thumb|Girnar Mountain - front view from Rupayatanthumb|250px|Girnar Mountain on a misty morningGirnar (also known as "Girnar Hill") is a collection of mountains in the Junagadh District of Gujarat, India, situated near Junagadh at a distance of 327 km from Ahmedabad. It is a holy place and an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Jains. There are a number of temples located here. Amidst the lush green Gir Forest, the mountain range serves as the hub of religious activity. Apart from this, there is a mosque attracting many Muslim pilgrims to the place. This has made Girnar a perfect example of unity in diversity in India.

Girnar peak

The tallest of the mountains rises to 1031 meters (3382 feet), the highest peak in Gujarat. A sturdy stone path — a pilgrimage route - climbs from peak to peak. It is claimed that there are exactly 9,999 steps from the trailhead to the last temple on the highest peak, but the actual number is roughly 8,000. On the ways towards the peak of Girnar, there are temples and places; namely, `Bharathari Gufa(cave)', `Mali Parab', `Ramchandra Temple', and `Hathi Pashan'. Every year, a race is held, running from the base of the mountain to the peak and back. The locals in nearby Junagadh insist that the fastest-ever time was 42.36 minute.

The first peak of Girnar has a collection of beautifully carved Jain temples. Higher up, there are temples of `Jatashanker Mahadev' and `Gaumukhi Ganga'. Famous places like `Sheshavan', `Bharanvan' and `Hanumandhara' are nearer to the temple of `Gaumukhi Ganga'. The original way to climb Girnar from western side was from `Hanumandhara'. One can reach `Ambaji' temple after climbing ~5,000 steps. Right at the entry to the Ambaji Temple there is a marker on the steps that indicates 4868 steps from the start. This temple was constructed during `Gupt' dynasty and reference to this temple are found in the books written in seventh century. In the southern direction from `Ambaji' temple, there is another peak known as `Guru Gorakhnath' peak. `Oghad' peak is the next peak and followed by water tank known as `Kamandal kund'. There are steep steps to climb the peak of `Dattatreya' temple. To reach the peak of `Kalka' temple, one has to get down and climb another hill. The last two temples do not have steps on the way and you have to climb the mountain.

In the Hindu religion, the legend is that climbing Girnar barefooted earns one a place in Heaven. The nearby Gir Forest serves as sanctuary for the last remaining Asiatic Lions. It is also famous for the Kathiawadi culture in the adjacent region.

Temples of Girnar

All temples of Girnar are sacred to pilgrims of both Hindu and Jain faith. In fact, Girnar has been a sacred place well before the Dholavira and Mohen-jo- daro period and its origin can be traced back to the Vedas and other holy scriptures of various Indus Valley based religions.

Jain Temples

The first peak (tunk) has beautifully carved and sculptured marble shrines; most beautifully situated group of Jain temples in India. This group of temples is also unique in that both the Digambar and Shwetambar have temples on its hills and it been an important religious place for Jains since the 3rd century. The Neminath Temple here, built during 1128 AD to 1159 AD, is one of the main attractions for Jains. The temple comples has quadrangle courtyards, corridors and other shrines. The pillars are adorned with intricate carvings of Jain Tirthankars. Nearby Mallinath Temple was built by the brothers Vastupal and Tejapala

The Rishabhadev Temple, also situated in the same visinity, is in golden color. It is dedicated to 24 Tirthankars of Jain religion. Another Jain temple in the region is the Parshwanath Temple. It was built in the 15th century and is also known as Meravasi.

Hindu Temples

Controversy over control of religious places

Like any man-made, institutionalized religion in the universe, the control and status of religious places in the Girnar Mountains at Junagadh is turning out to be a bone of contention between the Jain and the Hindu community. The recent controversy involves the Neminath Temple and the Ra’Khengar Palace. While both are enlisted as historical monuments, Jains claim them as their own and say it is them who manage the two structures. Elsewhere, Hindu saints allege that the Jains have desecrated idols of Hindu gods and goddesses.

According to sources, controversy erupted after the archaeology department wrongly affixed the Neminath Temple board plaque on Ra’khengar Palace and vice-versa, which resulted in a chaos. Neminath Temple and Ra’khengar Palace is located on the first peak of Girnar Mountains at a distance of 4000 steps en-route Ambaji peak, the highest spot on the mountain range.

Meanwhile, Junagadh District Collector Ashwini Kumar denied any controversy over the issue. “The state Archaeological Department had wrongly placed notification boards at the sites, which resulted in a confusion. But after it was brought to our notice, the mistakes were rectified and the boards have been affixed at their right places,” he said.

Additional Information

The Gujarat's tallest mountain is now Wi-Fi-enabled. Over 25 lakh tourists throng about 30 temples, including famous Ambaji Mandir and Jain Derasar, dotting the seven peaks of the 1100- metre tall mountain. The decision to make the mountain Wi-Fi enabled was taken to webcast the 25th Girnar climbing competition which is slated for next month. An average of 1,000 contestants participate in the event. This time around about 1,800 participants will join the event. "Girnar climbing competition started in 1971 and continued up to 1979. Again efforts were made to rejuvenate the competition in 1991 by State Bank of Saurashtra. But the event has been regularly organised since 1996 in both men and women category after the state government took over," said Devashi Ambalia, project director of the event.

Information About The Climb

In the morning, there is high humidity, which reduces after 9 am. It is advisable to start early, around 6-7am, to avoid the summer sun. It is rumored that climbing in the night (the path is well lit) is dangerous because of wild animals. One should plan to stop at the Ambaji temple or the next peak before starting back to base. After 12 pm and till 4:30 pm it is extremely hot and return journey can be perilous without adequate water. Summer here typically lasts till Mid-June. There is no hotel on top but snacks can be purchased. The best season for climbing is winter, as the steps can be very slippery during monsoon. Avoid leather footwear, and try to get good sandals for the climb. Important: There are no toilets on the climb, so plan for that. Locals answer the call of nature in the jungle.

Location and Transportation

The Girnar mountain is 5 km east from Junagadh city and about 400 km south west of Ahmedabad. It is easily accessible by trains and roads and state transport are also available.

Air: The Nearest airport is at Keshod situated at a distance of 40 km. Other airport, Rajkot - about 100 km from Junagadh, is well connected with Mumbai, Delhi and many major Indian cities. The nearest International airport is in Ahmedabad.

Rail way: Nearest railway station is 5 km frm Junagarjh

By Road: State transport buses and private transport are available.

External links

Girnar, Girnar Jain Tirth

Category:Tourism in Gujarat Category:Jain temples and tirthas Category:Hills of Gujarat Category:Jain temples in Gujarat

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