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> Travel Diaries > Embracing unity at Palitana

Embracing unity at Palitana

Few places of worship look beyond the mundaneness of manmade constructs like belief systems, race, sex, caste and creed, as the Palitana does.

From afar, the temple complex looks like a cluster of pure white and pale brown castles cascading down the green hill. But the way I see it, that is not the only thing that makes this site beautiful. Its real beauty lies in its upholding of universal brotherhood. Perched atop the Shatrunjaya hills is the Jain community’s holy pilgrimage site–the Palitana temple. Few places of worship look beyond the mundaneness of manmade constructs like belief systems, race, sex, caste and creed, as the Palitana tirth does. It stands out for the peaceful co-existence of a dargah (Muslim place of worship) and temples within the same complex.

Located in Bhavnagar district in the state of Gujarat, the Palitana Jain temple is the world’s largest temple complex. It is said to be dedicated to the 24 Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers of dharma, the righteous path) of the Jain community. Jains believe that the Tirthankaras blessed the Palitana tirth, making it a must-visit pilgrimage for the Jain community. It is a belief among Jains that a visit to Palitana temple once in their lifetime will help them attain nirvana (liberation from the cycle of life and death).

Built over a period of 900 years, the Palitana jain temple is an architectural marvel, and I could easily see why. When the sun rays fall on this huge temple complex, it looks as if it is carved out of ivory, making it a majestic sight to behold. The Palitana tirth is a cluster of 863 temples with towers, columns and openings. The cluster is further divided into nine wings that have a central shrine surrounded by smaller shrines, and together with their walls of marble, they look like a canopy on the hills.

Legend has it that the Pir lived on the hills of Shatrunjaya during the 14th century. When Khilji dynasty ruler Alauddin Khilji plundered the temple for riches, the Sufi saint is said to have protected the Palitana with the sheer power of prayer and devotion.

As I climbed the hills further up, I witnessed the grandest structure in the complex–the temple of the presiding deity Adishwara. This temple is dedicated to Adinath (Rishabdeva), the first Tirthankara. It is said that Adinath sanctified the hills of Shatrunjaya by delivering his first sermon on the hills, making it a divine place of worship for the Jains.

While roaming around the temple complex, something caught my attention. It wasn’t the beautiful ornate motifs of the temple, nor was it the splendid beauty of nature. It was a dargah (shrine of a Muslim saint). At first, I was surprised and confused. A Muslim shrine in a Jain pilgrimage centre? From my history books, I had learned that Jains and Muslims had co-existed in Gujarat for centuries. But the presence of a Muslim shrine in a Jain temple was something of a wonder to me.

The dargah is dedicated to a Sufi saint, Angar Pir, who is known to have saved the temple complex from the clutches of the Muslim ruler Alauddin Khilji. Legend has it that the Pir lived on the hills of Shatrunjaya during the 14th century. When Khilji dynasty ruler Alauddin Khilji plundered the temple for riches, the Sufi saint is said to have protected the Palitana with the sheer power of prayer and devotion.

I found the Pir’s story impressive. Here was a man of Islamic faith who not only believed in the sanctity of temples but also strived to protect them, risking his own life. Given the Pir’s extraordinary feat, he came to be worshipped by Jains and Muslims alike within the Palitana. Today, the dargah attracts people from all faiths.

What makes Palitana even more unique is how this shared space influences the people who visit it. Pilgrims often speak of feeling a deep sense of peace—not just because of the spiritual power the temple holds, but also because of the mutual respect and unity they witness among people of different religions. It serves as a quiet reminder that true spirituality embraces compassion, tolerance, and coexistence. In today’s world, where divisions often make headlines, Palitana quietly stands as a symbol of what harmony can look like.

What makes Palitana truly special is how it brings people together. Many visitors say they feel a deep sense of peace, not just from the temple’s spiritual energy, but also from seeing people of different religions show respect and unity. In a world often divided, Palitana stands as an example of harmony.

As I finished the tour of the complex, I was convinced of one thing. The Jain Palitana not only transcends the barriers of religions but also maintains harmony between all faiths within its walls. It is a place of worship where all faiths are respected equally, people of all faiths are accepted wholeheartedly, and prayers are all about oneness among fellow beings.

FAQs

Where is the Palitana temple located?

The Palitana temple is located in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat.

Why is Palitana important to the Jain community?

It is believed to be sanctified by the 24 Tirthankaras, especially Adinath, the first Tirthankara, who gave his first sermon there.

What makes the Palitana temple architecturally special?

Built over 900 years, the complex includes 863 intricately carved temples made of marble and is considered one of the world’s largest temple complexes.

Who was Angar Pir?

Angar Pir was a 14th-century Sufi saint who, according to legend, protected the temple complex from Alauddin Khilji’s attacks.

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