Jain Pilgrimages in India attract thousands of devotees from all over the world. These Jain pilgrimage centres reflect the teachings of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras . India is the land where Jainism originated. Jainism has a history of more than 5000 years. According to Jainism, 24 Jain Tirthankaras have flourished in this age. The 24 Jain Tirthankaras were the religious preachers who taught the message of peace, non-violence, love and enlightenment all over the world. The core of this great religion and its preaching is evident in the cave temples and in the numerous illustrated manuscripts. Several Jain pilgrimage sites have nestled across the Indian sub-continent that attracts thousands of devotees from all over the world to seek blessing.

Jain Pilgrimages in North Indian States
Across the North India lay the Jain temples and shrines and hold immense attraction for the devotees. Some of them are as follows:

Shri Bhagwan Mahavirji Teerth is located at village Chandanpur on the banks of the River Gambhir in Rajasthan.
Bhinmal Jain Teerth is a Shvetambara Jain temple and a famous pilgrimage centre in Rajasthan.
The Jain Dilwara temples are located about few kilometres from Mount Abu.
Ranakpur of Rajasthan is one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites of Jainism.
Parshvanatha Jain temple is an ancient temple dedicated to the 23rd Jain Tirthankara, Parshvanatha in Hathipole, Rajasthan.

Jain Pilgrimages in West Indian States
The essence of Jain religion and its preaching is very well reflected in different Jain temples and shrines of the Western Indian states. Some of them are mentioned below:

Palitana temples, located on Shetrunjaya hills, are one of the greatest tourist attractions in Gujarat. There are 863 temples, exquisitely carved in marble.
Mount Girnar is associated with Lord Neminatha who achieved moksha there and is significant for both Swetambara and Digambara sects.
Shantinath Jain temple in Ganesh chowk, Pune was built in 1155 AD. It is dedicated to 16th Jain Tirthankara, Lord Shantinath.
Shri Kalikund Teerth in Ahmedabad is believed to be more than 500 years old. Bhagwan Mahavira Swami Jain Temple is a highly revered Jain temple located in Ahmedabad. The presiding deity of the temple is Bhagwan Mahavira.

Jain Pilgrimages in Central Indian States
There are many Jain temples located in Central Indian states. Some of the famous Jain temples of India are as follows:

Khajuraho Temples is situated in Bundelkhand in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Total number of 85 temples had been originally constructed by the Rajputs of the Chandella dynasty between 950 and 1050 AD.
Mahavir Ji and Shivpuri are examples of two Jain pilgrimage sites that have gained wider exposure in recent times.

Jain Pilgrimages in South Indian States
South India is one of those places in India where giant Jain statutes can be found. The state pays due respect to Jainism and thus has some of the finest pilgrimage sites that are a must visit. Some of the famous Jain pilgrimage sites in South India are as follows:

Shravanabelagola is a Jain pilgrim destination located in the Hassan district of Karnataka.
Kolanupak Swetamber Jain Mandir is a highly respected temple based in Telangana.
Moodabidri is an old temple town, better known as the `Jain Kashi`.

Jain Pilgrimages in East Indian States
The eastern part of India is where Mahavira was born, lived and taught. Some important holy places are connected with events in his life and in the lives of other Jain Tirthankaras. The famous Jain pilgrimages in eastern India are as follows:

The shrine of Shri Gunyaji Teerth is located on Patna-Ranchi main road.
Shri Sammetshikhar Teerth is near Madhuban on Mount Sametshikar. This place is also called Mount Parshvanath.
Pawapuri is the small place where Mahavira died. Every year it becomes a vibrant pilgrimage site at the time of the Diwali festival, which commemorates Mahavira"s liberation.

Jain Pilgrimages in India are of special importance to Jains because of associations with holy persons of the past. Pilgrimage to such places has long been popular.