Legends swirl around this complex of 863 Jain temples on the summit of Shatrunjaya Hill, which is an enormously popular pilgrimage site, or tirtha. Jains form just 1% of the Indian population, but are prevalent in Gujarat, practising a creed of non-violence and worshipping in immensely ornate carved temples. Palitana was the capital of the princely state of the Ghoul Rajput clan and the temples - many of them marble, alive with carved animals, birds, musicians and dancers, with ornate spires and numerous inner courtyards - were built between the 11th and 16th centuries.