Girnar Hill, Junagadh - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Girnar Hill

At a distance of 10 Km from Junagadh Junction, Girnar Hill is a sacred mountain situated in Junagadh, Gujarat. It is one of the popular Jain places of pilgrimage in Gujarat, and among the must-visit places as part of the Junagadh tour packages. Spread over an area of about 70 miles, Mount Girnar is older than the Himalayas and the Jain temples upon it are amongst the most ancient in the country. It has five principal peaks Ambaji, Gorakhnath, Guru Dattatreya, Oghad Ansuya and Kalika. Out of these, Gorakhnath is situated at an altitude of 3672 feet and is the highest point in Gujarat. For centuries, Mount Girnar has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Gujarat and indeed in all of Western India, with 866 Hindu and Jain temples spread over its 5 summits. For Jains, this place is considered holy as this is the Nirvana Kshetra of 22nd Tirthankara Neminath and for Hindus, this place is considered holy as Dattatreya stayed here.

History of Girnar Hill

Girnar is a significant mountain that has served as a sacred site for Hindus and Jains for many centuries. In ancient times, it was referred to as Raivata or Ujjayanta and has been a pilgrimage destination for Jains since before 250 BCE, as it is the site where the 22nd Tirthankara, Lord Neminatha, achieved Nirvana. Additionally, the mountain is linked to Shiva, who is believed to have performed his cosmic dance of destruction there. The 7th-century Chinese traveler Hsuan-tsang described Girnar as a location inhabited by 'supernatural rishis,' likely alluding to the Saivite Pashupata ascetics, as noted by his contemporary Banabhatta.

Mythology of Girnar Hill

In Jainism, it is believed that the 22nd Tirthankara, Neminath, abandoned all earthly desires upon witnessing the slaughter of animals for food on the day of his wedding. Seeking salvation, Neminath retreated to Mount Girnar, where he engaged in meditation and embraced a monastic lifestyle around 250 BCE. He is credited with achieving Keval Gyan, the ultimate knowledge, and Moksha, which signifies liberation from the perpetual cycle of birth and death. His spouse, Rajul, also chose to become a nun by renouncing worldly attachments. Additionally, Hindu tradition recounts that Dattatreya, the offspring of Atri Rishi and Sati Ansuya, undertook rigorous penance on Girnar for 24 years, thereby receiving the blessings of Lord Shiva, which contributed to the mountain's renown as a sacred site for Rishis and deities.

Things to do in Girnar Hill

Visitors will have to climb 10000 steps to reach the final summit of Girnar Hill. Trek to Girnar Hill starts from Girnar Talati, which is about 6 km from Junagadh Junction. While ascending the stone path that connects the temples along the 5 summits, one will pass temples of many different sects of Hinduism. After 4000 steps up and 800 steps before the first summit, one can come across a plateau with a complex of 16 Jain temples. The Neminath temple is the largest temple of the group and is the place where Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara, died after 700 years of ascetic meditation. The temple was rebuilt completely by Sajjana, the governor of Saurashtra appointed by Jayasimha Siddharaja, in 1129 CE. There is an inscription on one of the pillars of the mandapa stating that it was repaired in 1278 CE. The main sanctum contains a large black image of Neminath sitting in the lotus position holding a conch in his palm.

Ascending an additional 2000 steps leads to the Ambika temple, which is dedicated to the Jain deity Ambika yakshi (Ambaji), an attendant of Lord Neminath. The original structure of the temple was established prior to 784 CE, as referenced in Digambar Jain Acharya Jinasen's Harivamsapurana. An inscription from Vikram Samvat 1249 (1192 CE) records the pilgrimage of Vaghela minister Vastupala to the Ambika temple situated on Raivataka (Girnar) hill. Jinharshasuri notes that both Vastupala and his brother Tejapala not only visited but also constructed the expansive mandapa of the temple and the parikara of Ambika. In 1468 CE, a Jain merchant named Samal Sah undertook the restoration and renovation of the Ambika temple on Girnar.

Atop Girnar's highest peak, known as Neminath Shikhar, which is accessible via a 10,000-step ascent, there exists a temple overseen by devotees of Dattatreya. The archaeology department has determined that this temple was initially a Jain temple, and now, the Jain community has disputed the ownership and worship rights of this site in the Gujarat High Court, with the issue currently under judicial review. The panoramic view from the mountain is breathtaking.

Along the trek from the Ambika temple to the contested site, one encounters the Gorakhnath temple situated on an intermediate peak. Further along, there is a less accessible lower peak that houses a shrine dedicated to goddess Mahakali, locally referred to as Mahakali Khappar. On an alternate descent route, two temples named Bharat-van and Sita-van can be found within the forests, named in honor of Sita and Bharata.

Festivals of Girnar Hill

Girnar Hill in Junagadh hosts several significant festivals, primarily associated with Hindu and Jain customs. The most notable of these are the Bhavnath Fair, and the Girnar Parikrama (Lili Parikrama). The Bhavnath Fair celebrated at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple situated at the base of Girnar, marks the occasion of Mahashivratri and is renowned for its spiritual ambiance. This fair plays a crucial role in Junagadh's economy, attracting over one million pilgrims who collectively generate approximately 250 million in revenue within just five days. The Girnar Parikrama is a significant pilgrimage that involves a circumambulation of Girnar, typically occurring in November. Additionally, Girnar Hill is home to other festivals such as the Datar Urs and the Parab Fair.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Girnar Hill

Girnar Hill in Junagadh mandates a formal dress code, advising visitors to don modest attire that sufficiently covers the upper arms and legs as a mark of respect. Men are suggested to wear a dhoti or pajama with an upper garment, or alternatively, formal trousers and shirts. Women may choose to wear a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is recommended to avoid modern clothing such as mini-skirts, ripped jeans, shorts, and sleeveless tops when visiting the temple. For a comfortable ascent, wearing appropriate hiking shoes, hats, and applying sunscreen is advisable.

Non-Hindus are typically permitted on Girnar Hill, a prominent pilgrimage destination for both Hindus and Jains. The hill and its temples welcome visitors from all faiths, although specific attire may be necessary for temple access.

Girnar Hill Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 5 PM, & Ropeway: 8 PM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 5 PM, & Ropeway: 8 PM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 5 PM, & Ropeway: 8 PM - 5 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 5 PM, & Ropeway: 8 PM - 5 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 5 PM, & Ropeway: 8 PM - 5 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 5 PM, & Ropeway: 8 PM - 5 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 5 PM, & Ropeway: 8 PM - 5 PM

Girnar Hill Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Ropeway is available for Rs. 400 for one way, Rs. 700 for Adults & Rs. 350 for Children for Both ways

Best Time to Visit Girnar Hill

The best time to visit Girnar Hill is between the months of November and February. This period falls within the winter season and offers a pleasant climate that is ideal for climbing the thousands of steps leading up to the various temples on the hill without the stress of extreme heat or humidity. During this period, you may also have the opportunity to witness the famous Girnar Parikrama, a religious festival that takes places in the month of Kartik according to the Hindu calendar, which typically falls in November. However, if visiting during a festival, one should be prepared for larger gatherings and busier paths. It is advisable to steer clear of the summer months due to the intense heat and high temperatures, as well as the monsoon season, while scenic, can make the trek risky due to slippery paths.

How to Reach Girnar Hill

Porbandar Airport (102 km) and Rajkot Airport (103 km) are the nearest airports to Junagadh. Both are well connected by flights with Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. Junagadh Junction has a well-connected rail network with Somnath, Mumbai, Okha, Rajkot, Porbandar, Amreli, Jhansi, Trivandrum, Pune, Mumbai, Jabalpur, Vadodara, Mangalore, Kochi, Indore, and Ahmedabad. Junagadh is well connected by bus with all major cities and towns of Gujarat like Ahmedabad, Bhuj, Bhavnagar, Surat, Gandhidham, Vadodara, Dwarka, Somnath, and Rajkot along with Mumbai, Indore, and Nashik. Travelers can reach the base of the Girnar Hill by taking a bus or hiring an auto-rickshaw or cab from all parts of the city. One will have to climb 10000 steps to reach the final summit. Trek to Girnar Hill starts from Girnar Talati, which is about 6 Km from Junagadh Junction. There is also a Ropeway facility and goes upto 5000 steps, the rest 5000 steps you have to climb on your own.