Mount Girnar
Highest Mountain of Gujarat
Girnar from Rupayatan
Elevation	1,031 m (3,383 ft)
Location
Location	Bhavnath, Junagadh,  India
Range	Giri Taleti
Coordinates	21°29′41″N 70°30′20″E / 21.49472°N 70.50556°E / 21.49472; 70.50556Coordinates: 21°29′41″N 70°30′20″E / 21.49472°N 70.50556°E / 21.49472; 70.50556

Girnar (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.

Girnar peak[link]

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The tallest of the mountains rises to 1,031 metres (3,383 ft), the highest peak in Gujarat. A stone path — a pilgrimage route - climbs from peak to peak. It is claimed that there are 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 first peak of Girnar has a collection of 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 approximately 5,000 steps. At the entrance 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[link]

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[link]

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.

The idol of Bhagwan Neminatha here is the oldest idol in the world ,which is 84,785 years old. Though the temple was built here by Vastupaal and Tejpaal during 1128 AD to 1159 AD, the idol existed here long back. Girnar Tirth is also called as Raivatgiri .

22nd Tirthankar, Bhagwan Neminatha has attained moksha, the liberation of soul from this place. Also, innumerable other Jain monks have attained Moksha here.So it is of very high importance in Jain religion and is mentioned quite frequently in Jain religious books .

Additional Information[link]

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.

Location and Transportation[link]

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 from Junagadh

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

Photo Gallery[link]

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  Bhavnath Mahadev Temple

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  Mount Girnar

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  Mount Girnar

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  Bhavnath Road

External links[link]

• Girnar, Girnar Jain Tirth