The Girnar Parikrama is a religious pilgrimage around the Girnar mountain in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, India. The Parikrama starts on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi and ends on Kartik Poornima.
Starts on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi November 23, 2023
Ends on Kartik Poornima November 27, 2023
Every year, on the occasion of Dev Diwali (In the month of November), the Girnar Parikrama takes place. A large number of pilgrims take part in this Girnar Lili Parikrama. The route of this Parikrama is in the Gir Forest area. The region is open only for 5 to 10 days during this Girnar Lili Parikrama.
Girnar Parikrama Route and Distance
The Girnar Parikrama route is 36 kilometres long and circles the Girnar mountain.
Bhavnath to Zina Bava Ni Madhi – 12 km
Zina Bava Ni Madhi to Malvela – 8 km
Malvela to Bordevi – 8 km
Bordevi to Bhavnath – 8 km
The Girnar Parikrama starts from the Dudheshwar temple at Girnar Taleti in Junagadh and the total distance is 36 km.
Bhavnath to Zina Bava Ni Madhi
Pilgrims walk through a dense forest via the “Intwa Ni Ghodi ” and reach Zina Bava Ni Madhi, 12 km away from Bhavnath. Situated next to Hasnapur Dam, this is the biggest Dam in Junagadh. Usually, pilgrims spend the night here.
The Chandra Mulaeshwar Temple is situated on the Girnar Parikrama Route Map. It is a beautiful temple. To enter the temple, you must have a permit from the Department of Forests; without a permit, you can’t enter the temple. Lions sightseeing can also be done at this temple. This place is also known as “Raniyo Kuvo”.
Zina Bava Ni Madhi to Malvela
The next spot is Malvela. From Zina Bava Ni Madhi, the pilgrims reach a beautiful Malvela temple.
Two options are available for pilgrims from Zina Bava Ni Madhi.
1. Pilgrims can directly reach Malvela from here.
2.Another option is to reach Malvela via Sarkhadiya Hanuman.
Sarkhadiya Hanuman is surrounded by dense forest. It is the best Hanuman temple in Junagadh. Pilgrims visiting the temple can often hear lion roars and watch deer nearby. You can also visit Suraj-Kund from Sarkhadiya Hanuman.
Malvela to Bordevi
After reaching Malvela, pilgrims climb down Nalpani Ghodi, and then reach “Bordevi ”.
Note: Ghodi is shaped like a mountain pass, in which you have to first climb up and elevation before climbing down. The one visiting this Ghodi needs to take great care as the Ghodi is inclined and a maximum number of accidents are reported from this place.
Bordevi to Bhavnath
Bordevi is 8 km away from Bhavnath Taleti. It is the last spot for Girnar Parikrama. Finally, after completing this religiously adventurous journey, pilgrims start moving to Bhavnath Taleti and end their Parikrama.
The Parikrama route passes through several temples and other religious sites. Like
Bhavnath Temple
Neminath Temple
Amba Mata Temple
Guru Dattatreya Temple
Bharat Ji’s Gufa
Know more about Guru Dattatreya Temple: Dattatreya Temple is an ancient temple on Girnar Mountain. The Guru Dattatreya Temple is located on a hill 10,000 steps above. Guru Dattatreya is considered to be the human manifestation of the Hindu trinity of gods, Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara.
In addition to these temples, the Girnar Parikrama route also passes through several other religious sites, such as ashrams, mosques, and Jain Derasars.
History and Significance of Girnar Parikrama Junagadh
Girnar Hill is one of the most spiritual and holy places in India. It is believed that 33 crore gods and goddesses, 64 Joganiyo, 52 Veer, and Navnathe stay at Girnar. Girnar Hill looks like the Shivlinga of Lord Shiva.
There are many temples, ashrams, caves, Dharamshala, and Bhojanalayas of Hinduism and Jainism located at Girnar Hill, Junagadh.
The importance and history of Girnar are mentioned in the holy scriptures of Hinduism and Jain. In detail.
Girnar Parikrama Distance
The total distance of the Girnar Parikrama is 36 kilometres. However, some pilgrims shorten the distance to complete the Parikrama by climbing directly from Bhavnath Temple to Guru Dattatreya Temple.
How to Reach Girnar Junagadh
Girnar is located 7 kilometres from Junagadh City. The best way to reach Girnar is by road or train. Major cities near Junagadh are Rajkot, Porbandar, and Ahmedabad.
By Road
Junagadh is well connected to many cities in Gujarat. You can get a local bus, car, etc. to reach Junagadh.
By Air
There is no airport in Junagadh. The nearest airport is in Porbandar (86 km).
By Rail
The nearest railway station is at Junagadh, which is 5 km away from Girnar. Trains are available from nearby locations within Gujarat and from places outside the state.
Girnar Distance From Nearby City
Junagadh – 7 Km | Palitana – 112 Km
Bhavnagar – 205 Km | Dwarka – 246 Km
Rajkot – 114 Km | Bhuj – 346 Km
Jamnagar – 160 Km | Ahmedabad – 338 Km
Somnath – 110 Km | Gandhinagar – 350 Km
Benefits of Girnar Parikrama
The Girnar Parikrama is considered to be a religious and spiritual pilgrimage. It is said to help in self-purification and spiritual development.
Preparation for Girnar Parikrama
The Girnar Parikrama isn’t so easy. During this Parikrama, you may face many difficulties, and the route of the Girnar Parikrama is difficult, so it is important to be prepared. Here are some things to pack for the Parikrama:
Comfortable shoes
Plenty of water and food
A flashlight or headlamp
A jacket or coat
Medications
Precautions during the Girnar Parikrama
Take care of your health.
Avoid breakdown.
This is a forest area, so protect yourself from wild animals.
Respect the local people.
Where to Stay in Junagadh
You can find many Dharamshalas around Girnar Taleti. Dharamshala is perfect for staying with family or groups and provides good facilities and rooms at a budget price. Also, they offer delicious food.
Here are a few recommendations:
Prernadham Lal Gebi Ashram
Kathiya Khakh Chowk Ni Jagya
Mangalam Yatrik Bhavan
Tirthankar Neminath Bhavan
Machhoya Ahir Seva Samaj Dharamshala
For more information, you can visit our website to find Accommodations at Junagadh as well as other places across Gujarat and India!
Thank You!
Jay Girnari | Shiv Shambhu
