Girnar – The Sacred Peaks of Gujarat

Girnar, also known as Revatak Parvata or Girinagar, is a majestic mountain range near Junagadh in Gujarat. Revered by both Hindus and Jains, it is one of India’s most ancient and significant pilgrimage sites. With over 10,000 stone steps leading pilgrims to its temples and peaks, Girnar offers not only a spiritual ascent but also breathtaking natural beauty, including Gujarat’s highest peak and a forest home to more than 700 species of flowering vegetation.

Location

• District: Junagadh, Gujarat

• Nearest City: Junagadh (well connected by road and rail)

• Steps: Around 10,000 stone steps to the summit
  

• Ropeway: The Girnar Ropeway covers the first 5,000 steps in just 7 minutes

Significance

Kulpakji is considered a major Jain pilgrimage site and is among the oldest Jain temples in India. It houses idols of several revered Tirthankaras, including:

• For Jains: Girnar, or Mt. Neminath, is one of the holiest sites where Lord Neminatha (22nd Tirthankara) attained Kevalgyan (omniscience) and later Moksha (liberation). It is considered one of the five major Jain Tirthas.

• For Hindus: The mountain is revered as the abode of 33 crore deities, with important shrines like the Dattatreya Temple, Amba Mata Temple, and Bhavnath Mahadev Temple.

• Pilgrimage: Pilgrims believe that climbing Girnar barefoot ensures a place in heaven, and the sacred trek is regarded as a test of devotion and endurance.

Temples & Landmarks

• Jain Temples: The highlight is the Neminath Temple, dedicated to Lord Neminath, where he attained nirvana.
  
• Hindu Temples: Key shrines include the Dattatreya Temple on the peak, the Amba Mata Temple, and the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple at the base.
• Ropeway Access: The recently built Girnar Ropeway eases the climb to Ambaji Temple, though devotees still climb another 1,000 steps afterward.

History & Cultural Heritage

• The mountain has been a center of spiritual austerities (tapasya) since ancient times. Siddhas, monks, and sages are said to have meditated here for centuries.
  

• Jain scriptures describe Girnar as a Mahatirth, marking it as one of the holiest sites where great souls achieved liberation.

• In Hindu tradition, Girnar is mentioned in Puranas as the sacred Revatak Parvata, with mystical significance.
  

Pilgrimage & Festivals

• Climbing Time: The entire trek takes about 5–10 hours, depending on pace, with pilgrims starting early in the morning to avoid the midday sun.

• Festivals: Major events include the Bhavnath Mela, Maha Shivaratri Fair, and the Girnar Parikrama, which draw thousands of devotees annually.
  

• Spiritual Practices: Girnar also attracts ascetics and Sadhu Babas, especially of the Nath sect, who believe the mountain holds unique mystical energy.
  

Spiritual Importance 

For Jains, Girnar is the Nirvana Bhumi of Lord Neminatha, making it one of the most important pilgrimage sites after Shatrunjaya and Shikharji. For Hindus, it is the divine seat of countless deities. The climb, whether barefoot or assisted by the ropeway, represents a journey of faith, discipline, and inner awakening.

Hidden Fact

It is believed that anyone who completes the barefoot climb of all 10,000 steps of Girnar achieves a special spiritual merit — said to open the doors to Swarga (heaven). Even today, thousands of devotees, young and old, take up this challenge with unwavering faith, making Girnar not just a physical mountain but a true spiritual ascent.

Dharamshalas 

• Kutchi Bhavan Girnar Dharamshala: A serene and well-regarded option offering comfortable, affordable accommodation for pilgrims. 

• Neminath Jain Dharamshala: Catering specifically to Jain pilgrims and offering community spaces. 

• Shree Shanti Nath Jain Derasar (Jain Yatri Bhavan): Another option focused on serving Jain yatris (pilgrims). 

• Girnar Darshan Jain Dharamshala: Associated with Girnar Darshan, this dharamshala provides facilities for pilgrims. 

• Prajapati Akta Bhavan Dharamashala: A community-based dharamshala for pilgrims.