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Resources » Travel & Tourism » Pilgrim Places »
Lord Ardeshwar Temple in Palitana in Gujarat
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Located in Gujarat, Palitana lies at the foothills of Shatrunjaya Hill. It is a small town that has owned the pride of being one of the most sacred tirth (pilgrimage) for Jains with almost 900 temples.
The temple that crowns the hill of Palitana is devoted to Lord Aadeshwar (Rishabdev). The holy temple at the top of the hill is spread over a vast area and bears within its premises about 108 smaller temples of the 108 gods according to the beliefs of Jainism.
Devotees aspire to climb to the mountaintop at least once in their lifetime, because of its sanctity. The journey is strenuous. The walk up the stone stairway comprising of around 4000 steps takes about an hour and a half. For those unable to climb due to old age or other reasons, there are dolis available. Dolis are held by two men at both ends of a stick in the middle of which is a base to sit on. Food is not supposed to be eaten or carried on the way. The journey must begin prior to the sunset as no one can stay atop during the night.
The temple has many beliefs associated to the temple monuments viz. if you manage to squeeze yourself through an extremely small opening in a particular room, you are considered to be a person without any sins. Before setting your foot down to leave, don’t forget to tickle your taste buds with masala dahi.
Climbing up the hill successfully and returning with the blessings of Lord Aadeshwar is considered a great reverence and a matter of pride, it is seen that at various stretches while getting down many people wash the feet of the devotees and apply a tilak (vermilion) on their head. And some others distribute sweets to all. It is believed that by doing this deed they mean to say ‘please make us a part of the good deed you have done by worshipping the holy temple.’
Accommodation within the town is earthy but hygienic. There are a number of dharamshalas, which don’t burn a hole in the pocket. However, most of these do not allow people other than followers of Jainism. Besides dharamshalas, there are a few hotels, which provide good service. The food too is simple and holds little similarities to the urban food but the traditional taste dominates.
Palitana is accessible throughout the year. However, maximum people visit this place during the four months of chaumasa, which are considered the holy months as per Jainism. These months fall during shravan as per Hindu calendar, roughly between July and October.
Getting there
The nearest railway station and airport is Bhavnagar and Palitana is about 60km from the airport and takes approximately an hour and a half to reach. It is accessible from Ahmedabad as well and takes about six to seven hours to reach Palitana.
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