Palitana Temples

Shatrunjaya is the most sacred hill in Jainism, and around nine hundred temples have been built on its two summits since the eleventh century, in marble, packed so closely they form a walled city of shrines with lanes between them. Pilgrims climb roughly 3,800 steps to reach them, a two to three hour ascent, and devout Jains aim to make the climb repeatedly; some do it many times in a day. No one, including priests, stays on the hill after dark: the temples are closed at dusk and the summit left to the gods, so all visitors must descend before nightfall.

What you actually see

• The temple city - around nine hundred marble shrines packed on the summits.
• The 3,800 steps - the stone stair climbing the hill.
• Adinath temple - the principal shrine at the top.
• The evening closure - the whole hill emptied of people at dusk.

When to go

November to February; Gujarat is very hot the rest of the year and the climb is exposed. Start at dawn to avoid heat. Kartik Purnima in November brings enormous pilgrim numbers.

Honest expectations

The climb is long and steep, taking hours; doli chairs carried by porters are available and expensive. Leather is prohibited. Everyone must be off the hill by dusk without exception. Food and drink are restricted on the ascent.

Nearby

Bhavnagar lies northeast; Velavadar is north.