Palitana is a city in Gujarat, India, renowned for being the world’s first fully vegetarian city and a major pilgrimage site for Jains. It is home to the Shatrunjaya hill, which features a complex of over 900 marble temples built over centuries, with the first dating back to the 11th century. Reaching the summit to visit the temples involves a challenging climb of over 3,750 stone steps.


Key Aspects of Palitana

World’s First Vegetarian City:

Palitana is known for its strict prohibition of animal slaughter and the sale of meat and eggs, making it a pure and revered destination for Jains.

Shatrunjaya Hill Temples:
This is a sacred complex of numerous Jain temples, considered among the most important pilgrimage sites in Jainism. The temples were built in stages over centuries, with significant restoration efforts following periods of destruction.

Pilgrimage Destination:
It is a major pilgrimage center for followers of Jainism, and it is the ambition of every Jain follower to visit it at least once.

Architectural Significance:
The temples are beautifully constructed, primarily from marble, and are grouped into “tunks” or enclosures, each with a central temple surrounded by smaller ones.

Cultural Importance:
The city is rich in spiritual and cultural significance, and its surrounding area is known for local handicrafts and embroidered goods.

History
The construction of the temples began in the 11th century, with a great patron of Jainism, Kumarpal Solanki, credited with building the first temples.
The temples faced destruction, most notably by Turkish Muslim invaders in 1311 AD, but were later restored.

The city was known as Padliptapur in earlier times and is sometimes referred to as the “City of Temples”.
Visiting Palitana

Climbing: Accessing the main temples involves a climb of over 3,750 stone steps up Shatrunjaya Hill.
Best Time to Visit: The winter months are considered the best time to visit due to the pleasant weather.
Shopping: Visitors can find local handicrafts and colorful, embroidered items