Palitana

Palitana, located in Gujarat, India, is home to over 800 Jain temples on Shatrunjaya Hill, making it one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Jainism. [1][2]

Jain tradition holds that Rishabhadeva (Adinatha), the first Tirthankara, attained moksha on Shatrunjaya Hill. Temples have been built and rebuilt on the site over many centuries, with the current structures dating primarily from the 11th century CE onward. [1][2]

The temple complex is considered so sacred that no one is permitted to stay on the hill overnight, including monks. Palitana was declared the world's first vegetarian city in 2014, reflecting Jain principles of non-violence (ahimsa). [1][2]

Pilgrims climb approximately 3,500 steps to reach the temple complex. The site is a major destination for Jain pilgrims, especially during festivals. [1][2]

Pilgrims climb roughly 3,500 steps up Shatrunjaya Hill to reach the temple city, a strenuous ascent undertaken as an act of devotion, with no one permitted to remain on the sacred hill overnight. The site is busiest during Jain festivals. [1][2][3]

Hundreds of marble temples crown the ridges of Shatrunjaya Hill, built and rebuilt over many centuries into one of the densest temple complexes in the world. The temples are dedicated chiefly to the Tirthankaras, the enlightened teachers of Jainism. [1][2]

Jain tradition holds that Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara, attained liberation on Shatrunjaya, making Palitana one of the holiest pilgrimage places in Jainism. The surrounding town's emphasis on vegetarianism reflects the Jain principle of non-violence (ahimsa). [1][2]