Bhavnagar Circuit

The Bhavnagar circuit forms part of Saurashtra- a name that has a singsong quality to it. One of Gujarat's most picturesque regions, this region is a wonderful blend of warmth, hospitality, the sheer joie de vivre besides of course the portrayal of the glittering palaces, temples, mosques and imposing forts as well. 

Bhavnagar once the capital of the princely state of Kathiawad is now a convenient base to visit the temple town of Palitana, the most important Jain pilgrimage centre. 

Bhavnagar

Bhavnagar lies in the southeast corner of the peninsular region of Gujarat known as Kathiawad or Saurashtra. Once the capital of a princely state, Bhavnagar is home to several lakes and temples.

For the tourist, Bhavnagar serves as a convenient base to visit the Jain temples at Palitana on the Shatrunjaya hills and the Velvadar Sanctuary, the home of the famous Indian Black buck.

Founded in 1743 A.D., by Bhavsinhji Gohil, on the site of a small village of Vadva, near the creek, Bhavnagar was once a flourishing port. Today, however the only activities related to the sea near Bhavnagar take place at the port of Ghogha and at Alang, which is also, Asia's largest ship breaking facility.

Palitana

Located 56kms. from Bhavnagar, Palitana is the most important centre of Jain pilgrimage in Gujarat. It is associated with Rishabhdev, the first Jain Tirthankar, called Adinath or Adishwar, who is the principal deity of worship there.

Palitana is probably India's most picturesque pilgrim centre. Located on Shatrunjaya Hill, which lies about a mile south of Palitana town and is 603 metres above sea level, are 863 temples built over an impressive span of nine hundred years. The temples, exquisitely carved in marble are veritable prayers in stone.

The 600-metre climb to Shatrunjaya is usually made on foot and takes one 2 hours to cover the ascent. Dolis (lift chairs) are also available for the ascent as are walking sticks.

The entire experience of visiting Shatrunjaya is worth the effort as what will await you when you reach the summit. It is a breathtaking view of Palitana town as if in obeisance to the mountain's awesome presence, the crisp, balmy air and the Shatrunjaya river glistening like a foil of silver. 

Jain Temples at Palitana

Jainism was started by Mahavira, prince of 'Vaishali', in north India, as a reformist movement against the rigid casteism, complexity of practices of Brahminism, sacrifices and dominance of priests. Jains believe in the 24 Tirthankaras (Universal Teachers) and Lord Mahavira is considered the last of the Tirthankaras. As has happened in most of the religions and sects, Jainism was divided into two major factions. The Shwetambaras whose monks wear white clothes and the Digambaras whose monks go naked. Digambara means sky-clad.

Although Jains form a miniscule percentage of around 0.3 percent of the 700 million Indian population, they have played a very significant role in industry, commerce and cultural realms of the country especially in Gujarat.
The temple of Shatrunjaya, Girnar in Saurashtra, Taranga hills in North Gujarat are all eloquent examples of the great heights reached by Jain architecture in Gujarat.