Girnar Tour Part - 3

Bhavnath Taleti

The Damodar kund place to Next is an old shrine of Bhavnath, a form of Shiva, close to Girnar Taleti; Mrugi kund and Sudharshan lake are nearby.

Bhavnath is a small village in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, India. It sits near the Girnar mountain range, close to Girnar Taleti, the place from where pilgrims have to ascend on foot to get to temples on Girnar hills.

Bhavnath in Place: Bhavnath Temple, Mrigi Kund and Many Places

Bhavnath Temple Entrance

BHAVNATH TEMPLE

BHAVNATH Mahadeva

The Bhavnath Mahadev temple is a shrine ensconced in myths and legends of the Puranic era, at the base of Mount Girnar in Bhavnath village. The Shiva ling here is said to have emerged of its own divine intention. Reportedly, when Shiva and Parvati were traveling over the Girnar Hills their divine garment fell over the present Mrigi Kund, making this place an auspicious site for lord Shiva worshipers. Even today, the naga bavas bathe in the holy Mrigi Kund before joining the Mahashivaratri procession. The fair itself is so ancient that its precise origins are unknown. Girnar Mountain

There are two main annual festivals: Maha Shivaratri and Girnar Lili Parikrama.This is the main place where the two festivals are celebrated every year. 

In the month of October-November during the period of five days concluding on the full-moon day of Kartik Month "Parikrama" is held after hoisting of Dhaja on this temple. The parikrama or circular travel goes on for five days, covering a distance of about 40 Kms around the Girnar Mountain. It has got very much importance and is compared to the Lili Parikrama of Govardhan mountain in Vraj. It is believed to be pious because Lord Dattatrey is believed to be staying on Mount Girnar for these five days and his devotees move around the Mount to pay their homage to Lord Dattatrey. For the nature lovers, it is an excursion which brings one in direct contact with nature and nature's hidden treasure.

In the month of February-March, on the No-Moon-Day of Magha month, the "Maha Shivratri" is celebrated at this temple. There is a fair for 5 days. Many good musicians of religious music gather and people from all walks of life enjoy their music. There are many Ravti's (just like Langar) providing food to the devotees. The main attraction of the fair is the procession of the Naga Bawa's which is held at midnight of Maha Shivratri. More than hundred naked Sadhu's and Sadhvi's join this procession. Many Sadhu's show the strength of their muscles and Sexual Organ's power (e.g. by pulling a van tied to the penis etc.) The procession ends with the holy bath by the Sadhu's in the Mrigi Kund in the compound of Bhavnath Temple and Maha Pooja of the Mahadev at the midnight of Maha Shivratri. The temple was quite old but it has been renovated in 2000 and reopened on 4/3/2000 i.e. on the day of Shivratri.

Mrigi Kund ENTRANCE

MRIGI KUND

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Girnar Tour Part - 2

Passing Girnar Gate there are ...

First Place: Gayatri Shakti Peeth and Vagheshwari Temple

Maa Gayatri Temple

Maa Vagheshwari Temple

On the way to Girnar Talati, are both of the beautiful temples of Maa Gayatri and Maa Vagheshwari. At every navratris, a fair is held from the first of Navratra to the Eighth Navratra when a Havan (Yagna) is performed.

Next Place: Ashok Shilalekh

About 2 km east of Junagadh and 3 km from the foot of Girnar Hill, between the two places, is an edict of Emperor Ashoka inscribed on a rock dating from the third century BC. The Ashokan edicts impart moral instructions on dharma, harmony, tolerance, and peace. An uneven rock, with a circumference of seven metres and a height of ten metres, bears insciptions in Brahmi script etched with an iron pen.

Next Place: Damodar Kund, Damodar Temple and Revati Kund

Damodar Kund

Damodar Kund is a sacred bathing tank located at the foot of Girnar Hill, in Gujarat. Situated near the Revati Kund, the tank marks the ascent to the numerous beautifully carved ancient Jain temples of Girnar. Damodar Kund is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati's garment fell during a cruise.

Damodar kund located at the base of great Mountain Girnar close to the city of Junagadh. The Damodar Kund is intimately attached to the life of Narsinh Mehta, the well-known 15th century Gujarat poet and fan of Krishna, who used to come to bathe at Damodar Kund and there are many people to visit.

There is a large fair held on Amavasya day of Bhadarva month since very old time at Damodar Kundand is one of the two mainly important fairs held at Girnar, other being fair seized at Bhavnath on Maha Shivratri.

The size of Damodar Kund is 40 feet high, 56 feet broad and 5 feet deep. By bathing in this river people get rid off their sins. The Pilgrims who take bath here by having fasts in the month of Kartak especially on Agyaras and Baras goes divinely at the feet of Shri Hari.

Damodar Temple

Shri Damodar Pilgrimage is situated along the road to Girnar in Junagadh city in the south of Saurashtra. The renovation of this pilgrim place was done during the regime of king Skand Gupta who was from the Gupta dynasty in the year 462 A.D.

The Damodarji Temple is situated at the foot hills of Ashwathama hills in Junagadh. Believed to be built by Lord Krishna's heir, Vajranabha, this temple is considered to be one of the largest shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The Shri Damodar Hari's main temple is made up of two parts?Nij mandir's shikhar is 65 feet and the height of saloha Mandap's shikhar is 30.5 feet. In all the Nij mandir and the saloha Mandap has 32 arcs and 84 decorated and well crafted pillars. A flag has been hoisted at the apex of the Nij mandir.

Revati Kund

Mujkund Caves : These are caves near damodar temple where Lord Krishna slayed Kaalyavan through King Mujkund, famous story in Bhagvata Purana.

Next Place: Bhavnath Taleti

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Girnar Tour Part - 1

Girnar Tour

The highest point in Gujarat, Mt. Girnar has for centuries been one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the state and indeed in all of Western India, with 866 Hindu and Jain temples spread over the 5 summits.

The base of the mountain, known as Girnar Taleti, is just 4 km east of the center of Junagadh. A hike up the mountain is best started early in the morning, with the mind of a pilgrim. Each step upward should itself encompass the entirety of the journey, rather than be seen as another effort towards one’s goal of reaching the top.

Girnar is accessible by road from:

    Gandhiangar 355 kms.
   Ahmedabad 327 kms.
   Rajkot 102 kms.
   Vadodara 396 kms.
   Surat 563 kms.
   Keshod 40 kms.
   Bilkha 23 kms.


Hill fort of Giranar - the proud beacon of the sturdy land of Sorath:

Standing tall at a distance of 4 k.m. from the city of Junagdh, the mount of Giranar is 3200 ft high. Rishi Dattatrey performed rigorous 'Tapa' (penance) on the peak of this mountain thousands of years ago.

 
Today, pilgrims come here for the 'Darshan' of the steps of Dattatrey. Before one reaches to the "Dattatrey tuk", one has to pass by the temple of Ambaji. Behind the temple of Dattatrey, 'Sitavan' and 'Bharat van' are located. 

The cave of Bhratruhari is situated at Avartaka. Moving upward from here, a 700 year old temple of Ambaji is located at "Ambika Shish". Moving ahead from Ambika Temple, there is a fire place of Gorakhnath near Gorakhshikhar and then one can behold the steps of Dattatrey. On the Dattatraya peak, holy places like Pandav Gufa, Sheshavan and Sitamadhi are situated.

 
At the foot of Giranar, a huge fair of Bhavanath takes place on the day of shivaratri in the month of February. It is said that Lord Shiva appears at this place on this accession. Aghoris, Naga Bavas and Enlightenedsaints come to take a dip in the Mrugi Kund located at this place. 

Millions of pilgrims undertake "Lilly Parikrama" (Walking around the mountain of Giranar) in the month of Karatak after Divali. This is a pilgrimage that has to be completed within 15 days.

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Junagadh History

Junagadh History

We have many historical cities in Gujarat and other states of India, but Junagadh is unique among them, as it comprises of historical monuments starting from the very ancient age (500 BC) till the most recent history of partition of India in 1947 AD. This city, as the name suggests, is a city of old fort. It has a very old history and, as a result, there are many historical monuments worth visiting in this city, Junagadh.

In olden times, the city was known by various names like “Raivatachal”, “Raivatnagar”, “Revant”, “Manipur”, “Chandraketapur”, “Puratanpur”, “Pratappur”, “Narendrapur”, “Girinagar”, “Karan Kunj”, “Jirna Durg”, “Mustafabad” and finally the present name “Junagadh” was given by the British Government in 1820AD.

Junagadh Darbar Hall Museum

The city has acquired an important place in tourist map of Gujarat. Everyday thousands of visitors / tourists visit city for religious, entertainment and educational excursions. Two main festivals celebrated here are “Parikrama” (Held in October-November during the period of five days concluding on the full-moon day of Kartik Month) and “Maha Shivratri” (Held in February-March on the No-Moon-day of Magha Month) every year.

The importance of these festivals is not only up to local level but has also spread over national and international level. NagaBawa’s or Naked Sages (that are generally seen only during Kumbh Mela’s) come to take part in these festivals from all over India. Every year on an average more than one Million people visit Junagadh during these two festivals only.

The city’s history includes various rulers and dynasties as under:

Maurya Dynasty ruled over Junagadh	in 319 BC
Kaling Dynasty ruled over Junagadh	in 185 BC
Greek ruled over Junagadh	in 70 – 73BC
Shaka    ruled over Junagadh	100 – 275AD
Kshatrapa ruled over Junagadh	276 – 455 AD
Gupta     ruled over Junagadh	456 – 770 AD
The Chinese Traveller Hu-en-Tsang had visited Junagadh in	640 AD
Chudasama / Chavada ruled over Junagadh	875 – 1472 AD
Muslim Rulers Mohammed Begada, Khalil Khan, Muzaffar, Sikandar, Bahadursha and Ibadatkhan ruled	1472 – 1572 AD
Mughals ruled over Junagadh	1573 – 1748 AD
Nawabs of Babi Dynasty    (Yousufzai Pathan) ruled over	1749 – 1948 AD

The last Babi Nawab named Mahabatkhanji III, decided to join Pakistan on getting independence from British Rule in 1947. But the majority of population being Hindu, the people resorted to revolt against his decision and finally they, led by Mr. Shamaldas Gandhi in an Army called “Aarzi Hukumat” (Temporary Government), attacked and captured the palace and fort by hoisting Indian Flag. The Nawab had to run away to Pakistan in order to save his life. Since then the city is a part of Gujarat State of Independent India.

Mahabat Khan, Nawab of Junagarh (1837-1882)

Nawab of Junagadh and state officials 1885

Five vignettes of Junagadh Nawab's and state officials 1895

Nawabs of Babi dynasty:

1735 - 1758 : Mohammad Bahadur Khanji I

1758 - 1775 : Mohammad Mahabat Khanji I

1775 - 1811 : Mohammad Hamid Khanji I

1811 - 1840 : Mohammad Bahadur Khanji II

1840 - 1851 : Mohammad Hamid Khanji II

1851 - 1882 : Mohammad Mahabat Khanji II

1882 - 1892 : Mohammad Bahadur Khanji III

1892 - 1911 : Mohammad Rasul Khanji

1911 - 1948 : Mohammad Mahabat Khanji III

Some Coins During Nawabs Rule

Dokdo Currency Front

Dokdo Currency Back

Saurashtra State Stamps

Enjoy Some Rare Photos of Junagadh during British Rule

UPERKOT:- Uperkot is an impressive fort located on a plateau in the middle of town. It was originally built in 319 BC. Visitors enter the fort through a large gate. Some parts of the fort’s walls are 20 m high. If, after entering the gate you turn left, you will come to Jama Masjid. It has 140 pillars supporting its ceiling.

Further down the road are what are believed to be old Buddhist caves, said to be 1,500 years old (dating from before 500 AD). They are carved into the rocky hill and have stone carvings and floral work. There are also the Khapra Kodia caves north of the fort, and the Babupyana caves south of the fort.

There is a huge, fifteen-foot cannon, made in Egypt in 1531. There are also two interesting large step wells (vavs) here. The 11th century Navghan Kuva has a circular stairway that descends over 50 m down into the well. The Adi Chadi Vav descends 170 steps.

Gate of the Uparkot at Junagadh 1875

Ancient gateway at Uparkot in Junagadh 1895

Kadanal Tope in the Uparkot, Junagadh 1895

Gate to Old Fortress Uparkot 1895

Nilam Tope at the Uparkot Junagadh 1895

MAKABARA:- Nawabs were buried here. This is a fine specimen of medieval structure.

Bahadur Khan in the Makbara, Junagadh 1895

High School at Junagadh 1895

Bara Sayad, Maji Najubibi Saheb's Mukbara 1900

Bazaar at Junagadh 1895

Bazaar Gate and Aiyena Mahal, Junagadh 1895

Chitakhana Masjid at Junagadh 1895

DAMODARJI TEMPLE:- Near Aswatthama Hill, which is north of Damodara Kund, is the Damodarji Temple, said to have been built by Vajranabha, Lord Krishna’s great-grandson.

Damodar Kund bridge with Damodarji's Temple  1900

Damodar temple, outside Junagadh 1895

Bridge by the Damodar temple, outside Junagadh 1895

Ghat at Damodar temple, Junagadh 1895

DATAAR HILLS:- 2,779 feet (847 m) high stepway is built for going up shrine of Jamiyalshah Datar.

Datar Dargah at Mount Girnar 1895

Dargah at Mount Girnar near Junagadh 1895

Datar Hill  Junagadh 1895

DARBAR HALL (Now MUSEUM):- Picture gallery, textiles, arms gallery, the kacheri, the hall which was used by Nawabs of Junagadh to hold their darbar. The Durbar Hall and Museum has an interesting collection of weapons, thrones, silver articles, costumes, paintings, tapestries, and palanquins on display. It is not far from the entrance to the fort.

Durbar Hall Junagadh 1900

Reception Hall Kacheri in the Durbar Palace, Junagad 1895

English, Urdu & Gujarati School 1895

Gate to Sakar Bag, Junagadh 1895

Gateway into the Sardar Bag, Junagadh 1895

Hamid Khan in the Makbara, Junagadh 1895

House in the Sakar Bagh at Junagadh 1895

Interior of a house in the Sakar Bag 1895

Jami Masjid at Junagadh 1895

Junagadh Palace 1900

Mahabat Circle in Junagadh with clock tower 1895

Maija Najubie Sahiba's Tomb at Junagadh 1895

Maija Najubie Sahiba's Tomb at Junagadh 1895

Main entrance to the Central Jail at Junagadh 1895

View of the Central Jail, Junagadh 1895

Majwadi Darwarza or Gate at Junagadh 1895

Mausoleum of Maiji Sahiba, Junagadh 1869

Nagar - Khana and Ayna Mahal 1900

Bazaar at Junagadh in Gujarat 1895

New Guest House Junagadh 1895

Palace courtyard, Junagadh 1895

Panoramic view of Junagadh from the Mota - Jalao 1895

Panoramic view of Junagadh from the old fortress 1895

view of Junagadh from Girnar 1895

Junagadh from the old fortress 1895

Prince Albert Victor Leper Asylum 1900

Railway Station at Junagadh 1895

Railway Station, Junagadh, from Rear Gate 1895

Royal Tombs of the Junagadh Nawabs 1869

Sakar Bag, Junagadh 1900

Shakar Bag Bungalow and Garden 1900

The Bahauddin College at Junagadh 1900

The Jumma Masjid Junagadh upparkot 1900

The Reay Gate clock tower, Junagadh 1895

The Sardar Bag, interior with lion cage 1900

Vazier Bah'unddin bhai makbara 1895

GIRNAR

The tallest of the mountains rises to 1031 meters (3382 feet), the highest peak in Gujarat. A sturdy stone path — a pilgrimage route - 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. On the ways towards the peak of Girnar, there are temples and places; namely, `Bharathari Gufa(cave)', `Mali Parab', `Ramchandra Temple', and `Hathi Pashan'. Every year, a race is held, running from the base of the mountain to the peak and back. The locals in nearby Junagadh insist that the fastest-ever time was 42.36 minute.

The first peak of Girnar has a collection of beautifully carved Jain temples. Higher up, there are temples of `Jatashanker Mahadev' and `Gaumukhi Ganga'. Famous places like `Sheshavan', `Bharanvan' and `Hanumandhara' are nearer to the temple of `Gaumukhi Ganga'. The original way to climb Girnar from western side was from `Hanumandhara'. One can reach `Ambaji' temple after climbing ~5,000 steps. 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 `Gupt' dynasty and reference to this temple are found in the books written in seventh century. In the southern direction from `Ambaji' temple, there is another peak known as `Guru Gorakhnath' peak. `Oghad' peak is the next peak and followed by water tank known as `Kamandal kund'. There are steep steps to climb the peak of `Dattatreya' temple. To reach the peak of `Kalka' temple, one has to get down and climb another hill. The last two temples do not have steps on the way and you have to climb the mountain.

In the Hindu religion, the legend is that climbing Girnar barefooted earns one a place in Heaven. The nearby Gir Forest serves as sanctuary for the last remaining Asiatic Lions. It is also famous for the Kathiawadi culture in the adjacent region.

The Girnar Hills viewed from the foot 1900

View of the Girnar Hills 1895

Mount Girnar from the Uparkot 1895

ASHOK SHILALEKH:- About 2 km east of Junagadh and 3 km from the foot of Girnar Hill, between the two places, is an edict of Emperor Ashoka inscribed on a rock dating from the third century BC. The Ashokan edicts impart moral instructions on dharma, harmony, tolerance, and peace. An uneven rock, with a circumference of seven metres and a height of ten metres, bears inscriptions in Brāhmī script etched with an iron pen. 

   Ashoka Inscription on Rock 1869

The Ashoka rock inscription Junagadh 1900

Entrance to the Buddhist Caves 1895

Rock-Cut Hall in Uparkot 1874

Rock Palace or Khengar's Mahal, Junagadh 1874

The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir:- Junagadh was constructed on the land presented by Jinabhai (Hemantsingh) Darbar of Panchala, and dedicated on Friday, 1 May 1828 A.D.

The temple has a circumference on 278 feet and is in the centre of the town.Invocation ceremony of the Gods lasted for two full days with the festivities of the auspicious events. On May 1, 1828 A.D., Swaminarayan himself installed Shri Ranchhodrai and Trikamrai in the seat of the principal Gods of the temple. In the eastern temple he installed Radharaman Dev and Harikrishna Maharaj and in the western side he installed Siddheswar Mahadev, Parvatiji, Ganapatiji and Nandishwar. The Mughal Subba Bahadur Khan paid a personal visit to the place and Swaminarayan. Swaminarayan blessed the provincial head of the Mughal empire and honoured the king Hemantsinh for his gift of the land for the temple. 

Swami Narayan Temple At 1895

Inside dome of Swami Narayan's temple 1895

Inside dome of Swami Narayan's temple 1895

Inside dome of Swami Narayan's temple 1895

Inside dome of Swami Narayan's temple 1895

Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Junagadh 2010

Veraval:- Was founded in 13th or 14th by Rao Veravalji Vadher, a Rajput. Veraval was once a fortified port town of the royal family of Junagadh. It used to be a part of the Kingdom of Junagadh till 1953 when Junagadh was merged with India. The city still bears some remains of the old Nawabi heritage, the beautiful Nawabi summer palace being one of them. There are ruins of the old Nawabi fort and Nawabi Gates in and around the place. The old walls of the port are now ruined, but the impressive Junagadh gate and the Patan gate are still seen, but are in a very bad state.

The Nawabi Palace with gothic features which is one of the main attractions. It is popularly known as Somnath College (the palace was converted into a college after it was abandoned by the nawab).At present it is the building of a Sanskrit university. The town is often known as the gateway to the magnificent temple of Somnath and the pilgrimage centres of Prabhas Patan and Bhalkha. Veraval is also the nearest town to the Gir National Park (42 km away).

Harbour at Veraval with the town beyond 1895

Lighthouse at Veraval 1895

Lighthouse and port view at Veraval 1895

Veraval tone and sea port 1895

Veraval tone and sea port 1895

Veraval. Dock Estate line 1895

Somnath

Somnath is situated at Prabhaspatan in Junagadh District; 79 km away from Junagadh City and is the most sacred of the twelve Jyotirlings (lingas of light) of the God Shiva. Somnath means "The Protector of Moon God". The Somnath Temple is known as 'the Shrine Eternal', as although the temple has been destroyed six times it has been rebuilt every single time. On the last time, it was built after a plan was mooted by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in November 1947, when he visited the area for Indian Integration of Junagadh, and later after his death carried out by K.M. Munshi, also a Minister in Government of India.

City gate, Somnath  1895

Dehotsarga at Prabhas Patan 1900

Inside Dome of Somnath in 1869

Ruins Somnath Temple 1869

Temple of the Sun, at Somnath 1895

View of the Temple of Somanatha 1895

Somnath Temple 1947

Lord Shiva in Somnath Temple

Somnath Temple 2015

Lord Shiva in Somnath Temple 2015