Mount Shatrunjaya, Palitana
The Jain temples of Mount Satrunjaya, at Palitana, Gujarat are considered the holiest of all pilgrimage places by the white robed, temple-oriented (Svetambara Murtipujaka) portion of the Jain community. There are a total of 863 temples, exquisitely carved in marble, located on the Satrunjaya hills. Palitana is the world's only mountain that has more than 900 temples. The Palitana temples and whole mountain are considered the most sacred pilgrimage place (tirtha) by the Jain community, and is the world's largest Temple Complex. There are more than 3000 temples located on the Shatrunjaya hills, exquisitely carved in marble. The main temple on top of the hill, is dedicated to 1st tirthankar lord Adinath (Rishabdeva). On the top the Shatrunjai Hill is a cluster of Jain temples, built by generations of Jains over a period of 900 years, from the 11th century onwards. The temples are managed by the Anandji Kalyanji Trust associated with the Kasturbhai Lalbhai group. From the foot of the hill to the top there are 3,800 and odd stone steps cut to facilitate climbing.
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