ACHALAMPalitana: Shri Shatrunjay Mahatirth
Shatrunjay, also called Siddhachal and Siddhagiri, is the holiest tirth of the Shwetambar Jains. The hill rises above Palitana in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, and is crowned by the derasar of Adinath Dada.
About the tirth
Tradition says that Bhagwan Adinath (Rishabhdev) came to this hill many times, and that countless souls attained moksh here, which is why it is called Siddhachal. The main derasar is of Adinath Dada. Around it stand nearly 900 derasars in groups called tunks; official lists count 863, and other counts are higher.
The climb is about 3,500 steps. No one stays on the hill at night, and food is not carried up. During chaturmas (the monsoon) the yatra is closed; it opens again on Kartak Poonam.
Yatras and days
- Kartak Poonam: the yatra reopens after chaturmas; the samaj also does Siddhachal bhavyatra on this day (Kartak Sud 15 (Tue, 24 Nov 2026)).
- Fagan Sud 13, the 6 gau yatra: pilgrims walk the six-gau path around the hill (Fagan Sud 13 (Fri, 19 Mar 2027)).
- Navanu (99) yatra: climbing the hill 99 times, usually over a few weeks, with tapasya.
- Shatrunjay yatra day in the Achalgachchh panchang: Chaitra Sud 15 (Tue, 20 Apr 2027).
Achalgachchh and Shatrunjay
In 1594, under the guidance of Yugpradhan Dadashri Kalyansagarsuri, the Lalan brothers of Jamnagar, Sheth Vardhaman and Sheth Padamsinh, led a great sangh to Palitana, and began a derasar on the hill. Dadashri Kalyansagarsuri consecrated it in 1617. The famous Keshavji Nayak tunk was built by a sheth from Kothara in Kutch, the village of one of the Abdasa panchtirthi.
Before you go
- Start the climb early, before sunrise, to finish in the cool of the morning.
- Dolis are available for those who cannot climb.
- Dharamshalas and bhojanshalas are at the foot of the hill (Taleti).
- Check the ACHALAM panchang for chaturmas dates before you plan.
Read more
Questions people ask
How many steps are there at Palitana?
About 3,500 steps from the Taleti to the derasars at the top.
How many temples are there on Shatrunjay?
Nearly 900 derasars in the tunks; official lists count 863.
When is Palitana closed?
During chaturmas (the monsoon). The yatra opens again on Kartak Poonam.
What is the 6 gau yatra?
A walk around the Shatrunjay hill on Fagan Sud 13, the six-gau pradakshina.
ACHALAM
All tithis, pachchakhan times and parva reminders are in the free ACHALAM app.
Sources: Achal Gaccha (Wikipedia) · Aryarakshitsuri (Wikipedia) · Kalyansagarsuri (Wikipedia) · Achalgach, CVO DJM · Palitana temples (Wikipedia) · Girnar Jain temples (Wikipedia) · Bhadreshwar Jain Temple (Wikipedia) · Kothara and Naliya tirth, jainsite.com. Something not right? The samaj office can write to us at [email protected].