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Gujarat Jain Jatra
Ahmedabad – Koba – Mahudi – Vadnagar – Taranga – Kumbhariyaji – Palitana – Gondal – Junagadh – Bhuj – Nakhatarana – Mandvi – Badreshwar – Sankheshwar – Ahmedabad / Rajasthan.
WHEN
September To May
PRICE
From CAD 200 per night
excluding flight tickets
HOW LONG
15 nights
DAY 01
Arrival in Ahmedabad – Gateway to the Jain Spiritual Trail
Welcome to Ahmedabad, the heritage capital of Gujarat and a significant centre of Jain culture and devotion. Upon arrival at Ahmedabad Airport or Railway Station, you will be warmly received by our representative and transferred to your pre-booked hotel.
After lunch and a brief rest, your spiritual journey begins with two of Gujarat’s most revered Jain pilgrimage sites.
Hutheesingh Jain Temple – A Marvel in Marble
Your first stop is the iconic Hutheesingh Jain Temple, one of the most artistically built Jain temples in Gujarat, constructed in 1848 AD.
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Built entirely in gleaming white marble, this temple is dedicated to Lord Dharmanath, the 15th Tirthankara.
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Commissioned by the wealthy merchant Seth Hutheesingh, the temple is renowned for its intricate carvings, domed ceilings, and a sacred courtyard.
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It is not just a place of worship but a masterpiece of Jain architecture, offering a peaceful oasis in the heart of the bustling city.
Koba Jain Tirth – A Centre of Spiritual Elevation
Next, head toward the Koba Jain Temple, a spiritual haven on the outskirts of Ahmedabad.
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This sacred complex, established in 1980, honors Acharya Shri Kailas Sagar Suriji Maharaj Saheb and serves as the Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra.
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The main temple of Bhagwan Mahavir Swami stands tall with elevated steps and graceful pinnacles, radiating devotion and architectural brilliance.
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Inside the cellar shrine, devotees can offer prayers to rare and sacred idols of:
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Bhagwan Adishwar
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Manibhadravir and Padmavati Devi
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A rare crystalline idol of Bhagwan Parshvanath
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This temple complex is not only a Tirtha Kshetra (pilgrimage site) but also a spiritual academy, promoting Jain dharma, knowledge, and meditation.
🛏️ Overnight Stay:
Return to your hotel in Ahmedabad for dinner and overnight stay, reflecting on a day filled with history, devotion, and inner peace.
DAY 02
Sacred Pilgrimage to Mahudi and Ancient Spiritual Sites of North Gujarat
After an early breakfast, embark on a spiritually enriching journey northward into Gujarat to visit one of the most revered Jain pilgrimage centers: Mahudi.
🛕 Mahudi – The Miraculous Abode of Ghantakarna Mahavir
Mahudi, historically known as Madhumati, is a sacred site with a rich heritage dating back nearly 2,000 years, as evidenced by Brahmi inscriptions and archaeological finds.
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The temple enshrines the powerful idol of Ghantakarna Mahavir Dev, installed in 1923 A.D. by Acharyadev Buddhi Sagarsurisvarji, who was inspired by a divine dream.
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This idol is believed to possess miraculous powers, drawing thousands of devotees from all walks of life seeking blessings and spiritual solace.
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Traditionally, visitors offer Sukhadi, a sweet delicacy, during prayers as a symbol of devotion. Legend says Ghantakarna Mahavir was fond of Sukhadi in his past life.
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A unique practice at Mahudi is to consume or donate the offered Sukhadi before leaving the temple grounds to avoid bad luck.
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Nearby stands a towering bell, 30 feet high, which devotees climb to ring, hoping to fulfill their heartfelt wishes.
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Adjacent is a majestic temple housing a 22-inch marble idol of Bhagawan Padma Prabhu, seated gracefully in the padmasana (lotus) posture, also installed by Acharyadev.
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It is customary to perform a bhoomti (circumambulation) around the 24 Tirthankara shrines, completing a sacred ritual of reverence.
🏛️ Vadnagar – A Historical Buddhist Nexus
Next, travel to Vadnagar, an ancient town where the remains of a 7th-century Buddhist monastery were excavated, revealing the deep historical tapestry of religious coexistence and spiritual pursuit in the region.
🕉️ Taranga Jain Temples – Ancient Buddhist and Jain Heritage
Proceed to the Taranga Hills, home to the famous Taranga Jain Temples:
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These hills are dotted with ancient caves once used by Buddhist monks, featuring stone-carved sculptures of the Bodhi Vriksha (Tree of Enlightenment) and other Buddhist motifs.
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The temples honor both Jain and Buddhist traditions, with the main idols enshrined being Buddhist goddesses Taranmata and Dharanmata.
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Archaeological treasures here include broken terracotta Buddha images, four carved Dhyani Buddha figures on stone plates, and ancient stone and brick walls from rock shelters, highlighting the region’s syncretic spiritual heritage.
🏰 Overnight Stay at Balaram Palace
Conclude your day by driving to Balaram, where you will check into the historic Balaram Palace, offering a regal and serene atmosphere for your overnight stay.
DAY 03
Exploring the Ancient Jain Temples of Kumbhariyaji & Buddhist Heritage at Shamlaji
After an early breakfast, embark on a cultural and spiritual journey to the extreme north of Gujarat, visiting some of the region’s most treasured religious and archaeological sites.
🕌 Kumbhariyaji Jain Temples – A Marvel of Medieval Maru-Gurjara Architecture
Your first stop is Kumbhariyaji, a village steeped in history and spiritual significance.
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Known for its five medieval Jain temples dating from 1062 to 1231 AD, these temples are exquisite examples of the Maru-Gurjara architectural style—a hallmark of Jain temple design featuring intricate carvings and beautifully sculpted pillars.
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Alongside these, the Shiva Kumbheshwar Mahadev Temple, built in a similar era and style, highlights the region’s religious diversity and harmonious coexistence.
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The temples stand as a testimony to the rich cultural heritage and religious artistry that flourished in this region during medieval times.
🛕 Shamlaji – Ancient Crossroads of Jain, Buddhist & Hindu Faiths
Next, proceed to Shamlaji, home to one of the earliest known Buddhist stupas, Devni-Mori, dating back to the 3rd century AD.
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The area is dotted with ancient temple ruins, brickwork, and scattered idols, underscoring Shamlaji’s importance as a historic pilgrimage site on the Gujarat-Rajasthan border.
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Over centuries, Shamlaji became a vibrant center for diverse spiritual traditions, including Shaiva, Vaishnav, and Buddhist faiths.
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The nearby Jain temples add another layer of religious richness, making Shamlaji a unique confluence of India’s ancient spiritual heritage.
🛍️ Return to Ahmedabad – Leisure and Culinary Delights
Return to Ahmedabad by evening, where the rest of the day is free for shopping in the bustling markets—perfect for picking up traditional textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
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For dinner, savor authentic Gujarati cuisine at popular local restaurants like Gordhan Thal, Agashiye, or Toran on Ashram Road, each offering a blend of tradition and hospitality.
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Overnight stay in Ahmedabad.
DAY 04
From the Cradle of Civilization at Lothal to the Sacred Peaks of Palitana
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading south toward the sacred Jain city of Palitana, with a captivating detour through the ancient ruins of Lothal, a gem of the Indus Valley Civilization.
🧱 Lothal – Unearthing the Ancient Indus Valley Legacy
(Please note: Closed every Friday)
Step back over 4,500 years into history as you explore Lothal, one of the most prominent cities of the Indus Valley Civilization.
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Visit the Lothal Site Museum, where carefully preserved relics—including pottery, ornaments, tools, and seals—paint a vivid picture of a highly advanced urban culture.
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Walk through the archaeological site, featuring the world's earliest known dockyard, well-planned streets, and drainage systems, offering remarkable insight into early urban planning and maritime trade.
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This experience highlights Gujarat’s deep historical roots and its significant contribution to one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
🕊️ Journey to Palitana – The Jain City of Salvation
After soaking in ancient history, continue your journey to Palitana, a sacred pilgrimage site for Jains, nestled at the base of the Shatrunjaya Hills.
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You’ll be staying at the charming Vijay Vilas Heritage Hotel, located in the serene Adpur village, just a short drive from the temple base.
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Surrounded by countryside and echoing with spiritual energy, this heritage haveli offers a tranquil retreat with old-world elegance and warm hospitality—perfect to rest before your climb to Shatrunjaya the next day.
🏡 Dinner and overnight stay at Vijay Vilas Heritage Hotel, Palitana.
DAY 05
Sacred Ascent to the Palitana Temples – The Jain City of Salvation
Rise early to begin a soul-stirring journey—an ascent to the divine—at one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Jainism, the magnificent Shatrunjaya Hill in Palitana.
⛰️ The Sacred Climb to Shatrunjaya – City of Temples
Palitana, formerly known as Padliptapur, is revered as the “City of Temples”—home to over 863 exquisitely sculpted marble temples, nestled in harmony across the slopes of Shatrunjaya Hill. The name Shatrunjaya means “place of victory over inner enemies”—a symbolic journey toward self-conquest and spiritual liberation.
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Begin your pilgrimage up 3,500 steps, a breathtaking climb ascending through history, devotion, and marble architecture.
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The climb is a spiritual test in itself—offering silence, scenic views of the Shetrunji River, and the faint echo of bells from temples above.
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Along the route, encounter nine temple clusters, some vast and monumental, others simple and serene. Intricately carved domes, delicate stone filigree, and awe-inspiring vistas mark your path.
🕉️ Rishabhanath Temple – The Holiest Shrine of Svetambara Jains
At the summit lies the crown jewel—the main temple dedicated to Lord Rishabhanath (Adinath), the first Tirthankara. It is believed that 23 of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras, excluding Neminath, sanctified this hill with their presence.
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For Svetambara Murtipujak Jains, this is the holiest of all shrines—a once-in-a-lifetime yatra said to open the path to moksha (liberation).
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The temple’s serene marble halls, intricate idols, and quietude invite deep reflection and devotion.
🧘🏻♂️ A visit here is not just a physical climb, but a symbolic inner journey—towards peace, detachment, and spiritual awakening.
🔸 Note for Visitors:
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Digambara Jains have only one temple on the hill.
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Photography is restricted beyond a point; silence is appreciated out of respect for pilgrims.
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For those unable to climb, dolis (palanquins) are available and can be arranged through your hotel or local providers.
Return to your heritage hotel in Adpur, Vijay Vilas, for a well-deserved rest. Let the peace of the hills linger as you prepare for the next leg of your spiritual and cultural journey through Gujarat.
DAY 06
Royal Roads to Gondal – Heritage, Palaces & Vintage Car Dreams
After a tranquil breakfast in Palitana, set out for the regal town of Gondal, once an 11-gun salute princely state covering four towns and 175 villages—a kingdom known for its opulence, reformist rulers, and a deep-rooted love for art, architecture, and automobiles.
🏰 Orchard Palace & Royal Hospitality
Arrive at the Orchard Palace, a charming heritage retreat and former guest wing of the Huzoor Palace, the residence of the royal family of Gondal. This elegant 7-room palace, set amid orchards and gardens, offers an immersive stay in the regal lifestyle of the 19th century.
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The interiors reflect the royal taste for Art Deco furniture, handpicked antiques, and craftwork from the 1930s and 1940s.
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Experience living history as you relax in rooms once reserved for dignitaries and royalty.
🚗 The Maharaja’s Vintage Car Collection – A Dream Garage
Step into a collector's paradise with one of India’s most impressive private vintage car collections—an automotive museum unlike any other.
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See the stunning pre-1910 New Engine used by Maharaja Bhagwat Sinhji, complete with a gas-operated lamp, wood interiors, and elegant brass detailing.
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Marvel at iconic European classics like the Delage D8, Daimler, and the 1935 Mercedes seven-seater saloon—symbols of engineering and aesthetic brilliance.
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Witness the grandeur of American legends including the 1935 Packard, Buick convertible, Cadillac Eldorado limousine, and the powerful 1947 Lincoln V12.
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For car racing enthusiasts, the collection features high-performance machines like the 1958 Mercedes 300SL roadster, 1959 Jaguar XK150, and muscle cars such as the Chevrolet Camaro and Surtees Formula 5000.
🏎️ A true automotive legacy—racing heritage, royal taste, and timeless design all under one roof.
🌙 Stay Like Royalty
Retire for the night at the Orchard Palace or the Riverside Palace, another elegant residence set by the Gondali River, once the abode of the Crown Prince.
Let the royal aura of Gondal transport you to a time of maharajas, motoring elegance, and princely charm.
DAY 07
Ancient Echoes – From Khambhalida Caves to Junagadh’s Royal Legacy
After a hearty breakfast in Gondal, set off on a scenic drive towards the historic city of Junagadh, nestled at the foot of the sacred Girnar Hills. En route, delve into the spiritual past at one of Gujarat’s lesser-known Buddhist treasures.
🕳️ Khambhalida Caves – Whispering Stones of the 4th Century
Located near Gondal, the Khambhalida Buddhist Caves date back to the 4th-5th century AD. Carved into limestone rock, this tranquil site features:
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A central Chaitya cave flanked by two sculpted guardian deities (Bodhisattvas).
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The caves are believed to be associated with the Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
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Surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle flow of a nearby stream, the setting offers peace and insight into Gujarat’s Buddhist monastic legacy.
🏰 Arrival in Junagadh – Forts, Nawabs, and Timeless Grandeur
Drive onward to Junagadh, an ancient city whose name translates to “Old Fort.” With roots tracing back over 2,300 years, Junagadh has seen Mauryan emperors, Gujarat sultans, and princely Nawabs.
🛡️ Uparkot Fort – Citadel of the Ages
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This massive fort, believed to have been built in 319 BCE, stood resilient against invasions for over 16 sieges and 1,000 years.
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Inside the fort walls, discover:
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A stepwell (Adi Kadi Vav) carved from a single rock.
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The Navghan Kuvo, another ancient stepwell plunging deep into the earth.
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Buddhist caves with pillared chambers and meditation cells.
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🕌 Mahabat Maqbara – An Architectural Marvel
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One of the most flamboyant mausoleum complexes in India, built by the Nawabs of Junagadh in the 19th century.
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A stunning fusion of Indo-Islamic, Gothic, and European architecture with spiraling minarets and silver doors—it's often compared to a dreamlike palace from a Mughal fairytale.
🏛️ Nawabi Palaces & Colonial Echoes
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Stroll through the Darbar Hall Museum, once a royal court showcasing weapons, palanquins, paintings, and Nawabi treasures.
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Explore the Gothic palaces of the Junagadh Nawabs, revealing the princely era’s opulence and their openness to European aesthetics.
🌙 Overnight in Junagadh
Check in at your hotel and unwind after a day tracing Gujarat’s layers of ancient spirituality, military might, and royal splendor.
🧭 From meditating monks to princely palaces, Day 7 is a walk through the scroll of Gujarat’s sacred and regal past.
DAY 08
Sacred Ascent – Jain Pilgrimage to Mount Girnar
Today marks the spiritual pinnacle of your journey—Mount Girnar, one of the holiest sites for Jain pilgrims. Revered for over two millennia, this ancient mountain has been a place of divine awakening, penance, and liberation.
🧗♂️ Climbing Mount Girnar – The Path to Moksha
After an early breakfast, prepare to ascend the sacred steps of Girnar, aided by Doli (palanquin) bearers if needed, for a comfortable spiritual experience.
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Girnar Hill, known in antiquity as Raivata or Ujjayanta, rises to 3,666 feet, and your journey takes you up 3,800 stone steps to an altitude of 2,370 feet, just shy of the summit.
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Along the way, encounter a cluster of intricately carved Jain temples in gleaming white marble, nestled dramatically into the cliffs.
⛩️ Jain Temples of Girnar – Where Earth Meets the Divine
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These temples are sacred to both the Digambara and Svetambara sects, representing unity within Jain tradition.
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The most important is the temple of Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara, who is believed to have attained Kevalgyana (omniscience) and eventually moksha (liberation) here.
🕊️ According to Jain lore, Neminath abandoned his princely wedding upon witnessing animals being slaughtered for the feast. He renounced worldly life, became an ascetic, and sought salvation atop Girnar. His bride, Rajulmati, too, renounced the world and became a nun.
The carvings, inscriptions, and ancient aura of the temples whisper stories of faith, renunciation, and enlightenment that have echoed through centuries.
🛍️ Evening in Junagadh – Colours of Bandhani
Return to your hotel and refresh. In the evening, step out to explore the vibrant bazaars of Junagadh, where tradition weaves itself into textiles.
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Shop for the iconic Bandhani (tie-dye) fabrics known for their rich colours and dotted patterns, often used in sarees, dupattas, and dress materials.
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Pick up handcrafted souvenirs and experience the warmth of Gujarat’s textile culture.
🍽️ Dinner & Overnight in Junagadh
Enjoy a leisurely dinner and relax after a day filled with spiritual ascent, timeless legends, and cultural treasures.
🧘 Day 8 brings the Jain concept of renunciation to life—through the footsteps of Neminath, atop the sacred heights of Mount Girnar.
DAY 09
Into the White Land – Journey to Katariya Ji Mahatirth, Kutch
Today, leave the temple towns of Saurashtra behind as you head northwest toward the starkly beautiful and spiritually significant landscape of Kutch, home to Shree Katariya Ji Mahatirth, one of the most venerated Jain sites in Gujarat.
🚗 Road to Kutch – Landscapes of Salt & Silence
Begin your long but scenic drive to Bhuj, the gateway to the Kutch region. En route:
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Take a refreshing break at Malaya, a peaceful rest stop where you can freshen up and enjoy hot tea.
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Continue your panoramic drive across salt flats and windmill farms, iconic elements of Kutch’s surreal landscape.
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Keep your eyes open for migratory birds, often seen resting near the salt pans, especially during winter.
🛕 Shree Katariya Ji Mahatirth – A Jain Legacy in the Rann
Your spiritual stop today is the revered Shree Katariya Ji Mahatirth, located in Vallabpur (Bachau District).
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This ancient tirth was established over five centuries ago during the Mughal era by the Shri Kataria Jain Sangha.
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It houses the highly respected idol of Bhagwan Mahavir Swami, revered as the “Mulnayak (main deity)” of this tirth.
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According to local Jain tradition, even Mughal Emperor Akbar respected the sanctity of this idol, and Acharya Shri Hirusurishwarji, under the leadership of Vijayasena Suriji, further elevated its spiritual stature.
🌸 The serene ambiance, architectural grace, and historical reverence make Katariya Ji not just a place of worship but a monument of Jain resilience and devotion in Kutch.
🏨 Stay at Katariya Ji – Tranquility & Devotion
Spend the night at the dharamshala or nearby accommodations around Katariya Ji, offering peaceful surroundings ideal for reflection and rest.
🧭 Day 9 takes you into the heart of Kutch—where salt meets silence, and ancient Jain devotion continues to echo under open skies.
DAY 10
Divine Echoes of Parsvanatha – Tera Jain Temples & Indradham
Today’s spiritual trail leads you deeper into Kutch’s sacred heartland, as you journey toward Parshwa Vallabh Indradham and the historically rich Jain Derasar of Tera — two powerful centers of Jain devotion and architectural heritage.
🌿 Morning Blessings at Parshwa Vallabh Indradham
Begin your day with a soul-soothing visit to Parshwa Vallabh Indradham, located near Nakhatrana. This peaceful sanctuary offers a serene environment for prayer and reflection, surrounded by Kutch’s raw natural beauty. Devotees come here to experience peace and spiritual energy connected to Lord Parshwanath.
🛕 The Glorious Jain Derasar of Tera
Continue your pilgrimage to the historic village of Tera, home to one of the most significant Jain temples in the region — the Derasar dedicated to Lord Parshwanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara.
Highlights of Tera Jain Temple:
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Originally constructed in 1915 by Sheth Hirajibhai Dosabhai and Sheth Pasavira Raimal.
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The temple has undergone several reconstructions, with the most significant and final restoration completed in 2027 under the spiritual leadership of Acharya Shri Gunasagarasurishvarji.
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The main idol of Lord Parshwanatha is enshrined in padmasana (lotus posture) and is revered for its miraculous powers.
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The temple is adorned with glittering glasswork, flying saffron flags, and 110 Jain idols along with 74 Siddhachakras, symbolizing the omnipresence of Siddha (liberated souls).
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Adjacent to the main temple, you’ll also find the shrine of Shri Shamaliya Parshwanatha Bhagwan.
✨ The air at Tera feels divine – saturated with age-old prayers, meticulous carvings, and the spiritual magnetism of Jain faith that has endured centuries.
🏨 Stay at Tera – Stillness Under the Kutch Sky
Spend the night in Tera, allowing time for evening aarti, quiet contemplation, and perhaps even a moonlit walk through the village’s tranquil lanes. Lodging is available in local guesthouses or temple dharamshalas, offering an authentic and serene experience.
🧭 Day 10 takes you into one of Kutch’s most sacred Jain destinations – where stories of Parshwanatha echo through time, faith shines in glass mosaics, and spiritual peace awaits beneath fluttering temple flags.
DAY 11
Silent Reflections at Sandhan – From Sacred Stillness to Coastal Calm
Today’s journey takes you from the spiritual haven of Sandhan Jain Tirth to the serene shores of Mandvi, a charming coastal town that once flourished as a key port under the Jadeja Rajputs of Kutch.
🌅 Morning Visit to Sandhan Jain Tirth
After breakfast, set out for Sandhan Jain Tirth, a peaceful pilgrimage site nestled amidst the quiet countryside of Kutch. Known for its tranquil ambiance and architectural beauty, the temple complex invites you to spend time in prayer, reflection, and inner silence.
Highlights:
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Sandhan is a sacred tirtha for the Jain community, attracting pilgrims seeking spiritual peace and blessings.
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The temples here are known for their simple yet deeply spiritual aura, offering a refreshing contrast to the grandeur of earlier sites.
🧘 Take a moment here to pause your journey — breathe in the stillness, light a diya, and let the silence of Sandhan center your soul.
🚗 Scenic Drive to Mandvi – Kutch’s Coastal Gem
Post-visit, continue your drive to Mandvi, a historic port town located on the shimmering Arabian Sea. The road to Mandvi winds through arid Kutch landscapes, dotted with small villages, grazing camels, and salt plains — an experience as rich as the destination itself.
Evening in Mandvi:
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Stroll along Mandvi Beach and watch the sunset melt into the sea.
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Explore the old town of Mandvi, once famous for its shipbuilding yards, crafting dhows that sailed the Indian Ocean.
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Optional: Visit the Vijay Vilas Palace, a regal blend of Rajput and European styles (if time permits).
🏨 Overnight in Mandvi
Check into a beachside resort or a heritage homestay in Mandvi. Let the ocean breeze lull you into restful sleep — a perfect blend of spiritual fulfillment and coastal serenity.
DAY 12
The Sacred 72 Jinalaya & Maritime Majesty of Mandvi
Today is a spiritually uplifting and culturally immersive day that begins at 72 Jinalaya, one of the most divine Jain pilgrimage sites in Gujarat, and ends with a deep dive into Mandvi’s royal and maritime legacy.
🌄 Morning: Visit to 72 Jinalaya (Bauter Jinalay)
Begin your day with a soul-stirring visit to 72 Jinalaya, also called Bauter Jinalay, situated on the outskirts of Mandvi. This immaculate Jain temple complex, built in pristine white marble, is a masterpiece of devotion and design, constructed in honor of Lord Mahavir and the 71 other Tirthankaras.
Highlights:
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72 exquisitely carved shrines, each dedicated to a Tirthankara, aligned with architectural perfection.
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Intricate marble work, carvings, and tranquil symmetry evoke a meditative atmosphere.
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A significant site for both architectural connoisseurs and Jain devotees, offering peace, purity, and profound spirituality.
🧘♀️ Let the serene silence of the Jinalaya fill your heart with calm as you offer your prayers and walk among the 72 sacred shrines.
🍲 Return & Lunch in Mandvi
Return to Mandvi for lunch at a local eatery or resort. Enjoy Kutchi delicacies or a light Jain thali prepared with love and local flavors.
🏰 Afternoon: Visit Vijay Vilas Palace & Historic Mandvi Town
Post-lunch, explore Vijay Vilas Palace, the summer retreat of the Jadeja Maharaos of Kutch. Nestled by the Arabian Sea and surrounded by lush gardens, this Indo-European palace is a visual treat.
Palace Highlights:
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Stunning Rajput-style architecture, sandstone jalis, and colored glass windows.
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Film buffs may recognize the palace from Bollywood movies like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.
Continue your exploration with a walk through old Mandvi town, once a hub of Indian Ocean trade.
⚓ Traditional Dhow Shipbuilding Yard
Visit the 400-year-old shipbuilding yard, where skilled artisans still build wooden dhows using ancestral techniques and hand tools. These mighty vessels once connected Kutch to ports in Arabia and East Africa.
Don’t Miss:
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Watching craftsmen bend seasoned teak and hammer copper nails.
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Interacting with shipwrights continuing a centuries-old maritime legacy.
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Buying miniature handmade dhow models as a keepsake.
🌊 Evening: Stroll on Mandvi Beach
As the sun begins to dip, enjoy a gentle walk along Mandvi Beach, soaking in the sea breeze and reflecting on the spiritual and cultural wonders of the day.
🏨 Overnight Stay in Mandvi
Relax at your beachfront resort or homestay, listening to the waves — the perfect end to a day that beautifully balances the sacred and the historical.
DAY 13
Pilgrimage to the 2500-Year-Old Badreshwar Jain Temples – Kutch’s Eternal Shrine
After an early breakfast, set out on a sacred journey through time and devotion as you travel to Badreshwar, home to one of the oldest Jain pilgrimage sites in Gujarat. This day offers a unique blend of spiritual depth and ancient heritage, making it a cornerstone of the Jain religious trail in Kutch.
🌄 Morning: Journey to Badreshwar (Shri Vasai Tirth)
Located in Mundra Taluka, the ancient town of Badreshwar (formerly Bhadravati Nagar) has stood as a beacon of Jain faith and culture for over 2500 years. This sacred land is steeped in legend, scriptures, and spiritual energy.
Highlights of Badreshwar:
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The Shri Vasai (Badreshwar) Tirth, a magnificent Jinalaya renowned for its age-old sanctity and miraculous vibrations.
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This temple is said to predate even Palitana and Samet Shikharji in reverence within Kutch's Jain tradition.
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With its rich architecture and timeless aura, this pilgrimage site is believed to be blessed by eternal Jain Acharyas and revered saints.
🧘♂️ Walking the hallowed grounds of Badreshwar is like stepping into a living manuscript of Jain dharma — where every stone echoes centuries of devotion.
📜 A Glimpse into History
Scriptural references speak of Bhadravati Nagar as a flourishing city of wealth, learning, and piety. The town, now known as Badreshwar, was an important religious hub long before many of Gujarat’s more prominent cities came into being.
Here, pilgrims are not just visitors—they are witnesses to millennia of uninterrupted Jain worship and guardianship of tradition.
🛏️ Stay at Badreshwar
As the sun sets, spend the evening soaking in the spiritual serenity of the temple surroundings. Listen to the temple bells, partake in evening prayers, and experience the tranquil atmosphere that draws seekers from all over the Jain world.
You will be staying overnight at accommodations near the temple, providing proximity to both the divine vibrations and local hospitality.
DAY 14
Sacred Visit to Sankheshwar Jain Temples and Spiritual Reflections at Little Rann of Kutch
Begin your day with an early breakfast before driving to the Little Rann of Kutch, where the revered Sankheshwar Jain Temples await you. Known as Shankapur in ancient Jain scriptures, this sacred site is one of the most important Jain Tirthas (pilgrimage temples) in Gujarat, brimming with centuries of spiritual wisdom and devotion.
🌿 Morning: Sankheshwar Jain Temples — A Divine Sanctuary of Faith
Sankheshwar holds a special place in Jain lore, especially connected to the 9th Tirthankar, Shri Damodar Swami. According to tradition, Shri Damodar Swami enlightened Ashadi Shrvak, inspiring him to become a devoted disciple of the 23rd Tirthankar, Bhagwan Parshwanath, during the Avasarpinikala — the descending half of the cosmic cycle of time.
At the temple, you will find:
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The idol of Bhagawan Shri Bhidbhanjan Parshvnath in a smaller temple to the right of the main sanctum.
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To the left, the idol of Bhagawan Shri Ajitnath.
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Idols of revered deities such as Nagraj Dharanendra, Shri Padmavati Devi, Parshva Yaksha, and Shri Chakreshvari Devi adorn the complex, embodying the spiritual richness of Jain worship.
🕉️ Spiritual Significance & Pilgrimage Festivals
Sankheshwar attracts thousands of pilgrims especially during significant occasions like:
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The 10th day of the month of Posh,
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The 10th day of the dark half of the month of Magasar, and
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The festive Diwali days,
when devotees undertake a two-day fast and participate in intense prayer and meditation.
🚗 Evening: Return to Ahmedabad
Post your soulful visit and spiritual immersion at Sankheshwar, journey back to Ahmedabad. Enjoy a relaxing dinner and overnight stay at your hotel, reflecting on the deep spiritual experiences of the day.
DAY 15
Leisure Day in Ahmedabad and Departure
Today is a relaxed day reserved for you to explore Ahmedabad at your own pace. Take this opportunity to indulge in some local shopping, discovering vibrant textiles, traditional crafts, and unique souvenirs that capture the spirit of Gujarat’s rich culture.
You may also choose to visit nearby attractions or simply enjoy the ambiance of this historic city.
🌇 Evening Departure
After an early evening meal, you will be transferred to Ahmedabad Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey home.
✨ Optional Extensions
For those wishing to extend their spiritual and cultural journey, additional destinations can be included:
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Mount Abu – Rajasthan’s serene hill station with famous Dilwara Jain Temples.
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Jaisalmer – The golden city with desert forts and rich heritage.
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Lodhruva, Ramdevra, Osiyan – Important Jain and regional pilgrimage sites.
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Ranakpur – Home to one of India’s most exquisite Jain temples.
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Eklingji – A grand temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Your Gujarat Jain Jatra concludes with cherished memories of faith, architecture, and cultural richness, leaving you spiritually refreshed and culturally enriched.