Keeping up the delicate balance between the fine golden-brown sand of Gujarat’s richest desert on one hand, and the lush green of the Gir Forest on the other - Girnar - a group of mountains in the Junagadh district of Gujarat are a haven for thrill seekers and religious devotees alike due to their ability to be both - a hub for religious activity and also a retreat for trekkers, because of the hills that lead up to splendid views.
An important pilgrimage site, Girnar hills are flocked daily by many devotees. While the summit of the Datar Peak is held sacred by both Hindus and Muslims, temples like the Neminath temple and the Meravasi temple are sacred to the Jain community. Another major highlight of this place is the Girnar Parikrama Festival and the Bhavnath Fair between the
Mythology related to Girnar
Girnar Mountains are older than the Himalayas and are believed to be sacred since ancient times. It is a very religious place for Shiv devotees and many Sadhu baba, Nath Sect and different Jain Tirthankaras reside in these mountains. It is believed that these mountains were also the residence of Dattatreya. This place is also believed to be the death place of Yavana warrior Kalayavana.
The legend goes that in the caves of Girnar Mountain one of the forefathers of Lord Rama was sleeping. He was a great king of Tretayug, Muchukunda. He had helped Devtas to win an epic war against Asuras. After winning it he got a boon that anyone who disturbed or broke his sleep would turn be burned down to ashes. So, he went and slept in the caves or Girnar Mountains. In Dwaparyug Lord Krishna knew about this. He lured Kalayavana into this cave and Lord Krishna hid. Kalayavana unknowingly disturbed Muchukunda and was burned down to ashes. Also, it is said that Pavhari Baba, who has influenced the life of Swami Vivekananda, had initiated the practice of yoga on this mountain.
The legend goes that in the caves of Girnar Mountain one of the forefathers of Lord Rama was sleeping. He was a great king of Tretayug, Muchukunda. He had helped Devtas to win an epic war against Asuras. After winning it he got a boon that anyone who disturbed or broke his sleep would turn be burned down to ashes. So, he went and slept in the caves or Girnar Mountains. In Dwaparyug Lord Krishna knew about this. He lured Kalayavana into this cave and Lord Krishna hid. Kalayavana unknowingly disturbed Muchukunda and was burned down to ashes. Also, it is said that Pavhari Baba, who has influenced the life of Swami Vivekananda, had initiated the practice of yoga on this mountain.
Trekking in Girnar
The most affordable and efficient way to get to the foot of the Girnar hill is to take a tuk-tuk or an 8-passenger seating vehicle that starts carrying passengers and travellers, right from early in the morning or to take the auto-rickshaws that run across the lengths and breadths of the town, but can be a little expensive. One will have to climb approximately 10,000 steps in order to reach the peak of the hill from its foot. Services like palki and rope chair are available for those who find it difficult to walk as many steps and are priced according to one’s weight. An official board has the price and weight ratio listed down, to avoid confusion and over-charging. During the initial few thousand steps, stalls are located on either side of the steps to provide basic amenities like water and food. After every 2500 steps or so, resting places (i.e Dharamshalas) have been constructed for the travellers to take rest in. The first few temples are Jain temples, the oldest one pays homage to the 22nd Jain Tirthankar - Neminath, followed by a temple of Amba Mata - which is popular amongst newly married couples. The final few thousand steps, lead to the last temple in the complex and a very few pilgrims are actually able to reach here. The area is surrounded by the presence and turnover of many sadhu babas of different sects like the Nath sect and the view from the peak is absolutely breathtaking!
Restaurants and Local Food in Girnar
While the area is brimming with natural beauty and spiritual and religious significance, it tends to be on the limited side in case of food options. There aren't any lavish or elaborate eating places. However local food joints provide decent food. Typically vegetarian, Gujarati Thali would consist of Roti or Rotlas, Dal or Kadhi, Rice and Vegetable Curries . Also sip into a refreshing glass of Lassi, Buttermilk or Chaas , while on you spiritual journey.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Girnar Pilgrimage: The steps for the pilgrimage begin at Domdar Kund which are near Domodar and Baldvji temples. You should gradually ascent the steps as the journey is long and you should not tire yourself. Many temples will cross your path amongst which Bhavnath is an important one to Lord Shiv’s devotees. Here Naked Sadhu comes to celebrate Shivratri. As you ascend you shall come across various other temples and small kunds. After climbing around 4000 steps you shall reach a plateau. There is a Jain temple complex over there. The view and the beauty of temples is truly satisfying for the soul. Again after further climbing 2000 steps, you shall reach Amba Maa Temple. It is visited by Hindus and Jains. Then an up and down trail will take you to the last point where there is the temple of Kalika. Aghora ascetics stay here and smear themselves with ashes. months of January and February every year - when Hindu and Jain devotees, gather here in huge numbers.
Many small wonders of historical significance can be found here, for instance: Ashoka’s Major Rock Edicts and the Junagarh rock inscription of Rudradaman, from many centuries ago. Being the highest point of Gujarat - Mt. Girnar stands at 1,031 metres (or 3,383 ft) and is symbolic of the rich history and heritage of the land. It is also of major importance and so is its base which is called the Girnar Taleti, which is just 4 kms east of the centre of Junagadh.
Many small wonders of historical significance can be found here, for instance: Ashoka’s Major Rock Edicts and the Junagarh rock inscription of Rudradaman, from many centuries ago. Being the highest point of Gujarat - Mt. Girnar stands at 1,031 metres (or 3,383 ft) and is symbolic of the rich history and heritage of the land. It is also of major importance and so is its base which is called the Girnar Taleti, which is just 4 kms east of the centre of Junagadh.
What is the best time to visit Girnar?
Famous for its temple and altitude, Girnar is the tallest peak in Gujarat with an elevation of 3600 ft above sea level. The sheer height of the place and the fact that it is located in Gujarat makes Winters (September - March) the best season to visit the temples in Girnar. These curious temples have been a point of fascination for many who visit here as well as a frequent spot for pilgrims who are looking to attain some salvation among the high mountains.
Weather in Girnar
Now
25°C
25°C
Upcoming Girnar Weather
Saturday
24-26°C
24-26°C
Sunday
24-28°C
24-28°C
Monday
25-26°C
25-26°C
Monthly Weather in Girnar
| Month | Avg. Minimum (°C) | Avg. Maximum (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 15 | 28 |
| February | 18 | 32 |
| March | 21 | 35 |
| April | 25 | 37 |
| May | 27 | 39 |
| June | 28 | 37 |
| July | 27 | 31 |
| August | 26 | 30 |
| September | 25 | 32 |
| October | 24 | 33 |
| November | 19 | 33 |
| December | 17 | 31 |
Girnar in Winter (October - March)
The Winter months from October to February makes it an ideal season to visit Girnar. It's the perfect weather for tourists and locals to trek up to the temples and witness their beauty up close. The pleasant temperature which lies somewhere between 20 degree Celsius to 28 degree Celsius is what makes the winter season a perfect time to trek up the numerous steps of temples as the cool weather offers some salvation from the strain of the trek.
Girnar in Monsoon (June to September)
The months of June to September make up the monsoon season for Girnar. These months are accompanied with an average amount of rainfall and an occasional thunderstorm that hits the town. Many tourists avoid the monsoon season for travelling to Girnar as the rain makes the route extremely risky. This is because there is a high risk of landslides that are a common occurrence in this area during the monsoon season.
Girnar in Summer (March - June)
Summers in Girnar can be very hot and humid. The temperature could go as high as 34 degree celcius making it a terrible companion while you climb peaks to visit the temples. Due to this reason, summers are typically avoided by tourists which makes the months from March to June an off-season. However, if you plan to visit Girnar in Summer, keep yourself hydrated.
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