Places to Visit on Girnar
Girnar is one of the oldest mountains of the county and the tallest mountain of Gujarat. The height of Girnar is 1069 m or 3,507 feet. As per the archaeological data, it’s even older than the Himalayas. Surrounded by the Gir National Park and Gir wildlife sanctuary, the forest around Girnar is only home to the majestic Asiatic Lions in the world.Places to Visit on Girnar
Recently built Girnar Ropeway project was inaugurated digitally by honourable Prime Minister Shree Narendra Modi in the physical presence of the Chief Minister Shree Vijay Rupani on 24th October 2020.
It’s to be noted that the Ropeway will reduce the total climbing time from a few hours to under 10 minutes and will make reaching Ambaji more easy and accessible to the people of all ages. Hence, will attract more tourists and give them enough time & energy to discover places other than Ambaji temple. Here are the places that you should consider visiting if you are planning to visit Girnar on a Ropeway.
1. Ambaji Temple
Located at the height of 3300 feet from the sea level, the Ambaji temple is the main attraction of the Girnar mountain. The Ambaji temple has many folk stories and history behind it and enjoys the strong faith among locals as well as tourists. According to the archaeologists, the Ambaji Mandir was made during the Gupt dynasty. It has been noted by some historians that Vamana – An Avatar of Lord Vishnu, prayed Maa Amba at this place. The renovation of the temple was done in recent times before the opening of the Ropeway.
A 9-minute Ropeway ride can take riders from taleti directly to the Ambaji temple. Few steps of the temple after the Girnar Ropeway Udan khatola ride and one reaches at one of the most historical temples of Gujarat. It is also known as Girnari Maa nu Mandir by some bhakts. From the top, one can enjoy the surreal views of Hasnapur Dam, Bhadar River, and the city of Junagadh.
2. Gorakhnath Peak
Gorakhnath temple is located on the way to South from the Ambaji temple. The temple is located at the highest peak of Girnar. Gorakhnath Mandir has footsteps of Guru Gorakhnath who had enlightened the king Bhuthari, king Gopichand, Navanatha and 84 other accomplished followers at that peak. Guru Gorakhnath was the descendant of Guru Datatreya and follower of Nath Sampraday. Located at the height of 3600 feet, the Gorakhnath peak holds special importance among the followers.
One can take Udan Khatola (Girnar Ropeway) till the Ambaji temple and then climb a few hundred steps to reach Gorakhnath peak. It takes around 1 – 2 hours for to and fro journey to the highest point of Gujarat.
3. Dattatreya Peak
Dattatreya is not the highest peak but surely is the most difficult one. Because of its difficult climb, many people avoid this track. At the peak, there’s a hexagonally made temple of Guru Datatreya. The bell constructed near the temple is huge and holds importance among the followers. According to some shastra, Guru Dattatreya is Lord Vishnu himself. Every Purnima people come to visit the Dattatreya Temple.
4. Jain Temples
Girnar is one of the 4 holy pilgrims of the Jains. Derasaras are located 900 steps below the Ambaji temple. The temples are surrounded by beautiful sculptures and it is believed that it was made by a Kashmiri pilgrim named Natasha. It is noted on the stones that the king of Junagadh Ra’Mandalika covered the temple with gold. Apart from the Neminath temple, there are places like Derasaras made by Vastupal and Tejpal, the temple of King Samprati, Hathikund and the caves of Rajul.
Derasaras is located at 900 steps below the Ambaji temple. A few minutes from stairs after taking the ropeway.
There are many more hidden places on Girnar, some of them are forbidden to visit as well but these 4 are the most visited places on Girnar.
How to reach to the Girnar Ropeway – https://aapdujunagadh.com/girnar-ropeway-how-to-reach/
