination of efforts of generations of Jains over nine centuries is the Palitana Jain Temple Complex.
From tiny shrines to colossal marble ones, Palitana is a must visit for all devout, Jain or not.
The temples are covered with sculptures, arches, carved pillars and splendid idols and carved roofs that remind visitors of the beautiful Dilwara Temple in Rajasthan.

Besides the temples, one must visit the two Jain museums in Palitana town that display rare records, manuscripts and artifacts of the Jain faith and history.

Best time to visit Palitana Jain Temples

October-March

Travel to, or how to reach Palitana Temple Bhavnagar

By air
Bhavnagar is the closest airport (51 kms). However, it operates flights only to Mumbai. The Ahmedabad airport or the Baroda airport are relatively more convenient as they operate various flights.

By rail
Palitana railway station is connected to Bhavnagar only. Visitors are advised to travel by train up to Bhavnagar and proceed by road to Palitana.

By road
Bus, taxis and private vehicles are available from Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad, Baroda, Diu and Talaja to reach Palitana.

Map of the Palitana Jain Temples in Bhavnagar Gujarat

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Pictures Images Video of the Palitana Jain Temples

Hotels and Resorts around the Palitana Temples Bhavnagar

Vijay Vilas Palace
Hotel Nilambagh Palace (Bhavnagar)
Blue Hill Hotel (Bhavnagar)
Hotel White Rose (Bhavnagar)
Apollo Hotel (Bhavnagar)

Places to visit around the Palitana Temples

Chaumukh Temple
Adishwar Temple
Angar Pir
Sampriti Raja
Kumarpal
Rampal

Food and Shopping at Palitana Temples

Shopping in Palitana is quite exciting, and the most popular items are local handicrafts, idols and embroidered cloth.
Metal ware in Palitana is especially of high quality.
Handicrafts include furniture and hand-woven bamboo products.
The best place to shop is the Handicraft Palitana Shopping located near the Jain temple complex on the Shetrunjaya Hill.
Food is largely local Gujarati fare, with Jain specialties being the highlight.

Other Useful Interesting Links

Some Interesting Pictures of Palitana Jain Temples

List of Dharamshalas in Palitana

adminGujarat, Temples India21 Oct, 2008No Comments

Home to Lord Krishna, Dwarka Gujarat

The city built by Lord Krishna, after leaving from Mathura, find place of pride in Hindu mythology and in the hearts of devout Hindus.
Located on the tip of the Kathiawad peninsula, all that is left of the grand city is the Dwarkanath or Dwarkashish Temple.
The rest of the city is believed to be submerged in the Arabian Sea.
The present temples have been discovered through marine excavations.
The chief attraction lies in the association of Lord Krishna with the temple.
The architecture of the temple is worth appreciating, with its 60 intricately carved columns.
The Janmashtami festival or the birth of Krishna is celebrated in a big way here, with believers thronging its portals.
Entry is restricted to Hindus.

Best time to visit Dwarka Temple

Almost through out the year..Summers from Mid March to June could be HOT.

Mode of Travel to Dwarka

By air
Jamnagar is the closest airport located 150 kms away. Dwarka can be reached by rail or road from here.

By rail
Trains run to Dwarka from Jamnagar, Rajkot and Ahmedabad.

By road
State buses from all over Gujarat ply tourists to Dwarka.

Map of Dwarka Gujarat

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Picture Video on Visiting the Dwarkadhish Temple at Dwarka

Hotels in Dwarka

Hotel Guruprerna
Toran Tourist
Hotel Dwarkesh
Hotel City Palace
Hotel Dwarka Residency
Local lodges and guesthouses
Government accommodation
Places to visit
Jagat Mandir
Dwarka Lighthouse
Sharda Peeth
Dwarka Bet
Nageshwar Mahadev

Food & shopping

Food in the typical Kathiawad tradition is found here, which is quite different from the usual Gujarati food.
Shopping is quite exciting in Dwarka, as in the rest of Gujarat.
One can buy items like Patola silk saris, cloth done in bandhani work, embroidered wedding clothes and lacquered footwear.

adminGujarat8 Sep, 2008No Comments