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TEMPLE · JAIN · PAVAGADHPavagadh Jain Temples
Carved shrines on the hill — the Jain temples of Pavagadh, a cluster of medieval Digambara shrines on the slopes of the sacred hill, rich with sculpture.
Jain shrines on the slopes
Among the many temples that climb the slopes of Pavagadh are a notable group of Jain temples — medieval Digambara shrines dating largely to the 14th–15th centuries, set on the hill’s terraces. Dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras, these temples, with their carved exteriors, sculpted figures and rows of shrines, are an important part of the religious heritage of Pavagadh.
The cluster reflects the hill’s long history as a sacred place for both Hindus and Jains, before and during the Sultanate era. Quietly beautiful and often far less crowded than the famous Kalika Mata shrine higher up, they reward those who take the time to explore the hill’s terraces on foot.
These are working Jain temples on a sacred hill, so modest dress is expected and leather items must be left outside. Pair them with a wider Pavagadh and Champaner visit to understand the layered, shared heritage of this remarkable place.
Pavagadh’s temple terraces.
Digambara shrines on the slope
Carved hill shrines.
The core Jain temples on Pavagadh's terraces date to the 14th and 15th centuries, raised during the hill's long sacred era.
The shrines are dedicated to the Tirthankaras, the enlightened teachers of Jain faith, their figures sculpted across the exteriors.
Set along the hill's natural terraces, the temples form rows of shrines that climb the sacred slopes of Pavagadh.
Pavagadh has long been holy to both Hindus and Jains, a layered heritage that survives through the Sultanate era and beyond.
Reasons to make the time
Jain cluster
Digambara shrines set together on the sacred slopes of Pavagadh.
Carved figures
Sculpted exteriors and carved figures of the Tirthankaras throughout.
Hill terraces
Rows of shrines climbing the natural terraces high on Pavagadh.
Medieval
Core shrines dating to the 14th–15th centuries, rich with age.
UNESCO heritage
Part of the Champaner-Pavagadh sacred hill, a UNESCO site.
Quieter shrines
Far less crowded than the main Kalika Mata shrine above.
What to look for inside
THE TEMPLESJain shrines
On the slopes.
THE HILLPavagadh
A sacred terrace.
CARVINGSculpted figures
Tirthankaras in stone.
TERRACESRows of shrines
Climbing the hill.
HERITAGEUNESCO park
A shared sacred hill.
CALMQuieter darshan
Away from the crowds.
How to spend an hour or two
See the Jain temples
Walk the hill's terraces to find the cluster of medieval Digambara shrines set among Pavagadh's slopes.
Admire the carving
Study the sculpted figures and carved exteriors — the Tirthankaras rendered in patient medieval stonework.
Explore the terraces
Follow the rows of shrines that climb the natural terraces, each step opening new views of the hill.
Learn the heritage
Understand Pavagadh as a hill sacred to both Hindus and Jains, layered through the Sultanate era.
Sense the calm
Linger at the quieter shrines, far from the bustle of the main Kalika Mata temple higher up.
Respect the rules
Dress modestly, remove footwear and leave all leather items outside the Jain shrines.
Pavagadh Jain temples.
Jain temples of the hill
The Jain temples of Pavagadh are a cluster of medieval Digambara shrines (14th–15th c.) set on the hill’s terraces — carved exteriors and sculpted figures dedicated to the Tirthankaras, reflecting Pavagadh’s long history as a sacred hill for both Hindus and Jains.
Quieter than the Kalika Mata shrine above, the shrines reward an unhurried walk along the terraces. As working Jain temples, they ask for modest dress and no leather inside.
Our Panchmahal travel guide maps out the other places worth your time here.
Our overview of temples across Gujarat puts it in context.
Medieval Jain (Digambara) shrines
On Pavagadh’s terraces
Carved figures & exteriors
Part of the UNESCO heritage
When to go
Cool and pleasant — the ideal season. Comfortable all day for climbing the hill's terraces.
Green and atmospheric as the slopes turn lush; paths can be slick, so tread with care.
Hot and dry on the exposed hill — start early in the day and carry plenty of water.
⏰ Visit at aarti time in the cooler months; pair the shrines with Pavagadh and Champaner.
Timings & entry
- Open at worship hours
- Morning & evening aarti
- Best in the cool season
- Within/near the park
- Free darshan
- Modest dress; remove footwear
- No leather items inside
- Quieter than Kalika Mata
Getting there
By Air
Vadodara airport sits about 50 km away, with onward taxis and buses to the Champaner–Pavagadh hill.
By Rail
Champaner Road and Godhra are the nearest railheads; from there it is a short road journey to the base of the hill.
By Road
Reach the hill easily via Halol or Champaner — the well-connected hub for the whole Pavagadh area.
At Pavagadh Jain Temples
JAIN & STONE
Carved shrines on the hill
What to shoot
The Jain temples — the cluster of shrines set along the hill's terraces.
Detail
Carved figures and sculpted exteriors, the patient medieval stonework up close.
Setting
Hill terraces and the wider sacred slopes of Pavagadh rising around you.
Best light
Morning, when soft light rakes the carvings and the hill is cool and clear.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Champaner Temples
Ancient shrines within the heritage city
PILGRIMAGEPavagadh Hill
A sacred volcanic peak above the plains
WILDLIFEJambughoda Sanctuary
Teak forests, lakes & leopards
Champaner Ruins
The Champaner ruins mark the site of a once-thriving medieval city that served as a regional…
HILLPavagadh Slopes
A volcanic outcrop wrapped in green forest
CAVESKadia Dungar
Ancient rock-cut Buddhist caves
Where to eat near Pavagadh Jain Temples
THALIGujarati Thali
Hearty regional meals.
FARSANDhokla & farsan
Steamed snacks.
STREETChampaner stalls
Snacks for pilgrims.
Local fare
Simple Gujarati & tribal food near the sites.
Pavagadh Jain Temples FAQ
What is Pavagadh Jain Temples?
Among the many temples that climb the slopes of Pavagadh are a notable group of Jain temples — medieval Digambara shrines dating largely to the 14th–15th centuries, set on the hill's terraces. Dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras, these temples, with their carved exteriors, sculpted figures and rows of shrines, are an important part of the religious heritage of Pavagadh, reflecting the hill's long history as a sacred place for both Hindus and Jains.
Where is it?
Pavagadh slopes, Panchmahal.
Is there an entry fee?
Free.
When should I visit?
October to March; at aarti time.
What's nearby?
Pavagadh, the Champaner mosques and stepwells.
How long does it take?
1 hour.
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HERITAGEBhuj
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TOWNLimkheda
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NATIONAL PARKVansda National Park
Dense teak forest alive with wildlife
Bhrigu Rishi Ashram
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026