The Jain temples of Palitana are situated on Shatrunjaya beside the Palitana city in the Gujarati district of Bhavnagar. The same-named city, formerly known as Padliptapur, is also known as the "City of Temples". The Jain community regards these two locations, along with Shikharji in the state of Jharkhand, as the holiest of all pilgrimage sites. No one, not even the priests, are permitted to spend the night in the temple-city because it was designed to be a home for the divine. Every Jain believes that a visit to this group of temples is essential as a once in a life time chance to achieve nirvana or salvation.

Also Read: Sonagiri Temple: Golden Peak

This site on Shatrunjaya hill is considered sacred by Jains and has hundreds of temples. There are approximately 863 marble-carved temples on the hills. The main temple is reached by stepping up 3500 steps. It is said that 23 tirthankaras (a human being who helps in achieving liberation and enlightenment), except Neminatha (a liberated soul which has destroyed all of its karma), sanctified the hill by their visits. The main temple is dedicated to Rishabha, the first tirthankara; it is the holiest shrine for the Svetambara Murtipujaka sect. Digambara Jain has only one temple here.

Also Read: Dilwara Temple: Scared Pilgrimage of Jain’s

In the traditional texts and beliefs, this sacred hill became important to Jainism millions of years ago, since the age of Adinatha . Adinatha himself lived for 8.4 million Durvas, and patronized this Satrunjaya hills site many times in his long life. He is believed to have visited Satrunjaya nearly 700 million times, more than any other Jain site. Thereafter, Satrunjaya has been cherished and patronized by other Tirthankaras of Jainism, including Risabhanatha and his son Bharata. These hills and Palitana host Adinatha's principal temple.

Also Read: Lord Mahavir: The 24th Jain Tirthankarpa

According to Jain tradition, the hill where the first Tirthankara Rishabha preached was blessed. The hill was first called "Pundarikgiri" since it was his first student Pundarika who attained Nirvana at Shatrunjay. There is a marble statue of Pundaraksvami that Shersthi Ammeyaka dedicated in samvat year 1064 to honour the sallekhana of a muni from the Vidhyadhara Kula.

Also Read: Dharmanath Temple: A Theerth