|
There are many temples at Palitana, which are revered
by Hindus and some are prominent Jain pilgrim centres.
Shri Adishwara Temple: dedicated to Rishabhdev, stands
on the apex of the northern ridge. Rebuilt by the minister
Vagbhatta in AD 1157, it is one of the most magnificent
temples and the most sacred on Shatrunjaya. The temple
is ornately carved with a frieze of dragons along the
walls of its prayer halls.
Chaumukh Temple: or four- faced shrine, the highest
of the shrines is visible from a distance of 40 km.
erected in the early 17th century, it houses a quadruple
image of the apostle Adinath, who gazes in the four
directions. Other notable temples are Kumarpal, Vimalsha,
and Shahastrakuta bearing the distinctive aura of the
Jain temples.
Another important temple is that of the first Teerthankara,
though, in its overall plan it is simpler than the Choumukh.
Other notable temples are those of Kumarpal, Vimal Shah
and Sampti Raja . The earliest temple was probably built
by Kumarpal Solanki, a great Jain patron. The temple
has a fabulous collection of jewels, which can be seen
with special permission.
Adjacent to the Shri Adishwara Temple is the Muslim
shrine of Angar Peer where childless women make votive
offerings of miniature cradles to the saint to bless
them with children.
The Temple town of Palitana has some interesting handicrafts
and 2 museums of Jain art - the Stapiya Kala Sangrah and
the Shri Vishal Jain Kala Sansthan.
GETTING THERE
Air: Nearest airport at Bhavnagar is 62 kms away.
Rail: Palitana is on the Western Railway metre gauge
line and is well connected to Ahmedabad, 277 kms. by
rail and 215 kms. by road.
Road: State Transport & luxury buses ply regularly.
|
