Mount Girnar is a collection of mountains that forms a part of the Junagadh region of Gujarat. Its highest peak is 945 meters high.
The temples in this range are beautifully carved and it is a popular pilgrimage destination among both Jain and Hindu devotees.
Climbing up the mountain to see these beautifully carved stone temples is a very rewarding experience. But it is important to take adequate precautions before you head out to Girnar.
What is the story of Girnar mountain?
Mount girnar is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for Hindus and Jains. It is an ancient hill standing tall at 3672 feet in Junagadh and covered with 866 Hindu and Jain temples spread across its summits.
Pilgrims climb almost 8000 steps to reach the top of the mountain, and it is believed that if they do so barefoot, they will achieve heaven. It has a unique history and attracts thousands of people every year.
The mountain is also famous for its five toonks – the first toonk showcases the Gaumukhi Ganga spring, the second toonk has an Ambika Devi temple and the third toonk shows Muni Anirudhhkumat footprints.
Another popular site for the Hindus is Dattatreya Paduka, an ancient temple built on 9,999 steps of the hill. The temple is regarded as the most revered site for Hindus.
Which is the best time to visit Girnar?
Mount Girnar is an ancient hill that stands 3672 feet tall and is covered with 866 Hindu and Jain temples. The peak is also home to the Dattatreya Temple, which is considered to be a holy shrine by Hindus.
The best time to visit Girnar is during winter when it’s cool and comfortable and the trek to its summit is possible. It’s also the best time to trek through its scenic landscape.
As one hikes up the mountain, there are a number of waiting areas and water points along with devasthans (prayer places) on the way. It’s also a good idea to take frequent breaks from hiking.
The trek to the top of Girnar starts from the base of the mountain and continues up the rocky path. Travelers will come across various temples on the way. These include the Bhavnath Temple, where ‘naked sadhus’ come to celebrate Shivratri. Moreover, there are a few Jain temples that travelers can visit on the way.
Which God is in Girnar?
Mount Girnar is one of the oldest mountain ranges in India and is considered to be much older than the Himalayas. It is a major pilgrimage site for Jains and Hindus, with a variety of temples and historical sites across its peaks, all surrounded by lush green flora and fauna.
The hill is sacred to Jains as it is said to be the place where Jain Tirthankar Lord Neminath attained nirvana. In addition, it is believed that the next 24 Tirthankars will attain nirvana at Girnar in the future.
Besides, the mountain is also associated with a number of legends and folk tales. According to traditional history, sages have been performing tapa here for thousands of years and it is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for Hindus.
A group of 866 Hindu and Jain temples are spread over the peaks of this holy mountain. Pilgrims climb 8000 steps to reach the top.
Which is highest peak of Girnar?
Mount Girnar is one of the most famous Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. It is known for its five major peaks, including Gorakhnath Peak at 1116 meters above sea level and Ambaji Temple. It also houses a number of Hindu and Jain temples.
This ancient hill is spread with 866 Hindu and Jain temples, which are spread over its five peaks. A sturdy stone path, a pilgrimage route for Hindus and Jains, climbs from one summit to another.
After climbing 4000 steps, one will reach a plateau with a Jain temple complex. Further up, there are more Hindu temples.
The 22nd Tirthankar Neminath Swami, a Jain monk, practiced severe penance here and reached the highest state of enlightenment. The rectangular Neminath Temple is considered to be the most sacred temple here.
What is the price of ticket of Girnar ropeway?
The ropeway has been designed and constructed at a cost of Rs 130 crore by Usha Breco Limited. It is India’s largest passenger cable car project in Asia and will make it easy for 5-6 lakh people to visit the mountain every year.
It will cover a distance of 2.3 km (2126.4 meters) in 7.5 minutes. There will be 25 glass-floored trolleys that will travel from a starting point to the Ambaji temple and back.
The ticket prices for the two-way ride are INR 700 per adult and INR 350 for kids from 5 to 10 years. There is also a one-way ride option for INR 400.
How far is somnath from girnar ropeway?
The shortest distance between Somnath and Girnar is about 92 kms or 57.2 miles. It takes around 1.45 hours to reach Girnar from Somnath.
There are many ways to travel from Somnath to Girnar, but the most popular option is by bus. There are several bus operators offering gsrtc buses from Somnath to Girnar at budget fares.
Girnar ropeway is a cable car project in Junagadh, Gujarat. The 230-km-long cable car was first proposed in 1983 but it was later delayed due to approval delays and litigation.
It is managed by Usha Breco Ltd., on BOT (build-operate-transfer) basis. The project is located within the Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, so it was granted wildlife clearance by the National Board for Wildlife in 2011 and environmental clearance in 2016.
