UPSC CSE Pre 2008

Jain Sacred Geography

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Palitana temple is located near-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Jain temple architecture often utilizes hilltop locations ('Tirthas') to symbolize the spiritual ascent toward liberation.

Explanation Palitana, located in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, is world-renowned for the Shatrunjaya hills, which host a massive complex of over 800 to 900 marble-carved Jain temples. It is dedicated to Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Bhavnagar is the nearest major city to the Palitana hills.
Logic 2: While Mount Abu also has famous Jain temples (Dilwara), 'Palitana' refers specifically to the Shatrunjaya site in Gujarat.

Active Recall

Question

Why is Palitana unique among Jain temple complexes?

Answer

It is the only mountain in the world with more than 900 temples, and no one is allowed to stay on the hill overnight, including the priests.

Core Insight

Palitana represents the 'City of Temples,' where the architecture itself serves as a landscape for monastic discipline and devotion.