Girnar is a pilgrimage spots for people following Jainism. Located in the Junagadh district of Gujrat, it is known for its religious significance. Not only Jains but the people who worship Lord Shiva and Lord Dattatreya are also fascinated by the pristine atmosphere of Girnar.
According to the holy scriptures of Jainism, Girnar is one of the places where many Jain Tirthankars have attained the liberation of their soul by rigorous penance at the heights of this mountain. Away from the chaos of outside world, the land of salvation is holy and is worshipped by Jains.
There are about 10,000 steps to the summit of Mt. Girnar. At the summit is the shrine of Lord Dattatrey, and the footmarks of Jain Tirthankar Neminath. However, very few Jains visit the summit, since the central temple (Shree Neminath Jain Derasar) is situated at a climb of 4000 Steps.
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| Entry of temple premises at 4000 steps |
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| The Neminath Jain Temple |
There’s another way down the mountain that branches out roughly at 200 steps further from the Jain temple, also known as the Sehsavan Route. The branched route is a little more difficult to manoeuvre through. Generally, the pilgrims prefer to descend from the Sehsavan route since there are three more shrines on the way – The Sehsavan Temple, and the other two shrines dedicated to the milestones that Tirthankar Neminath achieved on his eternal journey to salvation.
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| I saw a rainbow on my way down! |
The Base Village of Mt. Girnar
Junagadh railway station is nearest to Girnar, and a plenty of rickshaws or cabs are available outside the station to reach the base village. The trip from station to base approximately takes 30 mins. The base village a is nothing less than a holy theme park full of monks and ashrams.
Of the many places for accommodation at the mountain bed, the pilgrims generally prefer the ashrams. Hotels are rare to spot but not nil. We had decided to stay in Kuttchi Bhavan (A place of accommodation for people of Kuttchi Community).
An important ritual to be followed by the pilgrims before beginning their ascent is worshipping the base of the berg, also known as Taleti.
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| Prayers at Taleti |
My Experience
My mom was a part of a group of thousand people including the organizers and the monks who travelled from Palitana to Girnar on foot(Padayatra). Their journey was from 21st Feb to 8th March, inclusive of a single day climb at Palitana at the start and a single day climb at Girnar on the last day. So, each day they had to walk 12-15 Km based on the schedule decided by the organizers.
These people stayed in tents for the duration of their yatra. The tents were setup a day or two prior by the workers employed by the organizers, at the places that marked the end of each day’s journey.
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| The group! |
So, me and my dad, along with the family members of the other Padyatris who were a part of this journey assembled with the group at Girnar a day prior to the climb, so that everyone can ascend for prayers at Girnar together.
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| Started the ascent at 5am, the path till 4000 steps is marked with lights |
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| Early morning view from the top |
Uperkot fort and Junagadh Museum are tourist spots that one can visit in Junagadh and are close to Girnar. (Rickshaw’s aren’t allowed inside the Uperkot fort, you’ll either have to walk to explore or hire a taxi inside, the local taxi’s inside the fort don’t allow the rickshaw’s to enter!)
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| The View from Uperkot fort |
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| Corridors of Uperkot fort |
Ghandhi smriti is a delightful statue of Mahatma Gandhi alongside an exhibition and a clock tower.
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