All temples of Girnar are sacred to pilgrims of both Hindu and Jain faith. In fact, Girnar has been a sacred place well before the Dholavira and Mohen-jo- daro period and its origin can be traced back to the Vedas and other holy scriptures of various Indus Valley based religions.
The Girnar mountain in the neighbourhood of Junagadh in Saurashtra is referred to as Ujjayantagiri or Raivatagiri in the Scriptures.
This is considered to be Neminath mountain or fifth peak of the Shatrunjay mountain. There are references to so many Chakravartis, monarchs and Shresthis going on pilgrimage to and around the Raivata mountain, from the time of the first tirthankara to the time of the last tirthankara.
In this tirtha we have an idol of Shri Neminath Bhagavan; it is black in complexion, 140 cms in height and in Padmasana posture. The peaks of this lofty mountains have grown sacred and blessed because of the religious ceremony of initiation to munihood, acquirement of absolute knowledge and attainment to Nirvana-emancipation of Shri Neminatha being performed at the same spot. The peaks touching the skies fill to the brim the hearts of devotees with sacred feelings. It is said that this idol of Neminath Bhagavan was brought to shape by the Indra of the fifth divine world on the sermonizing rendered by the tirthankara of the last group of twenty four.
It is also believed that this idol remained in the world of Indra till the time of Neminath Bhagavan and then was installed in the home—temple of Shri Krishna. When the city of Dwarka was consumed to ashes, Goddess Ambika kept it well protected.
Being delighted by the severe austerities of Ratnashah, goddess Ambika handed over this idol to him and it was ceremoniously installed once more.
There are references to the reparation and renovation of this tirtha by Ratnashah and Ajitshah in the sixth century and by Vastupal and Tejpal as also Sajjansha, a a minister of Siddharaj in the twelfth century. We also get references to renovation by so many kings, ministers and Shreshthis. We come across two other Shwetambera temples. The art and architecture of the peaks of the temples, ceilings and pillars is simply marvelous and delighting.
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 minutes. However, most people take 5-8 hours to climb the mountain.
In the Hindu religion, the legend is that climbing Girnar barefooted earns one a place in Heaven. There is one holy stone; it is said that if a person attempts suicide from that stone then he becomes a part of Heaven.
First Tonk Girnarji : After climb of about 2 miles, one could see a Shwetambar jain temple and a cave called Rajulmati cave. It is stated that Rajulmati has done penanace and tap at this place. there is small temple where idol of Bhagwan Bahubali (120 cms) in standing posture is installed. Besdies there are footprints of kundkund acharaya. In the temple, the idol of bhagwan Neminath (Vikram 1924) is on the main vedi. The idols of Parsvanath and neminath are also there. there is stream called gomukhi ganga and nearby the footprints of 24 tirthanakaras are available. This is called first tonk. The way to sahatraman is near gomukhi ganga but one should visit that place only after complettion of visit of 5 tonks. After a few steps, one could see a marvellous temple of bhagwan Neminath and 9 beautiful Shwetambarr temples built by Shri vastupal-tejpal; Samarat kumarpal; Minister sajjan and others.
Second tonk : After 900 steps one could see the footprints of muni anirudhhkumat and temple of Devi Ambika (This temple is under hindu control)
Third tonk : Here the footprints of Muni Sambukkumar are installed. Muni has attained nirvana from this place.
Fourth tonk : The way to this tonk is not proper and one has to climb rocks and stones to reach here. the footprints of pradhyman kumar-son of lord krishna are installed here. He attained nirvana from this place.
Fifth tonk : The footprints of Bhagwan Neminath are installed here. hindu dispute it to be footprints of dattatray.
while returning one may go to Sesavan from first tonk. here one could see the footprints under a canopy in diksha van.
Shree Neminath prabhu na nirvaan na 2000 varsh pachi pratishthit thayel hovathi temna shasan na shesh 82000 varsh+ shree parswanath prabhu na na shasan na 250 varsh + shree mahavir swami na shasan na 2535 varsh thi aa pratima pratishthit...thayel che 82000+250+2535=84785 varsh thi aa pratima girnar par birajman che.
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 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. According to Jain religious beliefs, Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankar became an ascetic after he saw the slaughter of animals for food on his wedding. He renounced all worldly pleasures and came to Mount Girnar to attain salvation. Here, Bhagwan Neminath reached the highest state of enlightenment, Keval Gyan and Moksha, after great austerities. His bride-to-be also followed his path and founded the 'Sandhvi Sangh', the organization of women ascetics. The rectangular Neminath temple is the greatest temple here.
It has an idol of Lord Neminath in black granite with jeweled eyes. There are quadrangle courtyards, corridors and other shrines. The pillars are adorned with intricate carvings of Jain Tirthankars. The ceilings bear carvings and sculptures of Dancing Goddesses. Apart from this, there is the Mallinath temple, which is dedicated to the 19th Tirthankar.
It was constructed by Vastupal and Tejpal. Neminath in 1231 AD. The Lord is shown in blue color here. The Rishabhadev Temple, situated nearby, is in golden color.
It is dedicated to 24 Tirthankars of Jain religion. Another Jain temple in the region is the Parshwanath Temple. It was built in the 15th century and is also known as Meravasi. Besides this, there is a Goddess Ambe Temple at Grinar. The temple is visited by the newly married couples for good fortune and prosperous married life. A mosque nearby is thronged by childless women for blessings. The Dattatreya hill also houses a number of other temples worth seeing.
In the Hindu religion, the legend is that climbing Girnar barefooted earns one a place in Heaven. There is one holy stone; it is said that if a person attempts suicide from that stone then he becomes a part of Heaven.
First Tonk Girnarji : After climb of about 2 miles, one could see a Shwetambar jain temple and a cave called Rajulmati cave. It is stated that Rajulmati has done penanace and tap at this place. there is small temple where idol of Bhagwan Bahubali (120 cms) in standing posture is installed. Besdies there are footprints of kundkund acharaya. In the temple, the idol of bhagwan Neminath (Vikram 1924) is on the main vedi. The idols of Parsvanath and neminath are also there. there is stream called gomukhi ganga and nearby the footprints of 24 tirthanakaras are available. This is called first tonk. The way to sahatraman is near gomukhi ganga but one should visit that place only after complettion of visit of 5 tonks. After a few steps, one could see a marvellous temple of bhagwan Neminath and 9 beautiful Shwetambarr temples built by Shri vastupal-tejpal; Samarat kumarpal; Minister sajjan and others.
Second tonk : After 900 steps one could see the footprints of muni anirudhhkumat and temple of Devi Ambika (This temple is under hindu control)
Third tonk : Here the footprints of Muni Sambukkumar are installed. Muni has attained nirvana from this place.
Fourth tonk : The way to this tonk is not proper and one has to climb rocks and stones to reach here. the footprints of pradhyman kumar-son of lord krishna are installed here. He attained nirvana from this place.
Fifth tonk : The footprints of Bhagwan Neminath are installed here. hindu dispute it to be footprints of dattatray.
while returning one may go to Sesavan from first tonk. here one could see the footprints under a canopy in diksha van.
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 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. According to Jain religious beliefs, Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankar became an ascetic after he saw the slaughter of animals for food on his wedding. He renounced all worldly pleasures and came to Mount Girnar to attain salvation. Here, Bhagwan Neminath reached the highest state of enlightenment, Keval Gyan and Moksha, after great austerities. His bride-to-be also followed his path and founded the 'Sandhvi Sangh', the organization of women ascetics. The rectangular Neminath temple is the greatest temple here.
It has an idol of Lord Neminath in black granite with jeweled eyes. There are quadrangle courtyards, corridors and other shrines. The pillars are adorned with intricate carvings of Jain Tirthankars. The ceilings bear carvings and sculptures of Dancing Goddesses. Apart from this, there is the Mallinath temple, which is dedicated to the 19th Tirthankar.
It was constructed by Vastupal and Tejpal. Neminath in 1231 AD. The Lord is shown in blue color here. The Rishabhadev Temple, situated nearby, is in golden color.
It is dedicated to 24 Tirthankars of Jain religion. Another Jain temple in the region is the Parshwanath Temple. It was built in the 15th century and is also known as Meravasi. Besides this, there is a Goddess Ambe Temple at Grinar. The temple is visited by the newly married couples for good fortune and prosperous married life. A mosque nearby is thronged by childless women for blessings. The Dattatreya hill also houses a number of other temples worth seeing.
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.
Literature about ‘Girnar’
(1) ‘Girnar’, a tribute to the Great Girnar mountain worshiped by the people of Gujarat (a travelogue in Gujarati language) published in year 2009, authored by Dr. Sanjay Chaudhary:Book `Girnar' (language: Gujarati), authored by Sanjay Chaudhary, is a unique travelogue narrating experiences of author during `Girnar Parikrama' (circular walk around) of spiritual and religious hill of `Girnar', near Junagadh, Gujarat, India. The book contains articles encompassing historical, religious and spiritual perspectives on `Girnar'. Author has recorded his interesting observations with extensive information about various places explored en route whilst climbing the peak of `Girnar'. Cultural diversity and heritage of Great Mountain of `Girnar' are depicted with minute details about numerous religious places. An entire chapter is dedicated to discussion of biological diversity of `Girnar' mountain and `Gir' forest. Another chapter on wildlife of `Gir' provides historical facts and ongoing efforts for wildlife conservation, which have successfully raised the population of lions, leopards and other wild animals and intensified the flora and fauna. Ample references are cited from historical literature, along with summary of prominent Gujarati prose, poetry and folklores developed around the core theme or backdrop of ‘Girnar’. Book also introduces the reader to some celebrated destinations of Junagadh. Ancient history of ‘Girnar’ and Junagadh region since year 200 B.C. is presented in an attention-grabbing manner, starting with the foundation of `Girinagar' (ancient Junagadh), mentioning facts and legends about the rulers of Junagadh as well as all major incidents till the merger of Junagadh into independent India. The last chapter contains a critique of the acclaimed Gujarati novel `Hoo Hoo', a story of communal harmony and disorder amongst the community of Junagadh during the period of 1925-1948.
