Shatrunjaya Temples
The Barefoot Climb to the City of Temples
Overview
The Shatrunjaya Temples are a cluster of roughly 863 Jain temples crowning Shatrunjaya hill above Palitana, Gujarat, India, among the holiest pilgrimage sites in Jainism, especially for the Svetambara sect. The main temple is dedicated to Adinath (Rishabhanatha), the first tirthankara. Reaching them requires a barefoot climb of about 3,500 stone steps rising some 600 metres, and by strict tradition no one may stay overnight on the sacred hill, all pilgrims descend by evening. MyTripMyTravel arranges a respectful pre-dawn ascent with support and an expert escort.
Shatrunjaya is one of the great pilgrimage climbs of the world, an entire marble city of some 863 temples built along a hilltop that Jains hold to be supremely sacred, reached only on foot and only barefoot. It is a place of devotion first and sightseeing second, and it asks something of you.
The ascent is about 3,500 steps and roughly 600 metres of rise, done barefoot; leather and food are not carried up, and the hill closes at night, by ancient rule no one, not even priests, stays overnight, so the deities are left alone after sunset and every pilgrim descends. For those who cannot walk, hand-carried doli palanquins are available.
MyTripMyTravel runs Shatrunjaya honestly: a pre-dawn start to climb in the cool, water and support arranged, and an escort who briefs you on the etiquette so the visit is respectful of an active, demanding pilgrimage rather than a casual monument stop.
At a glance
Shatrunjaya Temples in brief
What to see
Highlights
The Adinath temple
The principal shrine to the first tirthankara at the summit, the goal of the pilgrimage.
The temple city
Hundreds of marble temples ranged in clusters ('tuks') across the ridge.
The barefoot ascent
About 3,500 steps climbed shoeless, the devotional act at the heart of the visit.
Sunrise from the hill
The temple silhouettes and the plain below as the early light arrives.
Doli palanquins
The hand-carried chairs that carry pilgrims unable to make the climb.
Visitor information
Our tips
Start before dawn, the barefoot climb is far kinder in the cool and the sunrise is the reward.
Carry no leather and no food onto the hill; it is a strict pilgrimage, not a trek.
Book a doli palanquin in advance if the 3,500 steps are not feasible.
Plan to be down by evening, no one is permitted to stay overnight on the sacred hill.
Good to know
Shatrunjaya Temples, your questions
How many steps is the Shatrunjaya climb?
About 3,500 stone steps, rising some 600 metres, and it is made barefoot. We arrange a pre-dawn start and full support.
Can you stay overnight at the temples?
No, by strict tradition no one may stay on the sacred hill after dark, so every pilgrim descends by evening.
What if I cannot manage the climb?
Hand-carried doli palanquins are available; we arrange them in advance for those who cannot walk the steps.
Whose temple is at the top?
The main shrine is dedicated to Adinath (Rishabhanatha), the first Jain tirthankara, the focus of the pilgrimage.
Is there anything I must not bring?
Leather items and food are not taken up the hill; it is an active Jain pilgrimage, and our escort briefs you on the etiquette.
Visit with us
See Shatrunjaya Temples, properly.
A private, chauffeured visit with a licensed expert guide, timed for the best light and the smallest crowds. We fold Shatrunjaya Temples into a wider Palitana and West India itinerary, built entirely around you.
- Skip the queue where possible, at the right hour
- Licensed local guide who brings the story to life
- Private car and chauffeur, door to door
Plan your trip
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