Feb 11 • 07:36 UTC 🇮🇳 India Aaj Tak (Hindi)

There are 900 temples on this mountain, why are humans removed as soon as night falls!

In Gujarat's Palitana city, the Shatrunjay mountain, housing over 900 temples, is strictly off-limits to humans at night, reflecting unique cultural traditions.

India is a land rich with mysteries and beliefs, often showcasing stories that astonish those who seek knowledge. One such astonishing site is the Shatrunjay mountain, located in the Palitana city of Bhavnagar district in Gujarat. Although Palitana appears calm at first glance, it is renowned as the only mountain in the world with over 900 temples perched upon it. These temples are constructed from marble and are seen as sacred by many. With a deep-rooted reverence, the mountain is a significant pilgrimage site for followers of Jainism.

However, what is most remarkable about Shatrunjay mountain is not merely the vast number of temples but a strict rule enforced there. As the sun sets, silence envelops the area, for it is prohibited for any humans to remain on the mountain after dark. This unique tradition has been upheld for generations, reflecting the cultural respect and serious approach of the Jains towards their sacred sites. The timing of this restriction adds to the aura surrounding the mountain, significantly enhancing the spiritual experience for daytime visitors.

Further illustrating the importance of Shatrunjay mountain is its recognition as one of the holiest pilgrimage spots in Jainism. Out of the 24 Tirthankaras revered in Jainism, it is believed that 23 attained enlightenment on this holy ground. As the sunlight strikes the marble temples, they glow in a splendor reminiscent of divine beauty, attracting numerous devotees and tourists who undertake the trek to witness this magnificent spectacle before nightfall.

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