Palitana

Palitana is a city in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, India. It lies at the southern foothills of the Shatrunjaya, a hill that hosts one of the most important Jain pilgrimage centers in the world. The Shatrunjaya temple complex comprises hundreds of marble temples built over centuries and is revered as a sacred site for Jains. Pilgrims typically ascend the hill via a long flight of steps, starting before sunrise, to visit the temples on the summit and perform prayers to the Tirthankaras, especially Adinath.

Historically, Palitana was the capital of a small princely state in the Kathiawar Agency during British rule. After Indian independence, it became part of Bombay state and later the state of Gujarat. Today the city is renowned for its religious heritage and attracts pilgrims and tourists year-round. The local economy relies on pilgrimage-related tourism, religious crafts, and services associated with the temple complex. Gujarati and Hindi are widely spoken, and the city hosts Jain festivals such as Mahavir Jayanti and Paryushan, which draw visitors from across the country.

The climate is hot in summer, with the monsoon season bringing rain from June to September. The best time to visit is typically the cooler months from November to February.