Girnar is a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus and Jainites alike, housing 866 temples on five peaks. If you wish to undertake this challenge, start early in the morning with plenty of water in hand and leave no stone unturned on your journey!
The initial section of the stairway houses Digamabar Jain temple and Rajulmati cave, as well as Muni Anirudhhkumat footprints and Devi Ambika temple.
Distance from Junagadh
Girnar is considered a sacred site by both Hindus and Jains alike. Jains regard Girnar as the Nirvana Bhumi of Jain Tirthankara Neminatha; therefore, his temple on top of the mountain is dedicated to him, and visiting would be considered auspicious; an optimal time for visiting is between November and February, when Magha Festival occurs over five days in January-February at Girnar Taleti with worshipers lighting oil lamps around its interior, giving off a reddish hue throughout.
The route up the hill can be treacherously steep, so only those who can ascend it with courage should attempt it. Doliwalas (carriers who carry tourists up the mountain on their backs) charge Rs 1250 for rides up to Domdar Kund and 1480 if going further uphill, such as to Amba Temple or Dattatrey Peak; Doliwalas are generally men who have undergone rigorous training and must abide by stringent discipline standards when providing this service.
On your way up to the summit, you can spot various Hindu temples and shrines. At its center stands Amba Mata Temple, where newlyweds pray to ensure a happy marriage; from here, there’s a steep slope leading to other peaks with more temples.
On your journey uphill, it may be beneficial to take occasional rest breaks and stay hydrated with plenty of water and light snacks. At times, the summit weather may become scorching, so dressing accordingly may be necessary; in winter, temperatures may drop significantly, so consider packing warm clothing as well.
Girnar’s premier attraction is the Paduka of Guru Dattatreya, an embodiment of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva that rests atop Mount Girnar and is regularly visited by naga sadhus.
The stairway leading up the hill was constructed during the 12th century. An inscription identifying it as being done by a Jain minister or dandanayaka Ambada can be seen engraved into it; some scholars speculate that his son Udayana, also minister at King Kumarapala (1144-1172 AD), made these steps after Udayana died during battle and handed off this project to two of his sons Bahada and Ambada for completion before their deaths.
Time required to reach Girnar
At Girnar, the best time of day for scaling its steps is early in the morning when temperatures are still cool enough to allow a gentle climb up the stairs. Though challenging and strenuous at times, reaching its summit will surely pay dividends! Make sure to arrive early with plenty of water. In order to stay sane during a hot day’s hike, it’s also wise to stop frequently for breaks and rest periods – this way, you won’t feel exhausted at the end of it all! Temples on top of hills, such as Mt. Kailash, provide an attractive destination. Jainites often visit this mountain as well, making their visit all the more meaningful. Neminatha, the 22nd Tirthankara of Jainism, is believed to have attained Nirvana on Girnar Hills. A shrine dedicated to him can be found on its first plateau; other Jain temples can be seen along rocky trails leading up to other summits. Other notable spots on the climb include Domdar Kund, where 15th-century poet Narsinh Mehta would bathe, and Bhavnath Temple, where Aghora sadhus can be found covered from head-to-foot with funeral ashes.
On the summits of this mountain is the Dattatreya Paduka temple, the footprint of Guru Dattatreya, one of Hinduism’s primary deities. Additionally, Amba Mata Temple and Gorakshanath Temples are notable Hindu sites nearby.
There are several dharamshalas and resorts at the base of the hill that can be booked at an affordable price and offer basic facilities. Pilgrims who wish to remain near the climbing route should book one nearer them, such as Leo Resort, as it provides affordable options with amenities such as restaurant service and beverages at reasonable rates. However, for people on tight budgets, some might require trekking.
Junagadh and Veraval train stations are approximately an hour’s journey away from Gir National Park, from which bus rides or taxi cabs can take visitors directly there; otherwise, the trip should take around three-and-a-half hours via road transport.
Transportation options
Girnar is an attractive tourist destination and easily reached by car. However, travelers must take appropriate precautions and travel with the necessary documentation when traveling there. Furthermore, planning your journey by considering weather and other factors will ensure a safer experience – no surprises should arise and make for an enjoyable and safe trip!
Girnar Travels’ bus service offers an efficient and comfortable method to reach Girnar. Their extensive network of buses has earned them high praise from passengers as they ride smoothly. Their booking process is quick and simple – online or with mobile apps available for both Android and Apple smartphones!
Girnar Travels busses offer various amenities, such as reading lights, luggage compartments, charging points, and water bottles for passengers to use on their journey. Furthermore, staff takes all recommended health measures to keep passengers healthy and safe – such as checking temperatures or providing hand sanitizers – making their ride comfortable for all involved.
Bus services are offered throughout the day and guarantee on-time arrival and departure. In addition, each bus features reclining seats and spacious sleeper berths for passenger comfort, and our staff at the bus station has been trained to assist passengers with any inquiries or concerns they might have.
If you need to visit Girnar quickly and without much preparation time, renting a taxi is your best bet. Savaari’s user-friendly cab booking interface enables quick completion with only a few clicks needed; plus, real-time driver tracking keeps you updated as they drive around town!
Girnar Hill is located just outside Bhuj and is a renowned tourist attraction in Gujarat, known for its ancient ruins and iconic Bhujia Fort. However, due to the steep and slippery stairway leading up to its top, visitors are advised not to attempt climbing it without proper footwear, and water and snacks are highly recommended to keep hydrated while climbing its many flights of steps.
Cost
Girnar is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus and Jains alike, home to several temples, shrines, caves, and festivals dedicated to various gods and goddesses. Additionally, this area plays host to multiple fairs and festivals throughout the year, making Girnar an irresistibly fun destination to visit! Located within Junagadh district in Gujarat.
Lord Neminath, the 22nd Jain Tirthankar, attained moksha here. To honor him and commemorate this event, Neminath Temple stands as an attraction and place to relax and rejuvenate. Not to mention its stunning temples and scenic beauty, which will ensure your visit here will remain memorable!
On your journey up the steps, there will be several stalls selling water and essential products at increasing prices as you go higher up the steps. Most of these stalls are located at the beginning of each set, so it is recommended that you pick these up prior to commencement. Alternatively, bring along snacks and water from home for your journey if desired.
At Kartiki Pournima, thousands of people from across India converge upon Girnar to perform what’s known as Girnar Parikrama; this circumambulation is said to please saints and sadhus who reside nearby while also thought to bring wealth. Lord Neminath’s idol is showered with various liquids and ornaments as part of this act of devotion (bhakti).
Apart from housing some of the oldest and most revered religious shrines, the mountain range also serves as an important center for various Jain Tirthankaras and monks who practiced rigorous penance at different peaks across its terrain in search of salvation – many even finding success here!
Girnar’s presiding deity is said to have saved the son of a Brahmin who had fallen sick. According to legend, tantric ascetics living in the Stone Chatti area abducted and cannibalized the Brahmin’s son before invoking Vardatt Peak’s deity, which then defeated and saved his son.