Adinath Jain Temple in Palitana Gujarat
Palitana Adinath Jain temple is one of the popular temples. You need not be a Jain to respect the spectacle. Generations of Jain all over the country have contributed their mite to make Shatrunjay Hill what it is today.
History of Adinath Bhagwan
It is said all the Jain Tirthankars, excepting Neminath, had attained nirvan on Shatrunjay Hill. This fact adds to the adoration the devout have for the place. The place is therefore called Siddhakshetra where one attains moksh. The mountain is related with Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankar who is also known as Adinath.
The main temple at the top contains his idol in padmasan. He belonged to the Ikshvaku Dynasty of Ayodhya. So Rama was his ancestor. Adinath visited the Shatrunjay Hill 93 times. All the Jain temples of Palitana are built in marble and stand adorned with ornate sculptures. Each and every temple located on this hill is a specimen of art. The temple trail starts from the foot of the hill. There are 3745 steps up to the peak of the summit.
One of the most important temples in Palitana is the Digamber Jain Temple. It is an ancient temple that encompasses 9 shrines with the idols of all the Tirthankaras. The main shrine contains the idol of the principal deity, 1008 Bhagwan Shantinath.
Majority of the temples are located on the Shatrunjaya hills. Pilgrims climb over 3000 stairs to pay a visit to 853 temples situated at a height of 603 meters. The hills are believed to have the largest concentration of temples anywhere in the world. Adinath temple is the temples known for their architectural splendours.
Inside the temple there is Adishwara's idol made up of marble having crystal eyes. This white coloured holy image is 2.16 mt high. There is a quadrangle designed artistically in front of the temple where Jains seated to have darshan of Tirthankara images placed in 'chapra', which is plated with silver.
How to Reach Palitana
Palitana is accessible by Road Distance between Vadodara 310 kms, Surat 432 kms, Bhavnagar 50 kms, Gandhlnagar 231 kms
Nearest Railway Station ---------- Bhavnagar and Palitana
Nearest Airport ---------- Bhavnagar
On the rear portion of the temple is the Ravan Tree where Tirthankar Adinath had practised a long penance under this tree. Opposite of this temple is another shrine where the feet of Adishwara are worshipped. It is a huge foot prints measuring 47 X 25 inches.
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