Tuesday, 06 October 2009 04:44

GirnarHill

About:

Girnar is one of the holiest places in Gujarat, situated near Junagadh at a distance of 327 from Ahmedabad. It is a holy place and an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Jains. There are a number of temples located here, which have converted it into a township of temples. Amidst the lush green Gir Forest, the mountain range serves as the hub of religious activity. Apart from this, there is a mosque attracting many Muslim pilgrims to the place. This has made Girnar a perfect example of unity in diversity in India.

 

The tallest of these rises to 945 meters (3600 feet), the highest peak in Gujarat. The first peak of Girnar has a collection of Digambar and Shwetamber temples. The Shwetambar temples are more intricately carved but are more modern in terms of history. A sturdy stone path — a pilgrimage route for both Hindus and Jains — climbs from peak to peak. It is claimed that there are exactly 9,999 steps from the trailhead to the last temple on the highest peak, but the actual number is roughly 8,000.

Girnar is dotted with numerous beautifully carved ancient Jain temples. There is a rock at the foot of the hill, bearing an inscription of Ashoka (2nd century BC). It also sports two other inscriptions, which date back to 150 and 455 AD. Girnar is also famous for the Kathiawadi culture. Girnar, a scenic mountain range which rises to 3660 ft above the sea level, is the highest peak in Gujarat. Situated on the outskirts of Junagadh, it is also one of the most sacred pilgrimage centers for the Jain community in the state. Girnar Hill is also home to the lions in India and is 5 km east of Junagadh.

Taking a tour to Girnar Hill is one of the most reputed excursions from Junagadh. This hill is one of the commonly visited sites from Junagadh as a number of important temples are located on this hill.The devotees of Hinduism and Jainism frequently visit these temples as they are considered very sacred. To reach the peak of the Girnar Hill of Junagadh, one has to climb as many as 10,000 steps. If the tourists do not want to climb these stairs, then they can opt for the rope chairs. These rope chairs are meant to carry two persons at a time.



While approaching the top of the Girnar Hill in Junagadh, the temples that the tourists first come by are five temples of Jainism. Of these five temples, the biggest as well as the 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.

Location info:

Address:GirnarHill,Junagadh,Gujarat,India
District: Junagadh
Nearest City: Juinagadh
Langauge: Gujarati,Hindi,English
Best time to visit: October to March

Climate/Weather:

Summers 23°- 44°C. Winters 10°-36°C

History:

The summit has been an important religious place since the 3rd century. Girnar temples present a true blend of art, religion and devotion. The sculptural art used in these temples is outstanding. They have stood the test the time and the cruelty of various invaders. Despite that, the art forms of the temples still retain their magnificence. The Jain temples at Girnar attract devotees of both Shwetambar and Digambar sects of Jainism. The Neminath Temple at first peak is one of the main attraction of Girnar. It was built during 1128 AD to 1159 AD.

Interesting things to do:

Interesting things to Visit:

Uparkot:
This very old fort, from which the city derives its name, stands on the eastern side of Junagarh and is said to have been built in 319BC by Chandragupta. Through the centuries it has survived, the fort has been rebuilt and extended over and over again. The outer walls measure nearly 20m high and an ornate triple gateway here forms the main entrance.The fort has had a long and bloody history. It was besieged 16 times, was completely abandoned between the 7th and 10th centuries till it was rediscovered completely overgrown by jungle.

 

Ashokan Edicts:
As you wind your way towards Girnar Hill you'll pass a small roadside building that houses the huge boulder on which King Ashoka had 14 edicts inscribed in Pali script. These edicts are moral lectures laid down by a deeply religious king who had embraced Buddhism after much war and bloodshed. The boulder has some Sanskrit inscrptions ordered by later kings. These mostly pertain to matters of the kingdom.

Durbar Hall Museum:
This museum has the usual display of weapons and armour from the days of the nawabs, with their collections of silver chains and chandeliars, settees and thrones, howdahs and palanquins, and a few cushions and gowns, as well as a huge carpet which was woven in Junagadh's jail. There is a portrait gallery of the nawabs and local petty princes, including photos of the last nawab with his various beloved dogs.

Junagarh Zoo:
Set up by the nawabs of Junagarh to save the lion from extinction, the zoo was established in 1863. It is home to many lions, tigers and leopards - kids find it particularly fascinating.Don't miss the museum at the zoo if you are interested in paintings, old manuscripts, archaeological exhbits, natural history and lots more.

Mahabat Maqbara:
The etymological meaning of Junagadh is "old Fort". It is located in the state of Gujarat in the laps of the sacred hills of Girnar in Saurashtra. Amongst the various forts and monuments in Junagadh, one of the major Tourist attractions in Junagadh, the Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh is an exquisite exhibition of the nineteenth century art and architecture.

The city of Junagadh can boast of some beautiful ancient mausoleum erected by the Nawabs of Junagadh in the 18th century in the area around Chitkana Chowk. These mausoleum are charming in their own way, with nicely designed arches, vertical columns, and intricate stone carvings. However, the mausoleum built later; or rather the newer ones are more attractive and lure a greater number of tourists who floch to this place every year. Started in 1878 by Mahabat Khanji and completed in the year 1892 by his successor, Bahadur Kanji, the Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh houses the tombs of Mahabat Khan, Baha-ud-din, minister of Nawab Rasul Khanji.

Bhavnath Mahadev Temple:
Located at the foot hills of the Girnar Hills, the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple is one of the foremost Holy Places in Junagadh. Nothing much is known about its precise origin but there is no scope of doubt about its historicity. It has stood their since ancient times. Visited by religious minded devotees all along the year, it is however best known for being the venue of the famous Bhavnath Fair.Held in the month of Magha as per the Hindu calendar (roughly coincides with January/February) this fair is the meeting point of a large number of people and is celebrated with a great deal of mirth and good cheer. It continues for five days. Events include performances put up by folk singers and dancers. One of the most striking features of this fair hosted at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple is the active participation of the Naga Bavas.

Gorakhnath Temple:
Tourists coming to Junagadh would be captivated by its various museums, temples and forts. In the category of the Holy Places in Junagadh, the Temple of Gorakhnath, Junagadh merits a special mention. As buses ply regularly between Junagadh and other key locations of the State of Gujarat, you would be able to reach this temple without any trouble.Junagadh Temple of Gorakhnath is positioned at the Girnar Hill in the district of Junagadh, Gujarat. Girnar Hill lies about 5 kms to the east of Junagadh. The presiding deity at this temple is Lord Gorakhnath. In the vicinity of this beautiful temple, you would get the chance to see several other Hindu temples along with a number of Jain temples.

Neminath Temple:
Junagadh has a lot to offer to the tourists by way of its temples, museums and forts. Amongst the Holy Places in Junagadh, a significant name is that of the Temple of Neminath, Junagadh. As this temple is well linked to other places of Gujarat via frequent bus services, you can reach here sans difficulty.The construction of this temple began in 1128 AD and was finished in 1159 AD. Two brothers, Vastupal and Tejpal, were the brain behind the construction of Neminath Temple. It was this duo who is also held in high esteem for Mount Abu's Dilwara temples, a marvelous piece of architecture.

This rectangular temple is devoted to Neminath, the famous 22nd Tirthankar of Jainism. The Junagadh Temple of Neminath houses a deity of Lord Neminath. This presiding deity dwells in lotus along with a conch. Carved in black stone, Lord Neminath presents an awe inspiring sight.

Amba Mata Temple:
Tourists coming to Junagadh would be fascinated by its picturesque setting. The religious places and historical monuments of Junagadh attract many travelers from every nook and corner of the world. In the register of the Holy Places in Junagadh, the Temple of Amba Mata, Junagadh stands out and merits a special mention. Owing to buses that ply frequently between Junagadh and other chief locations of Gujarat, you can reach the Junagadh Temple of Amba Mata without any trouble.Junagadh Temple of Amba Mata is positioned on top of the Girnar Hill that's 600 meter in height. The presiding deity at this Hindu temple is Goddess Amba, an incarnation of the mother Goddess. Every year, thousand of pilgrims come to this temple to offer their prayers and seek divine blessings. This temple is especially a place frequented by the newly married couples who arrive at this place to be blessed by the Goddess. It is believed that the blessings of Goddess Amba would ensure eternal conjugal bliss for the couple.

Mallinath Temple:
Tourists coming to Junagadh would be enchanted by its numerous temples, forts and museums. Amongst the Holy Places in Junagadh, the Temple of Mallinath, Junagadh deserves a special mention. As Junagadh is well linked to other key locations of Gujarat via regular bus services, reaching this temple would not pose any problem.The credit of the construction of Temple of Mallinath, Junagadh, Gujarat, India goes to two brothers named Vastupal and Tejpal. Junagadh Temple of Mallinath was erected in 1177 by this duo.

Actually the Junagadh Temple of Mallinath is a triple temple. The exteriors of this temple are exquisitely carved and present a stunning sight to behold. At this temple, you would be able to get a captivating insight into Jain religious rituals. Akin to a Hindu temple, pilgrims at this place also offer leaves, fruit, flowers, vermilion, sandalwood paste and grains to the deity, amidst ringing of the bells and chanting of mantras. Once the pooja gets over, these devotees adorn their foreheads with liberal daubs of vermilion as well as sandalwood paste. A generous amount of money is also offered for the upkeep of the shrine.Like the Hindus, the Jains too have a complex ceremony of ablutions prior to the pooja. The men at Junagadh Temple of Mallinath are needed to wear unstitched clothes while offering their respect to the deity. However, the women are permitted in their normal clothes.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:Junagadh railway Station
Nearest Airport:Rajkot at 102km,Connected Mumbai,International airport
Road Transport:State Transport buses and private luxury coaches connect various centres of Gujarat. It is situated 393 kilometres from Ahemdabad, connected by State Transport buses.

Nearest Visiting places:

Somnath:
Ituated 79 kms from Junagadh and 25 kms. from Chorwad, is the legendary shore temple of Somnath, one of the twelve most sacred Shiva shrines in India.Legend has it that the Somnath Temple was originally built out of gold by Somraj, the moon god. Then, it was rebuilt by Ravana in silver and then again by Krishna in wood and yet again by King Bhimdev Solanki in stone in the 10th century. The temple was so rich that it had over 300 musicians, 500 dancing girls and even 300 barbers - just to shave the heads of pilgrims!

 

Mahmud of Ghazni, upon hearing the description of the temple by an Arab traveler by the name Al Biruni, raided the temple in 1024 A.D. and after looting it, carried away camel loads of jewels and gold. Somnath was destroyed six times and rebuilt on every occasion. The temple contains one of the twelve sacred Shiva shrines known as Jyotirlingas.

Ahmedpur Mandvi:
Set amidst virgin beaches Ahmedpur Mandvi's main attraction is the seaside resort, a renovated palace of the Nawab. A few kms. away is a sun kissed beach, offering a safe haven for swimming and water sport facilities.

Chorwad:
It is 66kms. from Junagarh and 23kms. from the fishing centre of Veraval. It is a holiday resort with an isolated beach and is away from bazaars, crowds etc. The sea here is not always calm but the pleasant climate invites a host of tourists every year. Chorwad is perfect for long beach walks and a quiet holiday.

Madhavpur Beach:
A visit to Indian Beach Tours, offers an informative insight into the Madhavpur Beach, situated in Gujarat, in India. Madhavpur Beach, situated in Gujarat, India, is home to the name of Madhav Raoji, and this place finds a mention in the Hindu scriptures, too. The temple of Madhav Raoji is a cynosure of all eyes along with the Madhavpur Beach, in this small town. Old sayings point to the fact that that Lord Krishna got married to Rukmini at Madhavpur Beach.

The Gir National Park:
The Gir National Park, was established on 18th September, 1965, as a Forest Reserve, primarily to conserve the Asiatic lion. The total area under national park status is about 2,450 hectares. It is located in the Junagadh District of Gujarat, about 65 km south-east of Junagadh city, and 90 km east of Keshod Airport, in the Kathiawar (Saurashtra) Peninsula. Sasan, with a forest rest-house, is the headquarters of the sanctuary.The Gir is a mixed deciduous type of forest with teak, ber, flame of the forest, jamun, a variety of acacia, particularly babul. It is a hilly tract with plenty of rivers, and offers the visitor long pleasant drives, through the thick forest cover.

Delvada:
It is a small town located on the Arabian coast, the main attraction here is the Shri delvada teerth, Shri Una teerth dedicated to Shri Adinath Bhagavan is situated 6km north in Una. The gorgeous Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach is also nearby for the tourist to relax.

Kamleshwar Dam:
Situated at the middle of Sasan Gir wildlife sanctuary by 10 km of distance, this dam is the major reservoir in this Sasan area built on the Hiran River. The dam is a crocodile breeding farm and the home for birds too…

Sutrapada:
The major attraction here is the Sun temple that carries values from 8th century as the fundamental form of northern shikhara.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Petrol Pump:Junagadh,Gujarat,India

 

HP Petrol Pump:Junagadh,Gujarat,India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Shree Paramount:Kalva Chowk,Junagadh,Gujarat,India,Ph:0285 2623983

 

The Lotus Hotel:Ground floor,Junagadh,Gujarat,India,Ph:0285 2658500

Hotel Shikhar Palace:Shikhar Complex,Jayshree Road, Kalwa Chowk,Junagadh,Gujarat,India,Ph:0285 2626596

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:100
Nearest Hospital:
Society/Community Phone Number:
Link:www.mapsofindia.com

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Dynamic View

Somnath Temple
Somnath of Prabhas Pattana, situated on the southern coast of Saurastra, in the province of Sorath, now known as Jungadh in the state of Gujarat, holds the prestigious temple of Sri Someshwar, which is supposed to have witnessed the dawn of time. The present temple is an imposing structure: its imposing exterior is adorned with marvellous sculpture; it has a grand sabha mandap in front; its shikhara measures 155 feet. The jyotirlinga installed on the Brahmasila is about four feet in height and is adorned with spectacular sandal paste decorations, a novelty here. There are hundreds of priests in the service of the Lord, attending to His needs, round the clock....more
Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach
Mandvi is one of the finest beaches on the Gujarat shoreline. The beach is white and firm, ideal for walks, and the water perfect for swimming. Seemingly unending, with sands ideal for astle building by kids, and shallow waters for a wading, this is a great spot for a family holiday. A variety of water sports like water scooters, skiing, surfing, para sailing, speed boat trips are on offer. Cottage Resort Magico Do Mar is one of the highlight of this beach offering air-conditioned rooms, pleasant lawns, palm groves. The resort bungalow facing garden towards sea offers wonderful sight which should not be missed.When you've had enough of lazing in the sun and are ready for some action and fun, you can participate in any of the numerous beach activities offered on the beautiful Indian beaches!For instance, you could indulge in any of the exciting water sports such as surfing or parasailing, or go swimming in the clear blue sea, or even try your hand at building a sand castle or playing a game of beach volleyball...more
Chorwad Beach
A visit to Chorwad Beach in Gujarat, India, offers ample of opportunity to the tourists to know about the ins and outs of the Chorwad Beach in Gujarat, India. Chorwad Beach in Gujarat, India is yet another beautiful and scenic spot which if marketed well can figure high in the itinerary of the domestic and international tourists. Chorwad Beach is an interesting and alluring amalgamation of rocky crags and bowlderish seafront along with jaunty boat rides across the Chorwad seafront and to cap it all with opportunities to visit Porbandar and Somnath and other nearby beach destinations and other travel destinations worth their salt in terms of beauty and ambience....more
Madhavpur Beach
Madhavpur is a small town located 60 kms southwest of historic town Porbandar. Madhvapur Beach is one of the beautiful sandy beaches in Gujarat. Beautiful sandy beaches lined here with coconut trees.It is believed that Lord Krishna had married Rukmini in Madhavpur. The Legend is kept alive by holding a fair on Chaitra Sud 12 every year. There is also a Bethak of Mahaprabhuji as Shri Vallabhachrya who had given discourse on Shrimad Bhagwat for seven days here.Madhavpur beach, which made news recently for Tropex-2009 military exercise, has another claim to fame. It is home to a two-decade long conservation project of Green Sea and Olive Ridley turtles: both endangered marine species included in Schedule-1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.According to the Forest department, over 10,000 baby turtles have been safely released in the Arabian Sea this year.Ever since the conservation work began nearly 20 years ago, around 2 lakh baby turtles have been released into the sea.....more
Uperkot Fort
The state of Gujarat boasts of a number of historical Forts and monuments in Junagadh. Built and rebuilt repeatedly the Uperkot Fort, Junagadh one of the two fortifications of the city, has of late become one of the main Tourist attractions in Junagadh. Adding to the advantage of the fort being less thronged has helped it retain the ethnicity without losing any bit of its charm.The fort has many interesting exhibits like the two guns placed on the western wall and believed to have been cast in Egypt. The bigger one is called the Nilamtope and the other one is known as Kadanal. In and around the fort one can find several Buddhist caves...more

 

Mahabat Maqbara
The Mahabat Maqbara in a Junagadh city,The etymological meaning of Junagadh is "old Fort". It is located in the state of Gujarat in the laps of the sacred hills of Girnar in Saurashtra. Amongst the various forts and monuments in Junagadh, one of the major Tourist attractions in Junagadh, the Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh is an exquisite exhibition of the nineteenth century art and architecture.The yellow mausoleum, Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh, is a masterpiece of it own kind. The uniqueness of the affluence of silver at the portals teemed with intricate carvings and the winding staircase encircling the four minarets attract a lot of tourists to its site.....more
Ashokan Edicts
Ashokan Rock edicts are situated at Lat. 210 31 N; Long 700 28 E. The Rock edicts of Emperor Ashokan were engraved on a granite boulder on the slope of Girinagara or Urjayata Hill. On the eastern face of it was engraved 14 Rock edicts by Ashoka and later epigraphs of Mahakshatrapa Rudradaman I and Skandagupta were also recorded on it, the Rock edict was first reported by James Todd in 1822. The other two epigraphs have a common purpose, which was recording the history of the breaking of dams of Sudarshan Lake occurring because of the turbulent storm waters of river Suvarna Sikta and Palasini rushing down the hill slopes.....more
Darbar Hall Museum
Located in the historic city of Junagarh in Gujarat, the Durbar Hall Museum is one of the most famous tourist attractions of Gujarat. The beautiful Durbar Hall was used as durbar (court) of the erstwhile Nawabs of Junagadh. The Durbar Hall has many interesting sections like Picture Gallery, Palanquin, Textile and Arms Gallery.The Durbar Hall Museum displays exciting collections of weapons and armor, belonging to the period of the Junagarh Nawabs along with other interesting curios and artifacts. The Museum also displays silver chains, chandeliers, settees, thrones, palanquins, howdahs, cushions, gowns and a large carpet that was woven in the Junagarh jail....more
Zoo Museum-Junagadh
Junagadh Zoo is famous around the world for the Asiatic Lions it boasts of. The zoo is also known as Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden. A trip to Junagadh would remain incomplete without a visit to the Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden.The Junagadh Zoo was built in 1863 by the then Nawab. Incidentally, the zoo is the oldest one in Gujarat. He had set up this zoo in order to save the Asiatic Lion from extinction. Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden is located at around 3.5 km from the center of the city. The zoo is open on all days of the week from 9 in the morning to 6 in the evening. Entry fee to this zoo is Rs 3. Junagadh Zoo is home to 71 species of animals. According to latest reports, there are around 850 animals in the zoo.....more
Bhavnath Fair
A visit to Tourism of Gujarat, offers a golden opportunity to the tourist to undertake a tour across Gujarat and also to the bright and charming Bhavnath fair, being celebrated in Gujarat, India. Tourism of Gujarat, offers travel related information that Bhavnath fair in Gujarat, India, is home to a multitude of tourists and devotees who throng the location to be part of the mammoth experience. Bhavnath Fair, in Gujarat, India, is held in Junagadh, annually, with the fair coinciding with the grandiose and very famous festival of Shivratri, being celebrated in the same month as the Bhavnath fair of Junagadh, in Gujarat, India. Bhavnath fair, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and a lot of revelry goes on in the Shiva temples and along with that the temples are visited by Naga Sadhus, and watching them is a novel and enigmatic experience....more
Madhavpur Fair
A visit to Tourism of Gujarat, takes the interested tourist on a journey across the length and breadth of Gujarat, situated in India, so that a selective screening of the charms of Madhavpur fair can take place. Tourism of Gujarat, offers travel related information about the grand and colorful Madhavpur Fair, in Gujarat, India. Madhavpur Fair being held in Gujarat, India, is actually held in Madhavpur which is a small town located near the legendary and historic town of Porbandar, situated in Gujarat, India.
Madhavpur, situated in Gujarat, India, otherwise is a sleepy, silent town, which comes to life when the stirrings of the grand Madhavpur Fair, being held in Madhavpur, Gujarat, India, wake it up from its deep slumber.....more
Jamvada waterfall
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Gira Waterfall
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Gir Forest National Park
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Bhadar river
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