A catalyst for exhaust gas purification is capable of purifying the hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide present in the exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine. The catalyst has a monolithic carrier and a catalyst layer containing Pd, Ba and a heat-resistant inorganic oxide, formed on the carrier. The amount of Pd supported on monolithic carrier is 100-300 g per ft3 of monolithic carrier (3.53null10null3 to 1.06null10null2 g per cc of monolithic carrier), the amount of Ba supported on monolithic carrier is 0.010-0.060 g per cc of monolithic carrier in terms of BaO, and the weight ratio of Pd and Ba as expressed as BaO is 1:2 to 1:10. This catalyst for exhaust gas purification is superior particularly in hydrocarbon purification for a low-temperature fuel-rich exhaust gas (such as exhaust gas emitted during cold start) of automobile.