Girnar Mandirs, Gujarat, IN

Location: Junagadh DistrictDistance: 327 km from Ahmedabad
Altitude: 3660 feet above sea level
Attractions: Hindu and Jain Temples, mainly Neminath Temple
Best time to visit: October to March
STD Code: 0285

Girnar (also known as "Girnar Hill") is a collection of mountains in the Junagadh District of Gujarat, India. The tallest of these rises to 945 meters (3600 feet), the highest peak in Gujarat. The five peaks of Girnar are topped by 866 intricately carved stone temples. A sturdy stone path a pilgrimage route for both Hindus and Jains 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.

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 minutes. However, most people take 5-8 hours to climb the mountain.

In the Hindu religion, the legend is that climbing Girnar barefooted earns one a place in Heaven. There is one holy stone; it is said that if a person attempts suicide from that stone then he becomes a part of Heaven.

Rising up on the fortification around the temple is called Deva Kota and is associated with Rao Khegaji of Kutch. The enclosure is well filled with temples of both Hindu and Jain religions, but only 5 Jain temples are really impressive, though it is also worth looking at some smaller temples like the granite shrine .The temple complex of Mt Girnar has been an important place of Jain pilgrimage from the 3rd century BC.

At the foot of Mt Girnar, Damodar Kund is the place where lord Shiva and Goddess Parwatis’ garment fell during an ariel cruise. Bhavnath is an important Shiva temple at the foot of Mt Girnar.

The greatest of the temples on the summit is the rectangular Neminath Mandir, built from 1128 AD and completed in 1159 AD. The temple surrounds a collonaded courtyard, with delicate carvings of the Tithankars of Jainism. Further up from the Neminath temple, the Amba temple is where newely wed Hindus gather to pray for a happy marriage, and a Muslim shrine where childless women prey for children.

The trio of temples which forms Mallinath Mandir, shrine of the 22nd Tirthankar, was erected in 1231 AD by Vastupal and Tejpal, the 2 brothers responsible for such marvels in marble as the Dilwara temples of Mt Abu. The corbelled domes and beautifully carved interior domes are highlights of the temple. Other important temples lie to the left of Neminatha temple-the temple of Rishabdeo with 24 Tirthakaras carved in 1442, a 15th century Parshwanath temple called Meravaksi, the modern Panchbhai temple, 1803 AD Parshwanath temple with a cobra protecting the marble image and the 12th century temple built by Kumarapala of the Solanki dynasty, which is responsible for many of the finest Jain andindu temples.

Around half way down from the temple cluster, you can detour for the hill of Guru Dattatray whose very footprints are holy to 2Jains, the Kalika hill and Kamandal temple. At the foot of Mt Girnar is Damodar kund and the Bhavnath temple both of considerable importance to Hindu pilgrims.

The summit has been an important religious place since the 3rd century. Girnar temples present a true blend of art, religion and devotion. The sculptural art used in these temples is outstanding. They have stood the test the time and the cruelty of various invaders. Despite that, the art forms of the temples still retain their magnificence. The Jain temples at Girnar attract devotees of both Shwetambar and Digambar sects of Jainism. The Neminath Temple is the main attraction of Girnar.

According to Jain religious beliefs, Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankar became an ascetic after he saw the slaughter of animals for food on his wedding. He renounced all worldly pleasures and came to Mount Girnar to attain salvation. Here, Bhagwan Neminath reached the highest state of enlightenment, Keval Gyan and Moksha, after great austerities. His bride-to-be also followed his path and founded the 'Sandhvi Sangh', the organization of women ascetics. The rectangular Neminath temple is the greatest temple here. It has an idol of Lord Neminath in black granite with jewelled eyes. There are quadrangle courtyards, corridors and other shrines. The pillars are adorned with intricate carvings of Jain Tirthankars. The ceilings bear carvings and sculptures of Dancing Goddesses. Apart from this, there is the Mallinath temple, which is dedicated to the 19th Tirthankar. It was constructed by Vastupal and Tejpal. Neminath in 1231 AD. The Lord is shown in blue color here. The Rishabhadev Temple, situated nearby, is in golden color.

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.

Festival:
There are Hindu temples as well. It is an abode of Hindu ascetics. The annual Bhavnath fair dedicated to Hindu Lord Shiva draws thousands of people.

Other Attraction near by:
Uparkot Fort
Famous in by gone times for its virtual inaccessibility, the Upar Kot or Upper Fort is girdled by a wall that is, in some places, over 20m high. An ornate entrance gateway leads to the ruins. A mosque still stands in a state of preservation. A Nilamtope (canon) was acquired by the Nawab of Junagadh from a Turkish Sultan. There are also two stepwells, Jama Masjid and Buddhist caves in the fort premises.

Chorwad Beach
66 Kms. from Junagadh and 23 Kms. from the fishing centre of Veraval, Chorwad is a delightful resort on the sunny coast of Gujarat. And an excellent road connects it to Junagadh, Girnar, the Gir Forest Sanctuary and the famous temple of Somnath.

Sasan Gir Forest & Sanctuary
It is situated 65 Kms. from Junagadh via Keshod. It is connected both by Rail as well as Road. Sasan Gir Sanctuary provides refuge to that rare species-the Asiatic Lion. The sanctuary covers an area of 500 sq. miles of dry, open scrubland where the lions roam freely. They can be seen on guided jeep tours through the jungles.

Ahmadpur Mandvi
Close by the sea, with an option to entertaining oneself lazing on the beach, swimming or enjoying water sports facilities, Ahmedapur Mandvi is one of the finest beaches of the country.

Damodar
A sacred tank marks the ascent to the Girnar temples.

Ashoka's Rock Edicts
On the way to Girnar, fourteen rock edicts of the Emperor Ashoka can be seen inscribed on a great boulder. The inscription carries Brahmi script in Pali language and dates back to 263 B.C. On the same rock are inscriptions in Sanskrit.

Maqbara
The mausolea of the Nawabs, the traditional rulers of Junagadh.

Tulsi Shyam
Hot SpringIn the heart of the Gir Forest 165 Kms. from Junagadh is the scenic spot of Tulsi Shyam with its hot spring.

Somnath
Situated 79 Kms. from Junagadh and 30 Kms from Chorwad, the legendary shore temple of Somnath is one of the twelve most sacred Shiva shrines in India. According to the legend, Somnath is as old as creation, built by none other than Soma, the Moon God himself. Somnath was destroyed seven times, and seven times, it was rebuilt. Mehmud of Gazni having heard of its fabulous treasure raided it in 1026 and carried away camel-loads of jewels and gold.

How to reach:
by Air: Nearest Airport is Keshod 40 km. Daily flight from Bombay to Keshod.
by Rail: 395 km. from Ahmedabad, meter gauge line.
by Road: 400 km. from Ahmedabad via Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda, 43 km. from Veraval and 65 km. from Junagadh Via Mendarda. State Transport buses Available from Junagadh and Veraval.

Visit www.eTirth.com for more information on Temples, Ashrams, Gurus, Festival and Daily Panchangam (Hindu ephemeris).

If you love to read visit www.KathaVarta.org for Religious stories.

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