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Palitana: A Revered Jain Pilgrimage Destination
Context:
The decision to ban non-veg foods in Palitana was made after nearly 200 Jain monks protested and succeeded in having around 250 butcher shops shut down, making meat sale and consumption illegal in the city.
Overview of the City:
Location:
- Palitana, in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, India, is a highly revered town for Jainism followers.
- The city, formerly known as Padliptapur, is nicknamed the “City of Temples,” or Jain Temple Town.
- The place is located around Shatrunjaya Hills.
Significance:
- Palitana features more than 800 temples in the city.
- The main temple is dedicated to Rishabha (the first tTirthankara).
- Sanctity: The hill is sanctified by the visits of 23 Tirthankaras, except for Neminatha, who has already been liberated from karma.
- Accessibility: Reaching the temples requires climbing approximately 3950 stairs. Constructed over 900 years, the oldest temples date back to the 11th or 12th century.
Historical Context:
- Much of Palitana’s 11th-century architecture, originally built by the Solanki dynasty, was destroyed by Muslim invaders and later reconstructed in the 16th century by wealthy merchants.
- Prominent Temple: The Adishwar Temple, also known as the Chaumukha Temple, is the most lavishly decorated. Built in the early 17th century, it features a marble pedestal with a four-faced deity of Adinath.
- Angar Pir Shrine: Nearby, this Muslim shrine is dedicated to a saint believed to help childless couples, with miniature cradles offered in hopes of blessings.
Other Important Temples:
- Notable temples include Rampal, Kumarpal, and Sampriti Raja.
- Cultural Context: The town is a hub for pilgrimage, especially during the Kartik Purnima festival. It is believed that visiting these temples is crucial for achieving nirvana or salvation.
- Religious Practices: The temple town is considered a divine abode, and therefore, no one, including priests, is allowed to stay overnight. Some temples remain closed during the monsoon season.
Cultural and Tourist Attractions:
- Shopping: Palitana’s bustling bazaars offer handcrafted woven bamboo products as souvenirs.
- Festivals: Local festivals such as Makar Sankranti and the Kite Festival are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
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Architectural Features of the Town:
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The Solanki Clan: A Historical Overview:
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