Last Updated on January 9, 2024 by Roslin Dwivedi
Girnar hill, also known as “Raivataagiri” in hindu scripture written by sage-seer, is located in Junagadh, Gujarat, India.
It is one of the most religious sites in Junagadh. Girnar is also a sacred place for Jains and the Hindus. Girnar is a collection of 5 mountains with many God & religious temples. But mainly known for the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva collectively known as Dattatreya.
You climb approximately 10,000 steps to reach Guru Dattatreya’s holy temple on top of the holy mountain. Here is the charan paduka of Lord Dattatreya, for which millions of devotees come from all over the country and abroad to visit Girnar.
At this place, lord Dattatreya lit the fire with his hands, which is called “Dattatreya Dhuna”. Today, Girnar is one of India’s biggest pilgrimage places.
What is Dattatreya Temple famous for
Girnar had asked Lord Mahadev for a boon that there should be 33 crore divinities, siddhas, and saints on this mountain of mine. Lord Shankar fulfilled their wishes and gave them a boon.
That is why taking offerings of Girnar Parikrama, Datta Paduka Darshan, Datta Dhuna Darshan and Annakshetra is a supernatural worthy deed. The journey to the God Dattatreya Padukas is said to be made light by just two chants ‘Jai Girnari And ‘Digambara Digambara Sripada Vallabha Digambara…Digambara – meaning and spirit.
On this Girnar, lord Dattatreya performed penance for 12,000 years as per the orders of his parents. After this rigorous penance, at that place he became formless in shape, from emptiness or
nothingness. Dattatreya Dhuna ignites the fire by itself without the use of any external means (fuel, matchsticks, etc.), which is thrilling, surprising and expressive.
Why to visit the Temple of Guru Dattatreya
The very appearance of the mountain symbolizes that “A GURU IS ALWAYS ON TOP OF THE WORLD”. Lord Dattatreya is THE SUPREME POWER.
Therefore, his Lotus feet are imprinted on the highest peak of the tallest mountain, more ancient than the Himalayas. To reach and have philosophy of lord Datta’s holy footprints, one should have a lot of determination, surrender, dedication, and utmost faith in God.
One should follow the same path as his Guru in the same direction. Then only will we reach our goal. The main annual event for Hindus is the Maha Shivaratri fair where upto millions of pilgrims visit the fair to participate in the pooja and parikrama of Girnar hill.
Lord Dattatreya is present here and he has been protecting all his devotees.
Best time to visit and how to reach this divine top of the mountain
Owing to all of this, Girnar is an important visit center for people from many faiths who visit every year any month/day. However, Winters are the best time to visit Girnar, as the temperature is pleasant in case you decide to trek.
Girnar place is surrounded by a fully forest area. A very nice atmosphere can be experienced by each visitor to this powerful kshetra. Since there are almost 10,000 steps to reach out to Guru Dattatreya’s holy temple on top of the mountain but the newest addition to Gujarat’s tourism circuit – Asia’s Longest Ropeway which was inaugurated to reach half of the mountain upto 5000 steps so far.
From this point a thing called ‘Doli’ is available for visitors where they charge as per the person’s weight.
Travelling to the Temple of Guru Dattatreya
The nearest airport to Girnar is the Keshod airport, which is 40km from Girnar. Traveling by train is the easiest way, train services are frequently available from Ahmedabad City.
From Junagadh daily services are available which is about 5km from Girnar, in addition the Gujarat state provides bus services from all the major parts of the state.
Accommodation and Vehicle Parking
There are best budget accommodations available at Girnar mt. Hotels, Dharamshala, Ashram and guest houses. And have many options for staying at a reasonable cost with convenient services.
To make your stay memorable in Junagadh with all the sightseeing places nearby and necessary requirements.
Moreover, vehicle parking is much feasible at Girnar, Junagadh where you can park vehicles in front of the parking area with minimum cost depending on the days of stay.
Tips for Girnar climbing
- A bottle of water, glucose candies/Chewing gums, Medical tablets as requirement, cap in lightweight backpack
- Apply sunscreen before the climb.
- Wear loose, comfortable sports clothes (shorts not allowed)
- Sticks and shoes with a good grip.
- Start early to avoid the heat of the day, or climb at night to reach the summit in the early hours and also witness the color change in the total darkness of the night (the stairs have some lights but they aren’t adequately lit). in some places (take a flashlight with you if necessary) to the violet, pink and red of the rising sun.
Spiritual Information about God Dattatreya: –
To overcome mental, physical and many problems and prove Lord Datta’s spiritual practice. But it is certain that all the volunteers who serve selflessly get the grace of Lord Dattatreya.
The trek is certainly a refreshing experience for any visitor, especially once one reaches the summit and witnesses the magnificent view. Dattatreya Temple is a hindu temple dedicated to the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva collectively known as Dattatreya. There are more religious sites in Junagadh.
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AUTHOR:
Sonali Dounde is a writer and IT Security Specialist with Solution Architect in India. After working in the IT industry for 9 years, embarked upon a career as a copywriter with immense pleasure. She is a recognized expert in IT industry customer service and a communicative collaborator,etc. For her hard work, continuous effort, and achieved results & awards. In her spare time she loves to watch multilingual movies, dancing, and Yoga. You can connect with her on LinkedIn or Instagram.
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