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Girnar Hills, the highest peak in the Junagadh district of Gujarat doesn’t require any formal introduction. Geologically it comprises igneous rocks older than the mighty Himalayas (the age of the Himalayas is estimated to be between 40 to 50 million years). Girnar is mentioned in many Puranas. Guru Dattatreya is the well-known Guru of Lord Parashurama. The era of Lord Parashurama occurred before that of Lord Rama; therefore, these and many other similar references indicate that this Temple is ancient, very sacred, and well known.
Mount Girnar is one of the holiest of the holies for Hindu ascetics, Jains, and Muslims. With the very famous Juna akhada of sadhus at its base, many sadhaks (spiritual practitioners) and advanced souls have laid their lives to rest on the mountain, most notably, the Jain Tirthankara Neminath, adding to its sanctity. It is home to a beautiful Jain temple complex on a small plateau, followed by the Amba Mata temple on one of the tunks (peak). Then there are steps rising and descending to the Gorakhnath shrine. There is also a spot venerated as the place of the Pir, sacred to Muslims.
Girnar Hill is the abode of Lord Dattatreya, who, according to tradition, performed penance at the top of the hill for over 12,000 years. One has to climb 9,999 steps to have Datta paduka darshan (holy feet imprints of Lord Dattatreya). The highest peak of the entire range is almost 1000 meters above ground level. The peak stands erect and tall, with a temple of Lord Dattatreya at its highest point (THE SIKHARA).
The journey to the Dattatreya Padukas is said to be made light by just two chants ‘Jai Girinaari‘ and ‘Digambara Digambara Sripadavallabha Digambara… ‘
Digambara – meaning and essence
Avadhutas are by nature Digambaras (literally means ‘sky-clad,’ i.e., naked) both externally and internally. They have gone beyond the emptiness or nothingness and hence are paradoxically ‘clad’ by it. They know the ‘full’ or ‘perfect’ because they know the ‘nothingness’ or the ‘digambara state.’
The moment one is open to elements, the moment one remains the same in all forms and states, whether in happiness, sadness, anger, fear, hatred, jealousy, etc., one is in the Digambar state. It means purity beyond purity. Can empty space be called pure or impure? Purity and impurity come with a form. Once beyond that form, there is no more a question of purity or impurity! Thus Digambara is a heralding of such a state. This is the quantum meaning implied in this pithy chant.
The very appearance of the mountain symbolizes that A GURU IS ALWAYS ON TOP OF THE WORLD. Lord Dattatreya is the ADI GURU or THE SUPREME POWER. Therefore, his Lotus feet are imprinted on the highest peak of the tallest mountain, more ancient than the Himalayas.
Another great symbolism of Mount Girnar is that TO REACH AND HAVE DARSHAN OF HIS HOLY FOOTPRINTS, and ONE SHOULD HAVE LOT OF DETERMINATION, DEDICATION, SURRENDER AND UTMOST FAITH IN THE LORD. One should follow the same path as his Guru in the same direction. Then only will we reach our goal.
Key Festival:
The main annual event for Hindus is the Maha Shivaratri fair held every year on the 14th day of the Hindu calendar month of Magha. At least one million pilgrims visit the fair to participate in the pooja and parikrama of Girnar hill. The procession begins at the ancient Bhavnath Mahadev Temple at Bhavnath. It then proceeds to various akharas of various sadhus sects, which have been in Girnar hill from ancient times. The procession of sadhus and pilgrims ends again at Bhavnath temple after visiting Madhi, Malavela, and Bara Devi temple. The fair begins with the hoisting of fifty-two dhwaja [banners] at Bhavnath Mahadev temple. This fair is the backbone of the economy of Junagadh, as more than one million pilgrims who visit the fair generate a revenue of 250 million rupees in only five days.
Important Temples in Girnar:
The first temples one encounters are located at 7000 steps; they are the five temples of Jainism. Of these five temples, the biggest and oldest one was established to pay homage to the 22nd Jain Tirthankar. The temple meant for the worship of Amba Mata is also quite popular. Photography is strictly prohibited in the temple complex, but as one ascends higher, one will get a splendid view of all the temples, and the view of the land below is simply breath-taking.
SURPRISING FACT: Do You know? There are 866 Hindu & Jain temples around the five peaks of Girnar, Junagadh.
Sri Ambaji Temple:
This is one of the 51 Shakti peethas [shrines]. Tradition holds that the stomach of the Devi had fallen here. The temple is on the top of one mountain in the Girnar Mountains called Ambaji Shikhar. The temple is situated at a height of 3664 feet.
Gorakhnath Temple:
The shrine of Gorkhnath, who is revered highly in the Nath sampradaya of Hinduism, is at the highest point of Gujarat, the fourth tonk (peak). A ‘dhuni’ lit by him also lies in the vicinity. Devotees also can spot his footprints here.
Bhavnath Mahadev Temple
This temple, located on the hills of Girnar, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Naked sadhus, also known as ‘Aghoris’ come here to celebrate Shivratri. They believe that Lord Shiva himself visits this place during Shivratri. The Shiva Linga of the temple is said to have emerged on its own.
Neminath temple
This temple is dedicated to Bhagavan Neminath, the 22nd Jain Tirthankar. It is one of the largest temples at Girnar. It is believed that Lord Neminath has attained salvation or Nirvana here. Tradition holds that Nemanath meditated for 400 years and passed away at this sight. Inside the temple, one can see the black granite idol of Lord Neminath with jeweled eyes.
Mallinath Temple
The Mallinath Temple is one of the most visited temples at Girnar. It is found near the Tirthankara Neminath temple on the hills of Girnar. The temple has a beautiful blue idol of Lord Mallinath, the 19th Tirthankar of the Jains. Brothers Vasthupal and Tejapal built the temple.
Kamandal Kund:
Absorbed in deep meditation, with matted hair, his body smeared with sacred ash, and always surrounded by four dogs, the Supreme Yogi Lord Dattatreya – whom only highly evolved and qualified devotees can know – permanently resides at Kamandal Kund. He meditates here. The story goes that, after receiving permission from his parents, Lord Dattatreya left home to meditate. Traveling from place to place, he came to Mount Girnar, which at that time was inundated with water. Sensing this, He threw his calabash with full force on the black rocks of Mount Girnar. The rocks cracked on impact, and out flowed Mother Ganga.
Mother Ganga was pleased and told Dattatreya that her flow would continue for the welfare of devotees – This place is ‘Kamandal Kund’. On the rocks of Mount Girnar, these signs can still be seen. After that, Dattatreya kindled Holy Fire, which keeps on lighting even today for the welfare of all living beings.
Every Monday, this holy place is opened, sacred ash above the Holy Fire is removed, and till 9 am in the morning, devotees can have darshan of this Holy Fire. After traditional worship, it is again covered by sacred ash. Every evening an Aarti [devotional waving of lit lamps] is performed at this place.
HOW TO APPROACH
Climbing a small mount is one story; climbing a full-sized mountain is quite another. It requires a good deal of physical strength and stamina (no prizes for guessing this one), plus a good amount of zeal and determination. Good company is recommended, though not mandatory. The walk to the peak of Girnar should always be attempted early in the morning, well before sunrise, since the weather is pleasant and the climb much more comfortable. Climbing the 10,000 steps is no easy task and takes a fit person about four to five hours to complete.
When going to Girnar for Paduka Darshan, one is allowed to seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman [known for his phenomenal strength] very near to the starting point. It is highly recommended to wear good sandals or shoes (sports sandals are best) for walking and practice walking on them for ten-fifteen days prior to the climb.
After about 1000 steps from Ambaji, there is a HUGE descent of about 1500 steps before you resume the climb again. This might come as a huge surprise to people who were expecting a straight climb to the top since you are descending the side of one mountain and climbing up on another mountain before reaching the very top.
This descent might come as a relief if you are tired, but one needs to CLIMB BACK UP to return to the base.
1st Summit: The 1st summit is reached after climbing 4500 steps, on which is a group of Jain temples (Shwetamber and Digambar). These are a fine example in terms of architecture, portraying carvings on the temple structures.
2nd Summit: After climbing 1000 steps from the Jain temples is another famous temple called AMBAJI TEMPLE.
Right at the entry to the Ambaji Temple, there is a marker on the steps that indicates 4868 steps from the start. This temple was constructed during the Gupta dynasty, and reference to this temple is found in the books written in the seventh century. The temple of Amba Mata (the Mother Goddess) is visited by Hindus, Jains, and newlyweds seeking blessings for a happy marriage. While reaching the summit of AMBAJI TEMPLE, one can see the Gaumukhi Ganga.
3rd Summit: In the southern direction from `Ambaji’ temple, another peak is known as the `Guru Gorakhnath’ peak. This is the highest peak of Girnar Hill, where we find the Dhuna (Fireplace) of Gorkhnathji, the famous and renowned saint of Nath Sampradaya. One needs to get down around 1500 steps FROM AMBAJI PEAK and then climb 500 steep steps to reach the Guru Gorakhnath Summit. There have been nine Siddhas in the Nath cult; the foremost of them is Shri Gorakh Nath, who was a highly accomplished yogi. Tradition holds that this is the site where Shri Gorakh Nath practiced ascetic austerities; his fireplace (Dhuna) is even present today.
4th Summit: The most strenuous part of the pathway begins from Kamandal Kund, leading to the ultimate peak where the temple of Lord Dattatreya’s lotus feet is present. To reach the peak, one has to travel towards the south of Kamandal Kund and climb steep steps. The temple is a very small place where one can have darshan for only a fraction of minutes and then have to start immediately downward. The Mountain itself is considered a sacred place and is highly regarded by Sadhus all over, including Naga Sadhus (naked sadhus) from the Himalayas, and Aghoras.
Tips for Girnar climbing:
WARNING: Stick to the steps! There are numerous paths, so make sure to stick to the main steps because there are numerous stories of people getting lost because they felt that certain paths were sure shortcuts.
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