Let’s talk about the Jain pilgrimages that showcase one of the oldest religions in the world. The Jain temples are a symbol of the wealthy teachings of Jainism. Many of the Jain temples are renowned around the world for their unique architectural construction. You shouldn’t miss knowing about the mind-blowing Jain pilgrimage that increases the cultural and touristic value of India.  

These are some of the highly honored Jain pilgrimages in India:   

1. The Shikharji, Jharkhand:
The Shikharji temple is situated on the top of Parasnath hill in Jharkhand. This Jain pilgrimage’s present structure built in the 18th century is respectfully known as the ‘zenith of concentration’. The location of the Shikharji temple has witnessed the salvation of 20 Tirthankara in the past. The area of the temple is a beautiful tourist point and the temple is also glorified for its architectural elegance.     

2. The Gomateshwara Temple, Karnataka:
The Gomateshwara temple, also famously known as the Bahubali temple is located in Shravanabelagola town in Karnataka, India. The temple houses a 57 feet tall Bahubali statue on the Vindhyagiri hill which is the tallest monolithic statue in the world carved from a single granite. This Jain pilgrimage is one of the most respected religious places in India that’s famous around the world. On the event of Mahamastakabhisheka, the temple welcomes a huge crowd from around the globe. The occasion takes place once in 12 years and devotees clean the Bahubali statue with milk, sugar cane juice, saffron and ghee.  

3. Pawapuri, Bihar:
This holy site is one of the most revered Jain pilgrimages situated in Bihar, India. The last Tirthankara, Bhagwaan Mahavir was cremated at this location which made it a big religious hub in Jainism. On the location of cremation, you will notice a pond and a marble temple in the middle of Rectangle Island. This Jain pilgrimage is one of the top-most prestigious sites for Jain followers. 

4. Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Odisha:
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are located in Odisha, India. These caves are counted as reputed Jain pilgrimage because it was home to the monks once and sculptural friezes, inscriptions. The Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves are semi-artificial and semi-natural. There are 18 caves in Udayagiri and 15 caves in Khandagiri located on 2 hills with the same names. Many visitors from across the nation come to witness the ancient beauty of this Jain pilgrimage.

5. The Palitana Temples, Gujarat:
The Palitana temples are the holiest Jain pilgrimage located in Gujarat, India. The construction of the temples started in the 11th century and it was finished after 900 years. Except for Neminatha, (Tirthankara) all the Tirthankara visited this Jain pilgrimage. There are more than 800 temples in Palitana city and the main temple with 3500 steps is dedicated to the 1st Tirthankara, Rishabhnath.   

6. The Girnar temples, Gujrat:
The Girnar temples are situated on top of Mount Girnar in Gujarat, India. Neminatha, the 22nd Tirthankar attained Moksha here at this Jain pilgrimage which is also a famous tourist attraction. There are 16 temples in the area and to reach the temple complex, you will have to climb 10 thousand steps. The governor of Saurashtra built this Jain pilgrimage in the year 1129. Many visitors come to witness the religious and natural beauty of this Jain pilgrimage.

7. The Ranakpur Temple, Rajasthan:
Built in the 15th century, this Jain pilgrimage is situated in Ranakpur village near Udaipur in Rajasthan, India. With the help of the Mewar ruler, a businessman named Darshan Shah built the gigantic Ranakpur temple. The entire complex houses the Chaturmukha Temple, Parsavanth Temple, Surya Temple and the Amba Temple. This marble-made Jain pilgrimage is also famous for its architectural charm. 

8. The Sonagiri Temple, Madhya Pradesh:
The Sonagiri temple is one of the well-known Jain pilgrimages sitting in Datia in Madhya Pradesh, India. Nanganag Kumar with 15 million devotees attained Moksha here which is spread over 132 acres of land. During the 9th and 10th centuries, the construction of all the temples in the village and hills got over. The 57th temple is the main temple with 11 feet tall idol of the 8th Tirthankara. 

9. The Bawangaja Temple, Madhya Pradesh:
The Bawangaja temple was built in the 12th century in Madhya Pradesh, India. The Jain pilgrimage consists of 8 temples and the tallest statue in India of the 1st Tirthankara, Adinath with 84 feet in height. You will be able to see the statues of Yaksha Gomukha and Yakshi Chakreshwary on both sides of the main idol at this Jain pilgrimage.

10. Mangi-Tungi Ji, Maharashtra:
Mangi-Tungi is the twin-pinnacle peak with the plateau in the middle of them, located near Nasik in Maharashtra, India. There are temples inside the cave and the temples are dedicated to different Tirthankara. Multiple caves are filled with the Jain temples and architecture style. Hence, it became the famous Jain pilgrimage.   

11. The Ellora Jain Caves, Maharashtra:
The Ellora caves were built around the 9th century and some of the caves are dedicated to the Jain pilgrimage. Few of the caves have sculptures of Tirthankara.

Conclusion

These grand Jain pilgrimages are giving us an idea of the rich culture of Jainism. Followers from around the world visit these places to get blessings and feel the spiritual connection with the almighty. 

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