10 Most Important Jain Pilgrimages of India

Palitana is the world’s only mountain that has more than 900 temples.The Palitana temples and whole mountain are considered the most sacred pilgrimage place (tirtha) by the Jain community, and is the world's largest Temple Complex. There are more than 3000 temples located on the Shatrunjaya hills, exquisitely carved in marble. The main temple on top of the hill, is dedicated to 1st tirthankar lord Adinath (Rishabdeva). Every devout Jain aspires to climb to the top of the mountain at least once in his lifetime, because of its sanctity. Not just the temples on the Hill are sacred, but as per Jain Scriptures entire Hill is sacred right from top to bottom.

One of the largest Jain temple is dedicated to the Bhagavân Neminath (श्रीनेमिनाथ), the 22nd Jain Tirthankar. There is an image of Neminath in each of the courtyard colonnade’s 70 cells. It was built during 1128 AD to 1159 AD.According to Jain religious beliefs, Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankar became an ascetic after he saw the slaughter of animals for food on his wedding. He renounced all worldly pleasures and came to Mount Girnar to attain salvation. Here, Bhagwan Neminath reached the highest state of enlightenment, Keval Gyan and Moksha, after great austerities.

Sammet Shikhar, meaning the peak of concentration because it is a place where twenty of twenty-four Tirthankaras attained a state of mokṣa through meditative concentration. The word Parasnath is derived from Pārśva, the twenty-third Tirthankara to attain nirvana at the site.

The renowned Jain temple at Ranakpur is dedicated to Adinatha.Local legend has it that Dharma Shah, a local Jain businessperson, started construction of the temple in the 5th century following a divine vision. The temple honors Adinath, the first Tirthankar and founder of the Jain religion. The town of Ranakpur and the temple are named after the provincial ruler monarch, Rana Kumbha who supported the construction of the temple.

The Jain Delwara temples of India are located about 2½ kilometres from Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station. These temples built by Vastupal Tejpal.The five legendary marble temples of Dilwara are a sacred pilgrimage place of the Jains. Some consider them to be one of the most beautiful Jain pilgrimage sites in the world. The marble temples have an opulent entranceway, the simplicity in architecture reflecting Jain values like honesty and frugality. The temples are in the midst of a range of forested hills. A high wall shrouds the temple complex.

The world famous ancient tirth of 23rd Tirthankar of Lord Shri Parshwanath is popular by the name of Nageshwar Parshwanath, and is situated at the junction line of border of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan State. The Unworldly miraculous most effective statue which was crafted by Dharnendra himself during the Lord’s life time and which is blue colored fourteen feet high has been installed there at like the ancient and miraculous statue, similarly its history is also linked with series of miraculous happenings.

Pawapuri was at this place that Lord Mahavira, the twenty fourth Tirthankar attained “Nirvana” or eternal salvation from the cycle of death and birth in the year 527 BC.It marks the spot where the mortal remains of the Lord Mahavira was creamated.Pawapuri is situated in Bihar, India and its proximity to the capital city, Patna makes it approachable to pilgrims and tourists alike.

In the year 1760 of the Vikram era, the Sangha built the new temple and got the idol re installed. Since then, this vast and beautiful temple with a 52 idols and passage for going round it. stands there. Besides, the original sanctuary, this temple has an open square, a decorated square, a vast square and two assembly halls. Even if volumes of books are written, they cannot fully describe the miracles of this temple.Comparable to a God’s residence, this ancient, majestic and delightful temple with 52 idols and covered with summits looks very beautiful. Worshipped since 87000 years, this idol specially attracts the faithful worshippers. This is a tirth of immense significance. Even today, the worshippers experience the miracles of this miraculous idol.

Shri Uwassaggaharam Parshwa Tirth, Nagpura, Durg, Chhattisgarh (India) has a unique distinction of acquiring unprecedented fame and adoration as a pioneer Jan Shrine, hardly within a span of half a dozen years since its formal installation on 5th 'February' 1995. Situated on the bank of river Sheonath which had the singular good fortune of washing the holy feet of Shri Parshwanath, thousands of years ago, during his visit to this area of Chhattisgarh.

In ancient times, this place was known as Madhupuri. The idols and artistic remains found from the hollow of the earth show that this place is nearly 2000 years old. The inscription in the Brahmi script also show its antiquity. The idol of Shri Ghantakarna Mahavir is very miraculous. Thousands of pilgrims with faith and devotion, come here to fulfill their desires