Gujarat has always been a wonder for ardent travelers due to its expansive culture, marvelous architecture, and best-in-class textiles in India. This westernmost state of the nation draws the attention of thousands of tourists to provide them with a relaxing and healing retreat.
If you are looking to experience a religious trip on your next vacation, then it is high time to plan for visiting the Jain temples in Gujarat. The outstanding amalgamation of rich history, marvelous architecture, and wonderful heritage of these temples would soothe your mind, body, and soul. Whether you are an adventurous soul, a history buff, a nature lover, or a food aficionado, you should visit the spectacular Jain temples of Gujarat at least once in your lifetime.
List of the Incredibly Popular Jain Temples of Gujarat:
You might know that Jainism has witnessed a great rise in terms of popularity in Gujarat. Another worth-noting fact is that Jains construct temples wherever they start residing and locals call these temples “Derasar”.
The land of Gujarat is dotted with numerous Jain temples. Therefore, if you are all set to explore the Jain cultures of Gujarat, you should know about the most famous Jain temples of the state. It is time to discuss the well-known Jain temples in the westernmost state of the country to encourage you to plan a religious trip on your next vacation:
1. Songadh Tirth, Bhavnagar
Nestled 28 km from Bhavnagar, Songadh Jain temples are renowned for their marvelous architecture and awe-inspiring ambiance. These Jain temples are dedicated to different Tirthankaras and you should not miss exploring all of these religious sites when you are in Bhavnagar.
You would get to explore Swadhyay Mandir, Mahavir Kund Digambar temple, Simandhar Swami Mandir, Digambar Jain Paramgam temple, Panchmeru Nandishwara temple, and Samavasaran mandir in Songadh Tirtha. Moreover, the temple complex is also home to the Samadhi of Champabahanji and the Kanaji Swamiji museum. Jains consider the Digambar temple a prominent pilgrimage in Jainism.
2. Shree Girnar Tirth, Junagadh
When you are on a Gujarat trip, you should not miss exploring Junagadh. And whenever you find yourself in Junagadh, Shree Girnar Tirth should be on your itinerary. The mighty Girnar mountain ranges house many temples and the most famous one is Lord Neminath temple. The mesmerizing architecture and intricately-carved walls would blow your mind.
Another worth-noting point is that pilgrims need to cover 9500 steps to pay a visit to the temple and pray in front of the idol of Lord Neminath. Did you know the idol is believed to be built more than 84000 years ago?
You would have to dedicate five hours to complete the journey to the temple by climbing the steps. However, reaching the temple would ensure a fulfilling and soul-satisfying experience for you. In other words, it would be an outstanding achievement and a one-of-a-kind feeling for you. Do not forget to explore Mallinath temple, Golden Rishabh Dev temple, and Parshwanath temple adjacent to Shree Girnar Tirth.
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3. Shantinath Jain Temple, Kothara
When you are in Abdasa, Kutch, then you would get to explore five magnificent Jain temples. And the most popular one in this regard is Shantinath Jain Temple, thanks to the brilliant architecture and incredible sculpture.
The Shantinath Jain Temple reaches the height of a two-story building. Moreover, it was built with five domes with lofty spires facing the sky. The marvelous craftsmanship of the artisans can be witnessed from the intricately sculpted pillars and gates in the Shantinath Jain Temple.
4. Palitana Temples, Bhavnagar
You already got an idea that numerous Jain temples are scattered over the entire land of Gujarat. Nonetheless, when it comes to the most famous Jain temples in Gujarat, Palitana Temples in Bhavnagar deserve special mention. The magnificent group of Jain temples is nestled at Shatrunjaya Hill in Palitana adjacent to Bhavnagar.
Did you know 23 Tirthankaras paid a visit to Palitana Temples, so it is considered a holy place for pilgrims? The construction work of this well-known Jain temple started in the 11th century and kept going for a long duration. Many people believe the duration was 900 years.
Do not forget to witness the intricate sculptures on the marvelous pathways, walls, and ceilings of Palitana Temples. And the most remarkable carvings can be seen in the Adinath Temple, which is the main shrine in the cluster of temples here. The Palitana Temples enable pilgrims to explore nine clusters along with a main shrine as well as numerous smaller Jain temples on every side of the Shatrunjaya Hill.
5. Taranga Hill (Jain Temple), Mehsana
When it comes to creating an itinerary of Jain temples in Gujarat, you should make sure of adding Taranga Hill (Jain Temple) to the list. Located 80 km from Mehsana (Gujarat), Taranga Hill (Jain Temple) comprises temples of the Digambar as well as Shwetambar sects. Taranga Hill (Jain Temple) is home to around five Digambar and fourteen Shwetambar Jain temples.
Kumarpal of the Solanki dynasty built one of the finest temples here, which is Lord Ajitnath temple, in 1121 AD. You would have to reach the hill to access the plateau on which the Taranga Hill temple complex is nestled at. The main temple, home to seven domes, comprises the idol of Lord Ajitnath.
6. Vasai Jain Temple, Bhadreshwar
If you are planning to visit Kutch in Gujarat, then Vasai Jain Temple in Bhadreshwar should not be missed at any cost. Popularly known as Bhadreshwar tirth, Vasai Jain Temple was built by Devchandra, who was a Jain devotee.
Located only 1 km from Bhadreshwar, Vasai Jain Temple faced the repercussions of earthquakes. Nevertheless, various wealthy Jain devotees came forward to restore the temple for pilgrims.
7. Hutheesing Jain Temple, Ahmedabad
You cannot complete your Gujarat travel diary without exploring Ahmedabad. And when you are in the mesmerizing land of Ahmedabad, Hutheesing Jain Temple should be on your itinerary. The construction of this famous Jain temple started in the year 1850 and was completed within two years.
The main temple is home to two stories and is encircled by a courtyard. The marvelously sculpted statues of different Tirthankaras help travelers witness the cultural influence and intricate craftsmanship of the bygone era.
8. Panchasara Parshwanath Jain Temple, Patan
While planning for your Gujarat trip, you should not miss exploring Panchasara Parshwanath Jain Temple in Patan. The popularity of Patan is not only for Rani Ki Vav but also for Panchasara Parshwanath Jain Temple.
Patan is home to a complex of 100 Jain temples and Panchasara Parshwanath Jain Temple is the most famous one. The amalgamation of exquisite craftsmanship and mesmerizing ambiance would pacify your mind, body, and soul.
The Solanki dynasty witnessed the construction of these Jain temples in Patan. The walls and pillars of these holy places represent the incredible cultural evidence of the bygone era.
9. Vardhman Shah Temple, Jamnagar
Your Jamnagar expedition won’t be complete without paying a visit to its Jain Temples. In short, Jamnagar is home to a spread of marvelous Jain temples, but the most famous one is the Vardhman Shah temple.
Constructed in 1620, the Vardhman Shah temple houses a vast temple complex comprising a main shrine encircled by 52 smaller shrines. Lord Adinath ji is the deity of the main shrine in this Jain temple. When you find yourself in Jamnagar, do not forget to visit Shantinath derasar adjacent to Bedi Gate. The intricate sculptures and marvelous murals of this Jain temple are worth exploring.
It is time to plan a religious tour of the most famous Jain temples in Gujarat with your near and dear ones.
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