Girnar Mountain- Junagadh, Gujarat-India
Location
Junagadh city
is the headquarters of Junagadh district in the Indian state of Gujarat. The city is the 7th largest in Gujarat. The city is located at the foot of the Girnar hills 355 km southwest of state
capital Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad. The city
is
in
western India.
Literally translated,
Junagadh
After brief struggle between India and Pakistan Junagadh joined India on 9th November,
1947.
It was
a
part of Saurashtra state and later Bombay state. In 1960 after Maha Gujarat movement it became part of
newly formed Gujarat state.
Girnar Hill
Girnar Hill
Girnar Mountain is about 1100 mt (3630 ft) high and is an extinct volcano. It is 4 km East of old
Junagadh city area and is the main tourist attraction in the area, on the plateau about 180 mt (600 ft) from the top of the hill, is a group of beautifully carved Jain temples built between 11th and 15th Century.
Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara, is said to have died on Mount Girnar after living here for 700 years. There is
a special marble temple dedicated to him here, and a black marble statue of him.
The Mallinath Temple (11th century) is impressive. There is the peak of Ambaji, with a height of 3,330 ft (1,010 mt), which is famous for the temple dedicated to the goddess Amba Mata dating
back to the 12th century. It is said that a visit to this temple guarantees a happy marriage. There
are good natural sceneries from the
top of the mountain. The steps go down and up again to Gorakhnath Peak at 1116 mt (3666 ft) above sea
level, where there are footprints of the rishi Gorakhnath. It is the highest peak of the mountain. The steps
again go down and there is Kamandal Kund and another peak where there are footprints of Guru Dattatreya. The steps to Dattatrey Peak are quite difficult. There are no steps further and on a foot way, there is a goddess Kalika shrine on another peak.
Visitors must climb 8,500 steps to reach the top of the hill, so it is best to start early in the
morning (before 6 am). It is a difficult four to five hour climb. Hundreds
of
people climb this hill every day.
Every year, between the 1st and the 10th of January, a Girnar Climbing Competition is held by
Gujarat Government. Anyone
who climbs
up
5,500 feet (1,700
mt) within 2
hours gets a certificate from the Government of Gujarat, and the winner gets lots of prizes. Now it has been made a national sporting event.
Other Spots to visit on Mount Girnar are Bhimkund, Satpuda, Gaumukhi Ganga, Pathar chati, Bhairav Jap, Bharatvan Sheshavan, Hanumandhara and Jatashankar.
The
Existing
facilities requires specific
concentration
for
safety and
needs more
attractive
proposals for safe environment.
SakkarbaugZoo
This is
the oldest zoo in Gujarat and the 3rd oldest in India. The rare Gir
lions are bred and supplied to other zoos. The zoo also has a collection
of
various native and foreign animals including monkeys,
It also has
an
extension called Safari.The zoo is divided into three parts,Birds
Section, Wild Animals
Section and Deer/Antelope Section. It also
has
a
collection
of fish
(Aquarium)
and
Reptiles like Snakes and crocodiles.
Mahabatkhan Muqbara
This impressive mausoleum
(Maqbara) has splendid
arches,
many domes, and towering minarets. The architecture is detailed and
Opulently done. It has finely carved silver doors. There is a mosque next
to it. It is located on Mahatma Gandhi Road, near the railway station and
opposite the court.
The Maqbara embodies the tomb of Nawab Mahabatkhanji – I.
Narsinh Mehta no Choro
|
It is said that he had real vision of Lord Shiva, who took him to Vainkunth and showed him Raas Leela of Lord
Krishna and
Radhaji. He used to visit Damodar Kund
early in the morning singing his
poems (Prabhatiya).
The famous poem “Vaishnavjan To Tene Re Kahiye Je Pid Parayi Jane Re…” which was
favourite Bhajan of Mahatma Gandhi was
originally written by Narsinh Mehta.
Uparkot:
An impressive fort, Uparkot, located on a plateau in the middle of town, was originally built during the Mauryan dynasty by Chandragupta in 319 BC.
The fort remained in use till the 6th century, and then it was covered over for 300 years. Then it
was
rediscovered
in 976 AD. The fort was inundated 16 times over an 800-year period. One unsuccessful siege lasted twelve years.
The fort had all the resources like water tanks and food grain storage to last for twelve years.
Besides there are well known places like Adikadi Vav (A stepped well) and Navghan Kuva (A well with steps surrounding it which could hide a large army) which are believed to have been built during the rule of the Solanki of the Chalukya Dynasty in 11th and 12th Century.
Dhakka Bari (The window to punish the offenders by throwing them off in the valley) is now
closed for public access
and can be seen only from the outside of fort.
There is a palace of Ranakdevi which is presently in a devastated state and converted into Jama Masjid. Near
the
palace, two canons named Nilam and Manek, brought from
Diu
after
conquering it in 1962 A.D, have been arranged pointing to the picturesque view of the city. The first canon Nilam is fifteen feet long and made in Egyptian 15th century. It was abandoned by a
Turkish admiral opposing the Portuguese forces
at
Diu in the 16th Century.
Darbar Hall 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.
Open: 9am to 12:15 pm and 2:45 to 6 pm
Damodar Kund
This Kund (Water pond) is on the way to Foot of Mount Girnar. It is considered to be a sacred
bathing place. Close to Damodara Kund is Revati Kund. It is said that Revata left Dwarka and
moved near Girnar Hill after his daughter, Revati, married Lord Balarama. 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.
Bhavnath Temple and Mrugi Kund
Bhavnath Temple with Historic Mrugi Kund is one of the Most significant Religious Places of Junagadh. Lakhs of Devotees and Naked Saints(Naga Bawa) from different sects and Mathas
from different corner of country reach here around Maha-Shivratri to attend a four day fair. The Naga Bawas take a Holy deep in Mrugi Kund and
take out a procession, which is the major
attraction of the fair.
Rocks Edicts
of Emperor Ashoka (Ashok Shilalekh)
Three
Rock Edicts, known as
Emperor Ashoka’s Edicts are Situated along the
road from
Junagadh to Mount
Girnar (Taleti Road). The first dated 256 B.C is in form of commands of Emperor Ashoka in “Brahmi”
and
“Pali”
languages. It is in 14 parts and carved on stone
measuring 75 sq.feet in Circumference. Next to it is rock edict of Mahakshatrapa Rudradama and dated 150 A.D. The third belongs to Emperor Skandagupata and dated 456 A.D. A building was
built for protection of these edicts in 1900 A.D.
Baba Pyara Caves
These three tier rock cut caves are dated 1-2 A.D. Considered to be residents of Buddist monks
they are built at different times
and have very less ornamentation. Most of the caves are square or rectangular in shape with flat
stone roof. A Rock edict of
kshatrapa period is found in these caves,which seems to be placed there later on.
Khapra-Kodia Caves:
Situated on the northern side of Uparkot, these caves are dated 1st and 2nd century A.D. They are
250 feet
long and 80 feet wide. The Eastern sides of the caves are believed to be used as habitable apartments. While on the western side Five Chambers
are provided with a small tank in centre of each, stone pillars to support the stone roof and corridors all around. These caves are
very simple and devoid of any carving and ornamentation.
Willingdon Dam
 |
| Willingdon Dam |
Inaugurated in 1936, this 44 feet high dam has a catchment area of 4.10 square kilometres. It is
45 feet wide in bottom and 10 feet wide at the top. It is 850 feet long and has
capacity of 10 corer gallon. A beautiful terraced garden with Children Park is located here. Steps to Datar hill are
located adjacent to this
dam. This is one of the most beautiful spots of Junagadh.
Diwan Chowk
 |
| Diwan Chowk |
Diwan Chowk situated on the southern side of circle Chowk and surrounded
by
the
City Palace, Aryana Mahel and the other Majestic Royal buildings Still
reflect the Past glory of Junagadh.It is an imported
civic space of the
City.
Circle Chowk
 |
| Circle chowk |
Circle Chowk known earlier as Chandni Chowk, the Circle Chowk was built by Nawab Mahabbatkhan-II. Its foundation
stone was laid
by political agent Mr.Anderson on 27-5-
1872. Planning and Designing of
Circle Chowk
and
its
surrounding buildings were prepared by the British Agency Engineer Mr. Blacky. The central Circle was
Named Mahabt
Circle after Nawab Mahabbatkhan-II. Two gates Placed on the northern and the southern side of Circle Chowk add to the Grandeur of the Place.
Jain derasar
Situated on the first plateau of Mount Girnar at the height of about 3000 steps, these temples of Jainism have marvellous
carvings in marble
Mujkund Caves
Famous place where Krishna Run and from Mathura after which he was named as Ranchod Rai.
His enemy Kal Yavan was following him. The puranic story goes like this : King Muchkand, a
spiritual king had renounced the worldly desires and become a Seer (Rishi) Muchkand. He used
to meditate in a small cave.He had acquired the power in his sight such that whoever he would see on opening his
eyes, would get burnt to ashes.
Lord Krishna was escaping from his enemy Kal Yavan. He came to the cave where Rishi
Muchkand was meditating. Lord Krishna threw his blanket over the meditating Rishi and hid in a
corner of the cave. Kal Yavan entered the cave following Lord Krishna, saw his blanket covering
a person and drew the blanket. Rishi Muchkand’s meditation broke and he saw Kal Yavan. A beam of fire went straight from his eyes to Kal Yavan burning him to ashes. Thereafter, he was very much pleased to see Lord Krishna visiting him and both had a good time together. There is
a Shiv Linga established by Rishi Muchkand known as Muchkand Mahadev. The cave also has a temple of Lord Krishna and another Shiv Linga established by Lord Krishna..
Narsinh Maheta Lake
A beautiful lake situated near Talav Gate and ST Bus Station. This was an abandoned place till
1995 AD,
as the
lake did not
have any storage capacity. In the year 2000, the lake was
reconstructed and deepened by joint effort of the people of Junagadh. Water flowing in Kalwa river is diverted to this lake in monsoon season when Willingdon dam overflows.
It maintains
water and water level of surrounding areas throughout the year. The protective wall with
seating arrangements,
and
a small garden called
“Shahid Park” lure a number of citizens to pass their evening there, particularly on Sundays.
Shri Swaminarayan Temple
Junagadh is a prime place of pilgrimage for the
believers of Swaminarayan sect of Hindu religion.
Four temples at Junagadh, Gadhada,
Vadtal and Bhuj were built and established by Lord
Swaminarayan
himself for spread and growth of
religion. The temple is managed by the managing committee comprising of Kothari Swami and other prominent Hari Bhakta’s. This temple is about 200 years
old.
FAIRS AND FESTIVAL
Maha-Shivratri
|
Mahashivratri Fair in Bhavnath Taleti
Maha Shivaratri is a religious festival held annually in honour of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims fast day and night before making many offerings including milk, incense, and special leaves. Devotees
believe that Shiva himself visits the shrine on this occasion. Girnar is said to be the abode of the
nine
immortal nathas, and eighty-four siddhas, all of whom also visit the temple in their invisible
spirit forms during Mahashivaratri. Offerings are made to the deities,
and the fest ive energy courses through performances of dance, music and traditional Bhavai theatre.
Before going to the fair, many pilgrims do a parikrama of the holy hills of Girnar, a journey of about 7 km. Visitors are served free meals by the organizers. Special stalls sell idols, rosaries
brought from Ayodhya and Mathura, and delectable sweets.
The fair during Mahashivaratri is held for five days commencing from the Hindu calendar date of Magh Vad 11, during the Gregorian months of February-March. The Bhavnath Fair is held at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple
near Damodar Kund, at Girnar Taleti, 8. About Five to Seven
lakh people from different regions of India, particularly from Gujarat and Marwad, have been
coming here for many years. While many come clad in lively colors, the Ahirs and Mers of the Junagadh district are the most striking among them.
The evening leading up to the midnight ritual of Mahashivaratri, at the wrestling grounds, or
akhada, next to the temple, the naga bavas gather for a ritual involving a blend of dance and martial arts. The Bhavnath Mahadev temple is a shrine ensconced in myths and legends of the Puranic era. The Shiva linga 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 Mrugi Kund, making this
place an auspicious
site for Shiva worshippers. Even today, the
naga
bavas are known to bathe in the holy Mrugi Kund
before joining the Mahashivaratri procession. The fair itself is so ancient that its
precise origins
are unknown.
3.11.2. Girnar Parikrama (Lili Parikrama)
|
Lili Parikrama
The importance of Girnar Parikrama from the religious
point of view is much more. People from
all over India come to undertake this
tough route,
even without bothering about the harsh cold of forest. Here are the individual distances of places located on the approximately is 36 Km. long
parikrama route: 'Bhavnath' to 'Zina Bava Ni
Madhi' is at 12 Km. 'Zina Bava Ni Madhi' to
'Malvela' is at 8 Km 'Malvela' to 'Bordevi' is at 8 Km and
'Bordevi' to 'Bhavnath' is
at
8 Km.
Apart from this Religious point of View, the parikrama is equally important from social point of view because people of different castes and Community come together on this pious occasion.
They come to know about the different assets of different community. Here each and every
person lives with other people without any differences.
The parikrama is Organized every year on ‘Kartak Sud 11 to 15’ according to the Indian moon
calendar.
The
parikrama starts from Dudheshwar
Temple at Bhavanath Temale,Taleti,
then People pass through dense forest via ‘Intwa ni Ghodi’ (Ghodi is like pass in mountains- in which one has
to first climb the elevation and then climb down the Elevation)
After people pass this Ghodi, they ‘Zina Bawa ni Madhi’ located near to the largest Dam of Junagadh district i.e. Hasnapur Dam. Pilgrims do a night halt here. A very beautiful Temple
named Chandra-Mauleshwar is
Situated here. There is
two
option at place of Zina bawa ni madhi
to continue parikrama. First option is directly reach Malvela and the other is to reach malvela via Sarkhadiya Hanuman which is the best hanuman temple in Junagadh. It is located amidst dense forest. Lion roars are almost common at this place. Chances of being confronted by deer’s are
also maximum. Piligrims also visit Suraj-Kund form Sarkhadiya-hanuman.
Pilgrims reach ‘Madvela’ form either of the above mentioned routes. A very beautiful temple is
located at ‘Malveda’. As pilgrims start moving from ’Malveda’, the toughest Ghodi is about to
welcome them, which is known as ‘Nal-Pani Ghodi’ or ‘Madvela ni Ghodi’. This Ghodi is so inclined that the maximum numbers of
accidents are reported from this place. Many Aged pilgrims find it difficult to cross this ghodi. Once the pilgrims reach the top of the ghodi, there is forest hut located which counts the number of pilgrims undertaking the
parikra ma. Now the
pilgrims have to climb down the steep Elevation of ‘Nal-Pani Ghodi’, after they climb it down, they reach ‘Bordevi’.
‘Bordevi’ is a temple goddess of bordevi, it is surrounded by Mango trees on three sides of the temple. Places like Kaala-Dhuno and Tataniyo Dhuno are places which carry water all the year
round. Tataniyo Dhuno or Khodiyar Dhuno gives shelter to crocodiles.
Piligrims now starts moving towards Bhavnath taleti from Bordevi, which is the end point of the
Lili-Parikrama.
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