12 Must Visit Pilgrimage Sites In India

One of the ancient religions of India, Jainism focuses on conquering passions and attaining moksha. One who succeeds in overpowering their inner passions and achieving omniscience is known as Jina (conqueror). Jains are those who follow the path of the jinas, fighting a spiritual battle with their senses and passions.

Jainism focuses on non-violence, non-possessiveness, and non-absolutism. It postulates that soul is pure and immortal but gets burdened by karma based on the body’s senses. It needs to be purified and liberated by learning to detach oneself with the right belief, right knowledge, and right conduct. Jainism views every facet of the world as equal, in which every being and object must be respected and treated with care.

# Shikharji, Jharkhand

Located in the state of Jharkhand, Shikharji is the tallest mountain of the state. It’s a popular Jain pilgrimage site because it is said that twenty of the tirthankars along with many saints and monks attained moksha on it. Situated in the Giridh district, it means “venerable peak”, and the entire mountain range is Parasnath Range, named after the twenty third tirthankar Parashvanath.

Shikharji peak is also mentioned in a few ancient Jainism texts. There are many temples on the mountain constructed around the 18th century. The pilgrimage to the peak is carried out on foot through the Madhuban forest. The last leg of the journey from the Gandharva Nala stream is very sacred to the pilgrims.

# Bahubali statue, Gomateshwara Temple, Karnataka

One of the greatest Jain tirthas, this massive statue of Bahubali is one of the largest monoliths in the world. Bahubali was the son of the first tirthankar Rishabh, who renounced the material world to seek liberation.

Located in Gommateshwara temple in the city of Shravanabelagola in the South Indian state of Karnataka, the statue is 55 ft. high. It was built by Chavundaraya in 983 A.D., a minister in the court of Rachamalla, the Ganga King. The well proportioned statue with its serene face attracts many visitors from all over the world.

# Pawapuri, Bihar

A significant site for Jainism pilgrimage, Pawapuri is in the state of Bihar, in the Nalanda district. Mahavir, the last tirthankar was cremated here. Now the site is a pond, with a beautiful marble temple on a rectangular island in the middle, and has a become a chief holy site for Jainism.

# Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Odisha

Located in the state of Odisha, the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves are semi-artificial and semi-natural. Situated on two hills of the same names, the caves are known for their sculptural friezes and inscriptions. There are varying inscriptions in all the caves, 15 in Khandagiri and 18 in Udayagiri.

# Kirti Stambh, Rajasthan

Part of the famous Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan, Kirti Stambh is a 22 m high tower. It was built in the 12th century by Jeera Bhagerwala, a Jain merchant. Constructed in the Solanki architectural style, the tower is a popular feature of trips made to the Chittorgarh Fort. There are niches for the tirthankars inside the tower, and the journey to the top is made via 54 steps. It is 30 ft. wide at the base and 15 ft. wide at the top, and is highly admired for the carvings and Jain inscriptions all over it.

# Dilwara Temples, Rajasthan

One of the most exquisite Jain pilgrim sites in the world, the Dilwara Temples were built between 800 A.D. and 1200 A.D by Vatsupal Tejpal. The temples are made entirely of marble in the Nagara architectural style, dedicated to the tirthankars.

Located 2.5 km from Rajasthan’s only hill station, Mount Abu, there are five temples – Luna Vasahi, Pittalhar Temple, Mahaveer Swami Temple, Vimal Vasahi Temple, and Parshvanatha Temple. These temples are not only a favoured pilgrim site, but also a tourist spot. The stunning detailed carvings on the pillars, ceilings, and walls attract thousands of visitors.

# Khajuraho Group of Temples, Madhya Pradesh

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Khajuraho Group of Temples are renowned all over the world for their architectural beauty and erotic carvings. The Hindu and Jain temples are one of the most famous attractions of Madhya Pradesh. Constructed during the Chandela dynasty between 950 and 1050 CE, the temples were originally around 85 in number, but most were destroyed during the following Muslim rules.

Now, there are 20 temples left, 3 of which are dedicated to Jain tirthankars – Parshvanath, Shantinath, and Adinath. The group of temples were built together but were dedicated to both Jainism and Hinduism, reflecting the secularism of the times. This is also the venue for the world famous Khajuraho Festival of Dances.

# Palitana Temples, Gujarat

Named after the city in which they are located, the Palitana Temples of Gujarat are a major holy site. Palitana is known as the “City of Temples”, because there are more than 800 marble temples there. Situated on the hills of Shatrunjaya (place of victories against enemies), the temples are said to have been visited by all the tirthankars except one, Neminatha. The main temple is reached by more than 3500 steps and is dedicated to the first tirthankar, Rishabha. Those who can’t climb the steps are carried on a swing chair.

# Ranakpur Temple, Rajasthan

Situated in the village of Ranakpur in the Aravali Ranges between the cities of Udaipur and Jaipur, the Ranakpur Jain Temple is also a marble structure. The temple is famous for its distinct Maha-Maru and Maru-Gurjara architecture. According to the local legends, a Jain businessperson named Dharma Shah had the temple built after he had a divine vision. The temple has four faces (chaumukha), and was made in the honour of Rishabha. The temple is named after the ruler of the time, Rana Khamba of Mewar. The beauty and sacredness of this temple draw many pilgrims and visitors.

# Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, Delhi

Delhi’s most famous and oldest Jain temple, it is located in Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi. It was built in 1656, and has undergone many alterations. Commonly known as “Lal Mandir” (Red Temple), there’s a manastambha column in front of the temple, a feature of most Jain temples. A frequently visited place in Delhi for its serenity, the temple also has an avian veterinary hospital, and a library with Jainism literature.

# Sonagiri Temple, Madhya Pradesh

The region of Sonagiri has a large collection of Jain temples on its hills and in the village. The temples were constructed in the 9th and 10th centuries, and are popular with Jain pilgrims and ascetics for practising self-discipline and achieve moksha. There are around twenty six temples in the village and seventy seven in the hills. The main temple has a manastambha in front of it, and is the venue of many festivals and events.

# Bawangaja Temple, Madhya Pradesh

Bawanja is home to the tallest statue of the tirthankar Rishabha in the world. The statue is 84 feet high and carved into a mountain of the Satpura range itself, in the district of Barwani. It was constructed in the 12th century. The idol is perfectly symmetrical and well proportioned. This singular statue attracts many tourists along with the pilgrims. Other than the statue of Rishabha, there are also the idols of various scholars in the nearby Chulgiri temple.