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.
Location: Songadh, Bhavnagar District.
Highlights:
- Dedicated to Lord Mahavir, the temple complex is a spiritual retreat for Jain followers.
- Features intricately carved marble interiors and a serene ambiance.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Bhavnagar Airport (28 km).
- By Train: Bhavnagar Railway Station (25 km).
- By Road: Connected via NH51; taxis and buses are available.
Tips: Visit early morning for a peaceful experience and to participate in prayers.
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.
Location: Girnar Hill, Junagadh District.
Highlights:
- One of the most sacred Jain pilgrimage sites, comprising several temples on the hill.
- Requires a climb of 10,000 steps to reach the main shrine.
- Stunning views of the Girnar mountain range and lush greenery.
Best Time to Visit: November to February.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Rajkot Airport (100 km).
- By Train: Junagadh Railway Station (5 km).
- By Road: Accessible by local transport from Junagadh city.
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes and carry water for the climb.
Read also:
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.
Location: Kothara, Kutch District.
Highlights:
- Dedicated to Lord Shantinath, the 16th Tirthankara.
- Famous for its tranquil surroundings and beautifully adorned idols.
Best Time to Visit: November to February.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Bhuj Airport (80 km).
- By Train: Bhuj Railway Station (75 km).
- By Road: Well-connected by buses and taxis from Bhuj.
Tips: Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Mandvi Beach.
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.
Location: Shatrunjaya Hills, Palitana, Bhavnagar District.
Highlights:
- Known as the world’s largest temple complex with over 800 temples.
- Dedicated to various Jain Tirthankaras, particularly Adinath.
- The climb involves 3,800 steps but offers breathtaking views and spiritual serenity.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Bhavnagar Airport (56 km).
- By Train: Palitana Railway Station (3 km).
- By Road: Easily accessible by buses and taxis from Bhavnagar.
Tips: Start early to avoid the heat and wear comfortable clothing for the climb.
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.
Location: Mehsana District.
Highlights:
- A key pilgrimage site for Jains, built in the 12th century.
- Dedicated to Lord Ajitnath, the 2nd Tirthankara.
- Surrounded by scenic hills, making it a serene spot for meditation.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Ahmedabad Airport (120 km).
- By Train: Mehsana Railway Station (45 km).
- By Road: Connected by local buses and taxis.
Tips: Explore the nearby caves and shrines for a complete spiritual experience.
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.
Location: Bhadreshwar, Kutch District.
Highlights:
- One of the oldest Jain temples in India, built in the 11th century.
- Known for its simple yet elegant architecture and serene atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit: November to February.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Bhuj Airport (60 km).
- By Train: Bhuj Railway Station (55 km).
- By Road: Easily accessible by road from Bhuj and Gandhidham.
Tips: Visit during festivals for special rituals and vibrant celebrations.
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.
Location: Ahmedabad City.
Highlights:
- Built in 1848, dedicated to Lord Dharmanath, the 15th Tirthankara.
- Features intricate carvings and a 78-foot Manastambha (pillar of honor).
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (10 km).
- By Train: Ahmedabad Railway Station (4 km).
- By Road: Accessible by buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws within Ahmedabad.
Tips: Combine your visit with other Ahmedabad attractions like Sabarmati Ashram.
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.
Location: Patan, Gujarat.
Highlights:
- Dedicated to Lord Parshwanath, the 23rd Tirthankara.
- Known for its beautiful marble architecture and intricate carvings.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Ahmedabad Airport (130 km).
- By Train: Mehsana Railway Station (50 km).
- By Road: Buses and taxis are available from Ahmedabad and Mehsana.
Tips: Explore the nearby Rani ki Vav stepwell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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.
Location: Jamnagar City.
Highlights:
- Built in the 17th century, dedicated to Lord Adinath.
- Known for its exquisite craftsmanship and serene ambiance.
Best Time to Visit: October to February.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Jamnagar Airport (10 km).
- By Train: Jamnagar Railway Station (5 km).
- By Road: Easily accessible by city transport.
Tips: Visit in the early morning to witness temple rituals.
It is time to plan a religious tour of the most famous Jain temples in Gujarat with your near and dear ones.
Recommended Reads:
- Places to Visit in Gujarat in December
- Gujarat’s Most Popular Forts to Visit
- Top 10 Famous Beaches in Gujarat
- Gujarat List of Historical Places
- 20 Tourist Destinations to Visit in Gujarat
- Top 8 Places to See in Rajkot
- Gujarat Travel Places to Visit in January
- 8 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Kevadia
- Laxmi Vilas Palace Vadodara, Gujarat Travel Guide
- 10 Most Famous Festivals In Gujarat
- Gujarat’s Famous Offbeat Places
- 10 Reasons Why You Should See Gujarat
- Gujarat Famous Must-Visit Places
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are some famous Jain temples in Gujarat?
Prominent Jain temples in Gujarat include Palitana Temples, Girnar Jain Temples, Taranga Hill Temple, and Hutheesing Jain Temple.
2. What is special about the Palitana Temples?
Palitana is the world’s largest temple complex, with over 800 intricately carved temples located on Shatrunjaya Hill.
3. Where is the Girnar Jain Temple located?
It is situated on Mount Girnar near Junagadh and is famous for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance.
4. What is the significance of Taranga Hill Temple?
The Taranga Jain Temple, near Mehsana, is over 900 years old and is a serene pilgrimage site surrounded by hills.
5. What makes Hutheesing Jain Temple in Ahmedabad unique?
Built in 1848, this temple is known for its exquisite marble carvings and architectural beauty.
6. Are there any Jain temples in Bhavnagar?
Yes, the Shri Takhteshwar Jain Temple and other smaller temples in Bhavnagar are significant Jain pilgrimage spots.
7. Is there a Jain temple near the Kutch region?
Yes, the Bhadreshwar Vasai Jain Temple in Kutch is one of the oldest Jain temples, dating back to the 5th century.
8. What is the Panchasara Jain Temple?
Located in Patan, it is known for its intricate carvings and historical importance as a center of Jainism.
9. Are the temples open to non-Jains?
Yes, most Jain temples in Gujarat welcome visitors of all faiths but expect adherence to the rules of silence and decorum.
10. What should I wear while visiting Jain temples?
Modest clothing is recommended, and shoes must be removed before entering the temple premises.
11. What is the best time to visit Jain temples in Gujarat?
The ideal time is during winter (November to February) when the weather is pleasant for exploring these sacred sites.
12. Do these temples have facilities for visitors?
Many Jain temples, especially at Palitana and Girnar, offer guesthouses and vegetarian food for pilgrims and visitors.
