2025-05-03 Sat

The final #Stamp in the Archaeological and Historical Monuments Definitive series of 1949, valued at Rs 15, showcases one of the 900 temples at #Palitana, on the #Shatrunjaya hills in #Bhavnagar, #Gujarat. This group temple is recognized as one of the most sacred for the #Shwetambara #Murtipujak #Jains. It is widely believed among Jains that #Adinath, the first #Tirthankara, sanctified the Shatrunjaya #Mountain by selecting it as the site for his inaugural sermon. One has to climb 3800 steps to reach the complex from the foothills of Shatrunjaya hills.

The temples within this complex were constructed over various centuries, with the earliest dating back to the 11th century CE, during the reign of #king #Kumarapala of the #Solanki dynasty. Unfortunately, many of these temples faced destruction in the 13th century CE due to invasions led by #AllaudinKhilji. In the 16th century, a significant number of new temples were built, while older ones were meticulously restored.

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.

The architectural style of the Palitana temples highlights the #maru #Gurjara or Solanki #style of #architecture, noted for its intricate decorations, the utilization of sandstone and #marble and distinctive features such as flying arches and multi-layered shikhara (towers). The temples are organized into enclosures, with a principal temple accompanied by several smaller ones. Notable temples within the complex include the #Chaumukh Temple, #Adinath Temple, #Adishvara Temple, and #VimalShah Temple.