Girnar History

Girnar History

Girnar, also known as Girinagar or Revatak Pravata, is a group of mountains in the Junagadh District of Gujarat, India, situated near Junagadh.

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.

This boon Krishna knew. What better way to get rid of Kalyavan. So he pretended as if he was running away from Kalyavan and led him to the cave where the king was sleeping.

The pilgrims have to climb 9999 steps to reach the top. There are five important Jain temples, besides several Hindu shrines. 

The most prominent Jain shrine is the rectangular Neminath temple which was completed between 1128 CE and 1159 CE. Neminath (the 22th Tirthankar) is carved in black marble with jewelled eyes. The courtyard is filled with sculptures. Further up is the Amba temple. Newlyweds who seek Mataji's blessings for a happy married life frequent it. 

The Mallinath temple dedicated to the 19th Tirthankar was built in 1231 CE by Vastupal and Tejpal. Neminath is shown in blue color. The Rishabhadev temple in golden colour has 24 Tirthankars. The Parshwanath temple was built in the 15th century. It is known as Meravasi. The Dattatreya hill is half way down the temple cluster.

It is best to start the climb in the morning. Bhavnath Shiv temple is the first shrine on the upward path. Bhartruhari cave, Sorath Mahal, Bhim Kund and Suryakund are the other important places. Gomukkhi Kund has pellucid water fed by a mountain stream. Hanuman Dharaand Kamandal are the other attraction.

Older than Himalayas, Girnar, the mountain and its range are considered sacred and it is an important pilgrimage site for both Jains and Hindus, who gather here during the Girnar Parikrama festival. 

The Jains call it Mt. Neminath. According to traditional history, Siddhas have used it as a retreat to undertake tapasya since ancient times. The 3660 feet hill is connected with Lord Krishna. When Kalayavan, apparently a warrior of foreign origin, was chasing him, the Lord got the better of the powerful adversary in a curious way. Raja Muchkund was sleeping in one of the caves of Raivatachal mountain (the ancient name for Girnar) He was taking rest after fighting on behalf of the gods. After his exertions Muchkund had only one desire rest and repose. He got a boon that whoever disturbed his sleep would be reduced to ashes when he opened his eyes.

Krishna covered Muchkund with his upper cloth. Kalyavan after the long chase mistook the sleeping figure for Krishna and woke him up and was reduced to ashes.Girnar was known by different names at different periods-Ujjayant, Manipur, Chandraketupur, Raivat Nagar, Puratanpur, Girivar and Girnar. Of the several peaks five are important Amba Mata, Gorakhnath, Augadh, Guru Datatreya and Kalika. 

The Girnar Hills Viewed from the foot 1900

View of the Girnar Hills 1895

3rd Peak, Girnar Junagadh 1895

Ambaji temple on the 2nd Peak, Girnar 1895

Bhairav Japa Junagadh 1895

Birds' eye view of Jain Temples, Girnar  1900

Gaumukhi Ganga at Mount Girnar 1895

Gaumukhi Ganga from the North, Girnar 1900

General view of Girnar Temples Junagadh 1895

Gorakhnath and Dattatri from the Temple of Ambaji 1900

Hanuman-Dhara and sadhu Junagadh 1895

Jain temples at Girnar Hill 1869

Jain temples on the Girnar Hills 1895

Jumping Rock Bhairav-Japa Girnar temples 1895

and Parshvanatha Temples, Girnar Hill 1869

Nemi-Nath temple on the Girnar Junagadh 1895

Neminatha Temple 1869

Kumar Pal Temple, Girnar 1900

Mount Girnar from the Uparkot 1895

Peak of Mount Girnar near Junagadh 1895

Shesh Fana Parasnath Junagadh girnar 1895

The Dattatri Hills from Gorakhnath Junagadh 1900

Vastupala Tejapala Temple on Girnar Hill 1869

Vastupala Tejapala Temple on Girnar Hill inside 1869

Vestupal Tejpal Temple, Girnar 1895

Sagram Soni's Temple at Junagadh 1895

Samprati Raja, Girnar Hill 1869

Samprati Raja's Temple, Girnar 1895

view of Mount Girnar 2010

By Rotate 90 degree  you easily spot the face of Sadhu