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The entire summit of majestic mount Shatrunjaya is crowned with about
900 temples, each rivaling the other for beauty and magnificence, presenting an
awe-inspiring spectacle to devotees and visitors. The peak is a 3 ½ km climb of
over 3500 steps from the town. The cluster of over 800 temples is divided into
tuks. Throughout the cluster you can see detailed carvings, beautiful idols and
images, jeweled statues and intricate toranas. Sunrise behind the temples is a
great sight. One can enjoy views from the summit of the hills and the river
Shetrunjaya. On a clear day, the Gulf of Cambay seacoast can be seen. Commanding
a special place on the Gujarat travelers' map, Palitana is a `must visit'
destination for the Jains and all those who would like to witness what the
subtle combination of human enterprise, architectural skills, philanthropy and
channelised religious fervour can achieve. The mount Shatrunjaya lies hardly a
kilometer away from the town, the way, which is now thronged on both the sides
by sarais and minor temples, including Kala Bhandars (museums). The mountain is
associated with Rishabhdev, the first tirthankar, also known as Adinath. It is
believed that all the tirthankars, except Neminath, attained nirvan here. The
multitude of temples, half palaces, half fortresses and made of splendid marble,
with their spires aiming the skies present a spectacle unmatched for its scale
and magnitude.
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Jain Temples
Every
devout Jain aspires to climb to the top of the mountain at least once in his
lifetime, because of its sanctity. The journey is arduous. The walk up the stone
stairway hewn into the mountain face takes about an hour and a half. For those
unable or unaccustomed to the strain, sling-chairs are available at a bargain.
The code for the climbers is stringent, in keeping with the rigours of the Jain
faith. Food must neither be eaten nor carried on the way. The descent must begin
before it is evening, for no soul can remain atop the sacred mountain during the
night. Such is the mystique of Palitana, the summit of Shatrunjaya. While atop
one can also visit a Muslim shrine of Angar Pir. The childless women seek the
Pir's blessings to be blessed with children. They offer miniature cradles to the
Pir and the shrine is strewn with such cradles.
