A Trip to Girnar in Junagadh district, Gujarat

 

Girnar is a mountain located in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, India. The mountain is believed to be even older than the Himalayas. It is 3672ft tall with 9999 steps. It is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Jains with 866 temples spread over the summit. The Tirthankar Neminath temple attracts both Digambar and Swetambar Jain devotees. It has become an important site for Jains since the 3rd century.

One can use the ropeway to reach Ambaji temple which otherwise is 5000 steps to climb. From there, one can get down 1100 steps to reach the temple of Neminath, the 22nd tirthankara. One can also reach the Neminath temple on foot where one has to cover 3900 steps, the scenary is very beautiful with big stones hanging all around. It is said that Neminath, also known as Arishtanemi, became an ascetic when he saw the slaughter of animals for his wedding party. He ended his life and attained salvation in Mount Girnar. There are temples of Lord Rishavdev, Mallinath and Parsvanath also on this mountain. One needs half day to visit Ambaji and Jain temples.

Junagadh is 316km from Ahmedabad and 103km from Rajkot. In these two places one can get airport. There are a number of trains available to reach Junagadh. I personally reached Junagadh by train from Ahmedabad which reaches Junagadh early in the morning.

The other important places to visit are Gir forest and Somnath temple.  One can go by bus or book a cab. For me, the first destination was Sasangir where I enjoyed the wildlife safari of Gir forest. From Sasangir, I went to Somnath by car which took an hour. Both these places can be covered on the same day. I took the night train and came back to Ahmedabad next morning. The other option is to go straight to Somnath from Junagadh which is 69km away. One can visit these places in winter and before rainy season. The protected area of Gir National Park is closed from 16th June to 15th October.

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