History
Mount Girnar, located at a distance of 6km from Junagadh, Gujarat is a set of several hills and mountains. It is a holy place and a significant pilgrimage for both Hindus and Jains. There are a number of temples located here. Amidst the lush green Gir Forest, the mountain range serves as the hub of pilgrimage.
Mount Girnar has around 866 temples that can be reached by climbing around 8,000 steps. The base of the mountain is known as Girnar Taleti. Pilgrims go trekking up the mountain, which is best started early in the morning. Ascending up the hill, one will pass through various Hindu and Jain temples. Mount Girnar is well-known for its group of Jain temples, both Digambar and Shwetambar communities of Jains. There are around 16 shrines, all made of marble.
Spread across an area of 70 miles, Mount Girnar has five major peaks namely, Ambaji, Gorakhnath, Guru Dattatreya, Oghad Ansuya and Kalka. Out of these five, Gorakhnath is the highest soaring at a height of 3666 feet above sea level. While going up the hill, a suitable step way is made of wide steps along with waiting spots, water places and devasthans (prayer place) for the convenience of the climbers. The Jain temples are very old and ancient, and their foundations remain unchanged.
Gorakhnath, the highest peak of Girnar Hill is the one on which the footprints of Gorkhnathji, the renowned saint are. Dattatreya peak has a small temple on the footprints of Guru Dattatreya. The most difficult to approach is the peak of Kalika which is detached by the step way but is not far away from Dattatreya.
Pilgrims should start early in the morning, carry plenty of water, and stop to relax often in between, and your climb of Mount Girnar will be worthwhile.
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