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Monday, October 3, 2011

Girnar Hill




      Girnar (also known as 'Girnar Hill') is a collection of mountains in the Junagadh District of Gujarat, India. The tallest of these rises to 945 meters (3600 feet), the highest peak in Gujarat. The first peak of Girnar has a collection of Digambar and Shwetamber temples. The Shwetambar temples are more intricately carved but are more modern in terms of history. It is claimed that there are exactly 9,999 steps from the trailhead to the last temple on the highest peak, but the actual number is roughly 8,000.

        It is believed by Hindus that if you climb the mountain barefooted you will be granted forgiveness and a place in Heaven. There are many legends attached to Girnar Hill. It is also said that if a person attempts suicide from the holy stone, he'll become one with Heaven. Another curious fact is that in the Gir Forest still can be seen the last remaining Asian lions.

       The major temple is the Neminath temple built in the 11th century.The temple contains the deity of Lord Neminath, which is made of black granite and the eyes of the deity are made of precious jewels. According to Jain religion n, Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankar became an ascetic after he saw the slaughter of animals for food on his wedding. He rejected all worldly pleasures and went to Mount Girnar to attain salvation. There,

        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.

        In addition, there is another temple known as Mallinath temple within the Neminath temple which is devoted to Tirthankar (Jain god).

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