The Story of Adinath: Palitana’s Connection to the First Tirthankara

There’s a stillness in Palitana that words struggle to capture. It’s not just the silence of the marble temples or the hush that comes from thousands of pilgrims walking barefoot—it’s a deeper kind of quiet. A sacred silence that speaks of something timeless. For those who journey to the top of Shatrunjaya Hill, it’s more than a trek. It’s a spiritual homecoming, a return to something pure. At the heart of this experience is the story of Adinath, the first Tirthankara in Jainism.

Adinath, also known as Rishabhanatha, is believed to be the very first spiritual teacher, the one who laid the foundation for the Jain way of life. Jainism doesn’t begin with myths of creation or gods battling demons—it begins with a soul. A soul that chose renunciation over power, compassion over conquest.

Long before cities were built or societies formed, Jain scriptures say people lived in a raw, primitive state. It was Adinath who first taught them how to cultivate land, cook food, and live in peaceful communities. He wasn’t just a spiritual guide—he was the original teacher of civilization. But even after giving the world knowledge and structure, he let it go. He handed over his kingdom and wealth to his sons and walked away to live a life of austerity. He renounced everything to seek truth.

This journey of detachment, self-discipline, and inner awakening eventually brought him to Shatrunjaya Hill, in what is now the town of Palitana, Gujarat.

The word Shatrunjaya itself means “place of victory over inner enemies.” It’s said that Adinath meditated here, in deep stillness, achieving a state of spiritual elevation that made the hill sacred forever. And not just sacred—it became one of the holiest places in Jainism.

Over the centuries, thousands of temples have been built on this hill—more than 800 exquisitely carved marble temples, each telling its own silent story of devotion. No matter how many times you visit, you can never quite absorb all the beauty and serenity this place holds.

The pilgrimage to the top is not an easy one. It’s a steep climb—3,800 steps, taken barefoot, often in the early hours of the morning. But each step is not just a physical movement—it’s a spiritual offering. Pilgrims fast, chant, and climb in a state of prayer, believing that even a single visit to this hill can push the soul closer to liberation, or moksha.

And at the summit? A sense of peace that feels eternal. The main temple, dedicated to Adinath, stands not just as a structure of stone, but as a symbol of the soul’s journey—from attachment to freedom.

What’s beautiful about Adinath’s story is how human it is. He wasn't born perfect. He earned his wisdom through reflection, through letting go, through deep inner transformation. His life wasn’t about divine intervention—it was about self-effort, discipline, and compassion.

Palitana is more than just a town or a pilgrimage site. It is a living memory of Adinath’s spiritual conquest. A place where history meets faith, and where every stone, step, and statue echoes the teachings of the first Tirthankara.

For modern seekers—regardless of religion—Adinath’s journey offers something profound: the reminder that real strength comes not from what we possess, but from what we are willing to let go.