Home › Banaskantha › Palanpur Temples
TEMPLE · TOWN · HERITAGEPalanpur Temples
Shrines of a historic town — the temples of Palanpur, where Jain derasars, the Kirti Stambh and Hindu shrines reflect the layered faith of the old Nawabi capital.
A town of layered faith
As a town with deep Jain and Hindu roots, Palanpur is rich in temples. Its most important is the historic Pallaviya Parshwanath Jain temple, an ancient and revered derasar that has given the town and its Jain community part of their identity — the ‘Palanpuri’ name itself traces here — along with other Jain temples and the elegant Kirti Stambh.
Hindu shrines, mosques from the Nawabi era and stepwells add to the town’s layered sacred landscape. Together, these places of worship reflect the religious harmony and heritage of a town shaped by Jain merchants, Muslim Nawabs and a wider Hindu populace.
It is the spiritual fabric of a historic town. These are working town temples, so dress modestly, and remember that leather is not permitted inside the Jain derasars.
Illustration — Palanpur temple.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
Illustration — town shrines.
The historic Jain derasar at the heart of the town.
The Palanpuri Jain identity traces to here.
Hindu shrines and Nawabi-era mosques sit alongside the derasars.
Jain, Hindu and Muslim heritage woven into one town.
Reasons to make the time
Jain derasars
Ancient shrines at the heart of the old town.
Pallaviya Parshwanath
The chief temple — the town's most revered derasar.
Kirti Stambh
An elegant Jain tower of victory.
Hindu shrines
Hindu shrines and old stepwells around the town.
Nawabi mosques
Mosques from the Nawabi era add a layered chapter.
Religious harmony
A shared heritage of Jain, Hindu and Muslim faith.
What to look for inside
Pallaviya Parshwanath
The chief temple — the town's revered Jain derasar.
Kirti Stambh
An elegant Jain landmark rising over the town.
Hindu shrines
Hindu shrines and stepwells scattered through the town.
Nawabi mosques
Mosques from the Nawabi era, part of the layered town.
The Palanpuri name
The Jain 'Palanpuri' identity traces to here.
Religious harmony
A shared, harmonious heritage of many faiths.
How to spend an hour or two
Visit Pallaviya Parshwanath
The chief derasar — the town's most important and revered Jain temple.
See the Kirti Stambh
Take in the elegant Jain tower, one of Palanpur's signature landmarks.
Find Hindu shrines
Seek out the Hindu shrines and old stepwells scattered around the town.
Sense the harmony
Feel the shared faiths — Jain, Hindu and Muslim — woven through the streets.
Learn the heritage
Trace the Jain and Nawabi history of a town shaped by merchants and rulers.
Respect the rules
Dress modestly and carry no leather inside the Jain temples.
Illustration — Palanpur temples.
Temples of a layered town
Palanpur’s temples — led by the historic Pallaviya Parshwanath Jain derasar and the elegant Kirti Stambh, with Hindu shrines, stepwells and Nawabi mosques nearby — reflect the layered Jain, Hindu and Muslim heritage of a town shaped by merchants, Nawabs and a wider populace.
These are working town temples rather than a single monument: derasars, shrines and towers stand among the lanes of the old Nawabi capital. No leather is permitted in the Jain temples, and modest dress is expected at every shrine.
The Pallaviya Parshwanath derasar
The Jain Kirti Stambh
Hindu shrines & stepwells
A layered, harmonious faith
When to go
Cool and pleasant — the ideal season. Comfortable all day for unhurried temple visits.
Green hills and waterfalls around the town. Fresh, scenic mornings with the odd shower.
Hot and dry — start early. Visit at aarti time and keep to the cooler hours.
⏰ Visit at aarti time in the cooler months; combine the shrines with Ambaji and the hills.
Timings & entry
- Open at worship hours
- Morning & evening aarti
- Best in the cool season
- Near Ambaji
- Free entry
- Modest dress; remove footwear
- Respect worshippers
- Photography may vary
Getting there
By Air
Ahmedabad airport is the nearest major hub, about 180 km away, with flights from across India.
By Rail
Palanpur Junction is the main railhead, with Abu Road station also close and well connected.
By Road
Easily reached by road from Ambaji and across Palanpur; the shrines pair well with a hill trip.
At Palanpur Temples
FAITH & HERITAGE
Shrines of a historic town
What to shoot
The derasars — the Jain temples at the heart of the old town.
Detail
The Kirti Stambh and its carved tower detail.
Context
Hindu shrines and stepwells that frame the wider town.
Best light
Morning — soft early light over the shrines and lanes.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Where to eat around the ashram
North Gujarati Thali
Hearty regional meals — a generous North-Gujarat thali.
Dhokla & farsan
Steamed snacks and farsan, the region's everyday treats.
Ambaji prasad & street
Sweets and street snacks, including Ambaji's famous prasad.
Local fare
Simple North-Gujarat food and Ambaji sweets are the staples around the temples.
Palanpur Temples FAQ
What is Palanpur Temples?
As a town with deep Jain and Hindu roots, Palanpur is rich in temples. Its most important is the historic Pallaviya Parshwanath Jain temple, an ancient and revered derasar that has given the town and its Jain community part of their identity — the 'Palanpuri' name itself traces here — along with other Jain temples and the elegant Kirti Stambh.
Where is it?
Palanpur, in the Banaskantha district of north Gujarat.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Entry to the temples is free.
When should I visit?
October to March is best, ideally at aarti time in the morning or evening.
What's nearby?
Ambaji, Kumbhariya and the Aravalli hills are all close by.
How long does it take?
Around 1 to 2 hours is enough for an unhurried visit.
Related places across Gujarat
WHERE TO STAY
Find your stay in Gujarat
Compare live prices across the big booking sites and reserve in a few taps. Booking happens securely on the partner's site — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
SHOP THE REGION
Bring home Gujarat — & travel essentials
Hand-picked crafts and trip gear, available on Amazon.