Jay Girnari Shri Gurudev Datta

Shri Girnar is a group of mountain peaks where Shri Dattatreya actually lived! Although climbing 10,000 steps will test your physical and mental abilities, it is a place that Datta devotees must visit at least once. The ancient history and locality of Girnar, the place which Lord Dattatreya has blessed with his eternal abode and proved by his penance for twelve thousand years, is the unique faith of the Datta devotees.

Geographically, it is a cluster of numerous small and large mountains, peaks and cones. In Shiv Purana, Girnar is mentioned as Revatachal mountain. The names of Girnar are found in Skanda Purana as Raivat, Revatachal, Kumud, Ujjayant. The names Revatachal, Kumud, Ujjayant are associated with the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Shankar).

There are evidences in the Puranas that Sri Rama and the Pandavas lived on this mountain. In the Puranas it is mentioned as Shvetachal, Shvetgiri. Girnar is even more ancient than the Himalayas. All the above are related to the divinity of Girnar. Such Sri Girnar is the abode of Lord Sri Datta Prabhu. Girnar Tal is 5 km from the city of Junagadh in the western Indian state of Gujarat. I. is at a distance. The extent of this mountain is about 4 Yojanas i.e. 16 villages. About 28 Sq. that I. is pervaded by This area of Girnar mountain is very scenic, fascinating, wild life, rich in various medicinal plants.

Datta Prabhu has given direct darshan to many saints at this place. Since time immemorial, many Siddha Yogis have been practicing Sadhana in Girnar caves. Santanas like Baba Kinaram Aghori, Shri Vasudevananda Saraswati Tembe swami Maharaj, Raghunath Niranjan, Narayan Maharaj, have benefited from the direct darshan of Dutt Maharaj here.This land is blessed with Yogi Siddha Mahatma. That is why even today many people are found sitting in their place of penance on Mount Girnar. At the base of Girnar mountain i.e. Talethi there are ancient places of interest like Bhavnath Temple, Lord Mahadev Temple, Mrigi Kund, Long Hanuman Temple.

A five-day fair is held here on Mahashivratri. There is an antelope. During the Shivratri fair, 10 to 12 lakh people gather near this kunda to see the temple of Lord Mahadev. Bathing of the Siddhas in the deer tank is the main attraction. There is a legend that Shiva himself comes to bathe in this tank. When these Naga sadhus take bath in the deer tank, there is one among those sadhus who does not come out after taking a dip in the deer tank. Ingests. He is Shiva himself. There are many arenas in the surrounding area like Old Arena, Niranjan Arena, Challenge Arena, Agni Arena.

Among them, an ashram of Guru Triloknath Bapu run by Shrishernath Bapu is worth seeing. Shri Shernath Bampu, who is very sattvik and radiant with his tapoba, should be seen by all the devotees. Food donation has been going on in the Ashram uninterruptedly for many years. Guru Shishya Nath tradition is still followed here. Prasad will be taken here by every devotee who comes. Shernath Bapu himself has a keen eye on this. About 2.5 to 3 kms towards the forest along a path in front of Long Hanuman is Sant Sri Kashmiri Bapu's ashram. Shri Kashmiri Bapu's age is around 150 years. Such is the faith of the locals as well as the devotees, this place is a must see in the ashram as it is very scenic and sacred by the passion of Kashmiri Bapu.

There are various other locations along the way. Before starting to climb the steps, there is an arch from where all the devotees start climbing Girnar. For devotees who find it physically impossible to climb, there are doliwalas near the arches. Dollywales charge Rs 5,000 to 11,000 per person. At about 200 steps, the idol of Shri Bhairava is seen on the left. Earlier a Siddha Sri Laxman Bharti Digambar lived there. He was highly respected among all the saints. At the 2,000th step, a plaque that says Velnath Baba Samadhi comes into view, which is said to be a Siddhasthan.

At 2,250 steps is the cave of King Bhartrihari and Gopichand mentioned in Sri Navnath Bhaktisara Granth. If you go inside and have darshan, you will find two beautiful idols. Mali Parab Ghat comes a little to the side. There is a temple of Sri Rama and adjacent to it is a tank of cool sweet water. Around 2,600 steps is the shrine of Goddess Ranak. There is a claw mark of two hands on that stone. A little further, at about 3,500 steps, Prasutibai Devi is situated. After getting a child, there is a large number of devotees who come here with that child for darshan. A little further from here there are small temples like Datta Cave, Santoshi Mata, Kali Mata, Varudi Mata, Khodiyar Mata. A Jain temple is next to it. The main temple belongs to the 22nd Jain Tirthankar Neminath. This is a Jain temple within the ancient palace itself. Neminath idol in black stone is very beautiful and elegant.

Neminath practiced sadhana at this place for seven hundred years and this is his tomb. A few steps down from this temple is a magnificent and tall image of Adinath, the first Tirthankara of Jainism. A little further is the Jain Digambar temple complex. These temples are a symbol of the glory of our ancient civilization with exquisite craftsmanship. A little further, a place called Gau-mukhi Ganga is found, where the water of the Ganga comes from the mouth of a cow. Gangeshwar Mahadev temple and Batuk Bhairava temple are nearby.

Gou-mukhi Ganga is the way up to the right side of the temple. On the left side is a weft path. Villagers, devotees, sadhus do not come or go through Bairagi routes, many people do not know this route as there are no people on these routes for any kind of help. At 4,800 steps the Ambaji Tunk comes to the right side of the Gau-Mukhi Ganga as the mountain begins to climb. This is also one of the 51 Shaktipeeths. Goddess Parvati resided on Mount Girnar as Ambamata. So it is said to be a temple. The door facing Goddess Ambamata of this temple is always closed. It opens only on Holi Poornima or Navratri. This place is the attraction of most of the devotees. The beautiful idol of the mother attracts attention. The power of the mother is not known unless she comes to the temple. After seeing the mother, everyone feels that the next journey becomes bearable. Next at 5,500 steps comes Sri Gorakshnath Tunk. It is located on the highest peak of Girnar mountain. It is located at 3,666 feet above sea level.

Jupiter is generally placed in exaltation. Gorakshanath had prayed to the Maharaja that "May I see your feet constantly" Dattamaharaja agreed. Due to this, Gorakshashikhara is high. Shri Gorakshanath of the Navnath sect did severe penance at this place. He has personally been given darshan by Datta Maharaja. And even today devotees believe that Gorakshanath lives here in secret form. On the side is Akhanddhuni of Guru Goraksha Nath and at this place Guru Goraksha Nath preached to eighty four Siddhas and on the side Guru Dattatreya gave Gurumantra to Navnathan at this place.

There is a sin window (bari) on the side. That is a small tunnel. They would enter it from one side and gallop out from the other side. It is believed that one who comes out of this gets the path of salvation.Manhat Sri Somnath has been looking after the arrangement of the temple at this place for the last twelve years. He strongly believes in the word "seva" in the Datta sect. Pilgrims get some relief after Goraksha Tunk. Because it takes 1,000 to 1,500 steps to get to the next peak.

Shree Girnari Bapu's cave begins. There is a temple of Shri Bhairavnath. Devotees who bow down here. To him Shri Girnari Bapu gives Rudraksha as "Prasad" according to his merit.After a short distance there are two big arches. After descending about 300 steps through an arch on the right is Sri Kamandalu. After climbing 1,000 steps from the arch on the left, Guru Shikhar is like a vertical cone. The experience of cold wind and rain is different when climbing this peak where the feet of Sri Dattaguru have appeared. Lord Sri Dattatreya sat on this very spot and performed penance for 12,000 years and it is believed by all Dattatreyas to be his eternal abode. The 10 x 12 sq. ft space has enough space for a priest to sit on the footstool of Lord Sri Dattatreya, a neat idol.

The idol of ancient Ganesha and Hanuman on the side attracts attention. A little below behind Charana Kamal is an ancient Shivlinga. Here is an ancient bell. Devotees believe that after ringing the bell 3 times, all the ancestors are freed. Since there is no further road from here, one can go back down or towards Kamandalu Sthana. While worshiping Lord Dattatreya in Saguna, the worship of Charan Paduka is considered the best. Also, observation of the moon in the sky is also a part of Datta worship for some seekers, so a panoramic view of the space can be seen from this place in the morning or at night.

Come here and experience it. During monsoons, it is impossible to describe the experience here in words. The clouds are also below the peak. On the way down, when you come back to those two arches, you have to go down 300 steps to Kamandalu place.

Here is a continuous jyoti that has existed for 5,000 years. This tune is a rare gift. Even today that tune appears every Monday morning at around 6.00-6.30 for an hour. Sridatta Prabhu appears there in the form of fire. Sadhus at the Kamandalukunda place dedicate around 5-6 maunds of wood to pimpal wood (stacked in the fire pit like we do on Holi.) and at a certain moment within the blink of our eyes a 2 man tall flame of Swayambhu Agninarayana created by Sridattatreya. ?If you want to take advantage of this unique darshan, you have to start climbing on Monday morning (ie Sunday midnight) between 2.00-2.30. Bhasma here is offered to devotees. Shri Gorakshanath Akhand Dhuni. Legend has it that while Lord Dattatreya was sitting on Dattatunka for thousands of years in meditation, the people were struck by drought.

Taking pity on the subjects, Goddess Anusuya Mata called them out of meditation. Then Lord Dattatreya's Kamandalu fell down. It was divided into one part on one side and another part on the other side. Kamandalu is the place where Agni (where there is Dhuni) appeared, and where the Ganga descends and creates a pool of water. There is also an annachhatra in the ashram here. Even today this food chhatra is in service 24 hours a day. Datta Maharaj comes here in some form or the other. The benefit of this food umbrella is given to the tired Datta devotees. By descending from the back side of the ashram, one can reach the mountain of Mahakali Caves.

This path is in dense forest and here there are no steps but one has to go over rocky stones. The side valleys and bumpy roads are a sight to behold for all commoners. In the cave there is a fierce masked idol of the mother. Due to the height of the beta inside, worship has to be done sitting. Renukamata and Anusuyamata are sitting on the two mountains nearby. Looking towards Girnar, one can see the magnificent Datar mountain. Lord Datar is situated at about 3,000 steps while climbing this mountain. Navnath is next to it. The road to climb this mountain is very difficult. It is famous as Jogini's hill which is right in front of Datar mountain. Even today no one dares to climb this mountain. There is a Shivling in a cave on this mountain, this narrow cave has become spacious inside. An old Bapu serves there. On this mountain there are sixty four Yoginis.

Man's mind is the home of vices. And to reach this place one has to climb 9999 steps. Each step has to be climbed by giving up one vice. At the last step sacrifice is also to be given up. Kama, Krodha, Moha, Maya, Pash are not the only vices. So they have branches, sub-branches and sub-branches. They are deeply rooted in the core of the mind. have been cultivated. They will disappear altogether and meet Sridatta in person! Many have benefited, let us also take it.

Circling the Girnar mountain on the right hand is also known as circumambulation. This cycle has been going on since ancient times. Girnar is surrounded by forest. Which is currently under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department. We do not get access to this forest throughout the year. Only 5 days of this cycle period is accessible for all. There are many animals in this forest from ants, scorpions to lions. But these animals do not bother us during these 5 days. This is the grace of Dattaguru. Legend has it that the gods and their ganas also come for circumambulation during this period. Many sins committed unknowingly can be absolved by performing this circumambulation. Therefore, a large number of devotees perform this circumambulation.

From ordinary people like us, sadhus, saints and even gods do this parikrama. So, if you get darshan and blessings of these righteous men while circumambulating, you will be rewarded with gold. Climbing and descending three hills. It has a sharp rise and steep slope. There is no Dharamshala anywhere on the road or a mattress-pillow to sleep on. No tap water to drink or hotel to eat. Datta devotees are circumambulating through dense forest, tall trees, groves, big trees on all sides. This Parikrama is performed in 5 days from Kartiki Ekadashi to Tripurari Poornima.

The path through the dense forest is surrounded by thorns and stones. While there are no facilities on the circumambulation route, devout devotees make this route easy with enthusiasm and devotion. Jinababa ki Madhi is located 12 km after the start of the circumambulation. Girnar circumambulation route is completely through forest. A saint named Jinababa passed away in Girnar in the last century. They have a chimney still here, from which they are said to have been going in and out. His tomb and Dhuni are here. Hot food is provided here by the Sansthan for Parikrama residents. Hundreds of youths participate for free. A little further there is a small river named 'Sarno'.

Many people bathe in it. Malvela is located 8 km further from there. Malvela has many mango trees. This is the center of the Girnar range. Bordevi is located 8 km further from there. This place is very beautiful. Both the idol and the temple are very beautiful. The last leg of the circuit is Bordevi to Taleti which is very straightforward for the circuit walkers. This circumnavigation is completed when one approaches the first step of Taleti i.e. Mount Girnar. The total distance of the circuit is 38 km. Some leave at 5 am and finish by 7 pm, depending on their walking speed, while others do it in 2 days. Local devotees are in Parikrama for 4 days. At least one night stay in the forest is necessary so that the circuit is complete.

Important information regarding Girnar Yatra and Girnar Parikrama. 1) While going to Girnar for Paduka darshan, bow on the first step and surrender to Maharaja and say take me. Before that one should take a darshan of Maruti on the climb near the first step and pray for strength to climb the Gurushikhar. 2) Take good sandals or shoes for walking (sports sandal is best) and practice walking on them for 10-15 days. 3) Feet do not get cold if socks are worn. 4) You should start walking at around 11 pm so that the sun does not bother you and you can bow down to the feet in the pleasant atmosphere of the morning. It takes approximately 5 hours. 5) Clothing should be casual, not jean pants or casual pants.

6) A sweater and a hat should be handy as there is a chilly morning wind after about 6000 steps. 7) He should take a stick in his hand to help him walk. (Rs. 20 out of which Rs. 20 will be returned for every Rs. 30). 8) Take a bottle of water, it is also available on the road. If electrol powder is added to it, it will be fine. Electral powder and glucose powder should be taken by everyone. 3000 steps are seen when you sweat a lot and feel the real need. 9) Carrying sugar, sweet pills in pocket. 10) Waist pouch is better. 11) Keep in mind that there is no toilet anywhere from the beginning to the paduka.

12) Those who suffer from knee pain should wear kneecap, it is very useful while landing. 13) It is best to walk in the dark at night so that you cannot estimate how far you have walked. (Preferably go to 6/8 group). While climbing, you should consciously ignore the numbers written on the stairs. 14) Everyone must take batteries with them, 2 extra cells should be with them. There are lights on the way but there is a long distance in between.15) Many physically weaker and older people climb Girnar mountain than us, so one should have faith in Maharaj, if one has faith, continue chanting Dattanam. Gets a different inner strength.

16) This is not a race so sit down if you are out of breath. It increases the enthusiasm for walking. You should have a little discussion with the right people, your enthusiasm increases and labor is avoided. 17) While descending, descend slowly. If you rush, you get cramps in your feet. A stick is very useful while landing. The weight of the foot should be placed on the stick so that it becomes easier to get down. 18) If possible, get a foot massage after landing, it gives some relief. Now one person sits down with an acupressure machine. After standing on it for 2-3 minutes, the body gets a lot of relief.

19) Girnar Parikrama is held four days before Tripuri Poornima. Only these four days in a year the forest dept clears the road in the forest. So doing this circumambulation at least once has great mythological significance. One of the highlights of the Datta Bhakti Marga is the sight of the footpaths on Mount Girnar. So devotees should definitely go to Mount Girnar. Always remember that He is the bringer and bringer. One should firmly believe that He is the doer of all things. 20) If for some reason one cannot climb, one should take the support of a doli. Don't avoid worrying about what people will say/rightly say. Doli can be found anywhere. At such times, they should be in touch with other doliwalas or nearby shopkeepers arrange doli. We have to pay for the doli ourselves. Here is the government prescribed tariff. This size is usually according to the weight of a person.

21) After leaving the Goraksnath temple, there is no shop on the way, no shop or garlands, flowers are available at the footpaths. Don't forget dry prasad or optional items to be offered at the place of padukas in your sack in a separate compartment. Last and very important, after seeing the Padukas, everyone should take Prasad at Kamandalu Tirtha below. It gives you a lot of strength and enthusiasm, because you have to climb back about 2000 steps and behave politely with the servants there. Do not argue or quarrel unnecessarily. If possible, charity should be done there. It is a difficult vow for them to run this service year after year. But sadhus and devotees are doing it out of service. Sri Girnar Parikrama is a 38 km walking tour. This circuit can only be done on foot. Cannot be done by dolly, vehicle.

Girnar, the mountain and its range are considered sacred and it's an important pilgrimage site for both Jains and Hindus, who gather here during the Girnar Parikrama festival. Significantly famous among Shiva devotees for the mystic space-time of the mountain range with known presence and turnover of different sects of Sadhu Babas, Nath sect, different, Jain Tirthankaras to Girnar, its typical flora and fauna, the famous Maha Shivratri fair, Girnar hosts a number of temples and some historical spots across its range. Amidst the lush green Gir Forest, the mountain range serves as the hub of religious activity.

For Hindus this place is considered holy as Dattatreya stayed there. According to tradition, Pavahari Baba was first initiated into the mysteries of practical yoga on the top of mount Girnar. This mountain was considered holy to Buddhists as well. The mountain Girnar is older than the Himalayas and the Jain temples upon it are amongst the most ancient in the country. It is 3666 feet high, and is one of the most remarkable mountains in India. From the city of Junagarh only the top of it can be seen, as it has in front of it lower hills, of which Jogniya, or Laso Pawadi, 2527 feet, Lakhshman Tekri, Bensla, 2290 feet high, and Datar, 2779 feet high, are the principal peaks. Jay Shri Gurudev Datta