Palitana Jain Temples in Gujarat
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Palitana Jain temples are located in Gujarat. It is considered as one of the most sacred pilgrimage by the Jains.
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 Palitana Temples is considered as the world's largest temple complex. There are more than 3000 temples located on the Shatrunjaya hills. They have been carved in marble. Siddha Kshetra Shri Shatrunjaya Teerth is situated on a hill which has been decorated by 3500 temples. Nagarjuna founded Palitana whose name is derived from Guru Padalipta or politta. The chief attraction is the holy Jain shrine Shatrunjay Hill. These temples were built in two phases: 11th to12th century and 16th century onwards. The temples are raised on a common plinth. Each successive level is reflected in a higher spire above the ceiling. These spires are ornamented and sculpted with geometrical and floral ornamentation.
The 873 temples were built of white marble in the 11th century. However they were destroyed by the Muslim invasions in 14th and 15th centuries. They were built newly in the sixteenth century. These temples are known fro their unique architecture and sculpture. Among these the well known temples are that of Adinath, Kumarpal, Sampriti Raj, Bimal Shah, Vimalshah. The holiest temple among these according to the Jains, is the temple of Adishwar, the first Jain Tirthankara. The largest temple was built in 1618. It has a four faced Adinath, the first Tirthankara. The main temple on top of the hill is dedicated to lord Adinath (Rishabdeva).
There are 700 temples with summits on the Shetrunjaya Mountain. 7000 idols are installed in them. These temples have been renovated several times. The Digamber Jain temple on Shatrunjaya Teerth is an ancient temple. It has 9 shrines with various Teerthankaras idols installed. In this temple, beautiful standing idols of Yudhishthir, Bheem and Arjun are installed. Two idols of Bhagwan Parshvanath are installed here. The temples on Shatrunjai Hill are managed by the Anandji Kalyanji Trust of the Kasturbai Lalbhai group.
Chhah Gau Yatra is a journey pilgrim town Palitana in the Bhavnagar district. This yatrs covers all jain temples in Palitana. The temples have ornate architectural motifs, though in its overall plan it is simpler than the Choumukh. The temple has a good collection of jewels. The temples date from 11th to the 20th century.
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