Palitana World's only mountain that houses more than 900 temples

New Delhi: Palitana is a city in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat. It is located 50 km southwest of Bhavnagar city and is a major pilgrimage centre for Jains.The Palitana temples and whole mountain are considered the most sacred pilgrimage place (tirtha) by the Jain community,Palitana is the world's only mountain that has more than 900 temples.It is the world's largest Temple Complex.These temples are located on the Mount Shatrunjaya. Shatrunjaya enclosure is spread over nine hill tops and about 20 acres.Shatrunjaya is assocoated with the Nirvana of Pundarika, son of Bharata (the Chakravarti, after whom India is named Bhaarat) and grandson and Ganadhar of Rishabh, the first Jina (also called Adi-nath).The temples are exquisitely carved in marble, veritable prayers in stone and are still architecturally very beautiful. Most were destroyed in the 14th and 15th Century during the Muslim period, and rebuilt over years. The oldest is about 11th century.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.The pilgrimage starts at the base of the 1800 ft hill which the pilgrims have to ascend. The best time to start the climb is early morning.Sling chairs are available for those who are unable to climb. You cannot take eatable during the climb, though you can carry water. Water is also provided along the route at rest stops. It takes close to two hours to climb to the summit. On the way there are nine tuks with shrines of the idols of various Teerthankars.The first Jain Teerthankar Adinath, who visited the hill ninety three times, is closely associated with this place. He is said to have attained enlightenment at this place. His idol in the padmasan pose is in the main temple atop the hill.Every devout Jain aspires to climb to the top of the mountain at least once in his lifetime, because of its sanctity and believes that a visit to this group of temples is essential once in a life time to achieve nirvana or salvation.The best time to travel is in winter between November and March when the average temperature is around 20?C. Summer months are too hot in Saurashtra region in Gujarat. July and August, the Monsoons months have a good temperature and weather but the hills at Palitana are closed for climbing.