Palitana is historically a Śvetāmbara Jain site. The main Shatrunjaya temple complex is considered the holiest shrine for the Śvetāmbara Mūrtipūjaka tradition, and the vast majority of pilgrims there belong to Śvetāmbara communities. Digambar Jains do have a presence, but it is limited compared to Śvetāmbara influence (there is only one Digambara temple on the hills). This pattern reflects Palitana’s Gujarati context, where Śvetāmbara centers have been strong for centuries, and it aligns with the broader post-Mahāvīra succession of traditions in western India. You can read more here .

• The Śvetāmbara majority has shaped the town’s religious and social character, including temple-centric life and Jain ethical practices. In recent years this influence contributed to local movements such as Palitana’s vegetarian status (meat sale and slaughter banned in the city), reflecting strong Śvetāmbara leadership and activism. You can read more here .

• For context on the Palitana temple complex itself, including its significance to Śvetāmbara Jains and its long history of temple-building in Gujarat, you can read here (sitemap entry overview).