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The summit has been an important religious place since the 3rd century. Girnar temples
present a true blend of art, religion and devotion. The sculptural art used in these
temples is outstanding. They have stood the test the time and the cruelty of various
invaders. Despite that, the art forms of the temples still retain their magnificence.
The Jain temples at Girnar attract devotees of both Shwetambar and Digambar sects
of Jainism. The Neminath Temple is the main attraction of Girnar. It was built during
1128 AD to 1159 AD.
According to Jain religious beliefs, Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankar became an ascetic
after he saw the slaughter of animals for food on his wedding. He renounced all
worldly pleasures and came to Mount Girnar to attain salvation. Here, Bhagwan Neminath
reached the highest state of enlightenment, Keval Gyan and Moksha, after great austerities.
His bride-to-be also followed his path and founded the 'Sandhvi Sangh', the organization
of women ascetics. The rectangular Neminath temple is the greatest temple here.
It has an idol of Lord Neminath in black granite with jeweled eyes. There are quadrangle
courtyards, corridors and other shrines. The pillars are adorned with intricate
carvings of Jain Tirthankars. The ceilings bear carvings and sculptures of Dancing
Goddesses. Apart from this, there is the Mallinath temple, which is dedicated to
the 19th Tirthankar. It was constructed by Vastupal and Tejpal. Neminath in 1231
AD. The Lord is shown in blue color here. The Rishabhadev Temple, situated nearby,
is in golden color.
It is dedicated to 24 Tirthankars of Jain religion. Another Jain temple in the region
is the Parshwanath Temple. It was built in the 15th century and is also known as
Meravasi. Besides this, there is a Goddess Ambe Temple at Grinar. The temple is
visited by the newly married couples for good fortune and prosperous married life.
A mosque nearby is thronged by childless women for blessings. The Dattatreya hill,
halfway down the temple cluster, also houses a number of other temples worth seeing.
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Location: |
Junagadh District |
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Distance: |
327 km from Ahmedabad |
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Altitude: |
3660 feet above sea level |
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Attractions: |
Hindu and Jain Temples, mainly Neminath Temple |
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