Thursday, January 31, 2008

Junagadh - The Historical City with Places in Saurashtra Gujarat India

Location: Foothills of Girnar Hill

Distance: 327 km from Ahmedabad

Tourist Attractions: Upperkot, Darbar Hall Museum, Ashoka's Rock Edict, Mujkund Caves

Best Time to Visit: October to March

How to reach Junagadh :-

Air: The nearest airports from Junagadh are Keshod, which is 40 km away and Porbandar which lies at 113 km.

Rail: The railway station of Junagadh lies on Ahmedabad- Junagadh and Rajkot- Junagadh line and connects it the major cities of the country.

Road: State transport buses link the city with all the major cities of the state.

Junagadh is located at at 21.52° N 70.47° E at the foothills of Girnar hill in the Junagadh district of Gujarat.Junagadh has an average elevation of 107 meters (351 feet).

It was the capital of the erstwhile Junagadh State under the Muslim rulers of Babi Nawabs.

It is a historic city and its name means an ancient fort in Gujarati.

Junagarh is a flourishing tourism destination in India, owing to the fact that it was ruled by many dynasties, which have enriched its cultural and historical heritage immensely. The profound influence of varied kingdoms is even visible in the architectural style of its monuments.


Junagadh is a city and municipal coroporation,the headquaters of Junagadh district in the Indian state of Gujarat.The city is located at the foot of the Girnar hills.Junagadh is one of the historical town of Saurashtra.Literally translate,Junagadh means “Old Fort”.

People travel to Junagadh to witness the magnificence of these historic structures. In addition to this, there are a number of other places apart from the monuments which are a must visit. The location of the city is such that the apart from the tourist attractions of the place, one can also enjoy a host of other places near the city. Owing to the fact that there is so much that Junagarh has to offer, one can easily say that it is a tourist paradise. Rarely has any other city in Gujarat been so richly endowed with historical and tourism wealth.

It is also known as “Sorath”,the name of the earlier Muslim-ruled Princely State of Junagadh.Junagadh is also known as "Sorath".The name of the earlier Muslim-ruled Princely State of Junagadh.

Rainfall at Junagadh-Saurastra :- In Junagadh,The average annual rainfall of the Saurashtra region is about 775.0 mm with a standard deviation of 75.1 mm. Monsoon rainfall averages 680 mm with a variability of 61 %. Rainfall for the months of June, July, August and September averages 194, 338, 187 and 105 mm, with the corresponding coefficients of variation being 150, 69, 87 and 84%, respectively. The monsoon from June to September is received in 33 rainy days with a late season long dry spell.

Demographics of Junagadh

As of 2001 India census, Junagadh had a population of 168,686. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Junagadh has an average literacy rate of 73%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 77%, and female literacy is 67%. In Junagadh, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

For Visitors in Junagadh :-

In Junagadh,Visitors getting there Convenient overnight trains.In Junagadh-Saurastra,Visitors have so many choice to places to stay,

Luxury / Heritage :- In Junagadh,Riverside palace/Orchard palace, Gondal(60 kms), Taj group’s Gir lodge(60 kms), Maneland jungle lodge(60 kms).

Modarate :- President, Girnar tourist bungalow, Relief, National, Vaibhav Guest House at Junagadh.

BUDGET/GUEST HOUSE :- In Junagadh,Murlidhar, Jaishree, tourist present.

PLACES TO EAT :- In Junagadh-Saurastra,Modern(Gujarati),Naaz(Guj-South Indian)Sagar(N Indian), Swati(N Indian), Santoor(N Indian), Geeta(Gujarati), Sharda(Gujarati).

For Fun Time :- In Junagadh,There is famous talkies like Jayshree,Pradeep Cinema Present.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Ashoka Rock Edict Junagadh City News Gujarat India

About 2km east of Junagadh and 3 km from the foot of Girnar Hill, between the two places, is an edict of Emperor Ashoka inscribed on a rock dating from the 3rd century BC.

The Ashoka edicts impart moral instructions on dharma, harmony, tolerance, and peace.One of the major sets of rock eddicts of Ashoka is still legibly inscribed on a rock on the outskirts of Junagadh, and protected by an archaelogical survey of India building.

The inscriptions were reported in 1822 by Todd, but really came to light only in 1837 when Rev. Dr John Wilson copied them and in 1843 when the Royal Asiatic society published them in the Bombay branch journal.

The 16 principals preach virtues like matery of the senses, purity of thought, gratitute, devotion, self control, secular thinking and kindness, while oposing animal sacrifice and greed.

They speak of his repentance for death and destruction caused during wars waged by him, his pilgrimages and his attempts to send people around the realm to preach the principles of non violence.Another famous peace maker in the historic annals of Junagadh is the religious poet Narsinh Mehta who dwelt here from 1414-1480 AD.

His shrine can still be seen in the city, and his portrait stands alongside one of Mahatma Gandhi in the railway station.

Junagadh City Nawabi Places Saurashtra Gujarat India

The middle of the 19th century, peace reigned under the British umbrella,and the Nawabs moved down from Uparkot, and started built the walled sections of Junagadh, which is still a picturesque city with monuments and gardens.

The Nawabs depended for their state's development on assisitance from the British colonial rulers, and in consequence the preffered style of architecture was Venetian Gothic, as can be seen from the palaces and the public institutions-clock towers, schools, bazaars, hospitals, city gates, district court, prison and most of all, the imposing Bahauddin college.

The buildings have thick walls, carvings, cornices and elegant columns outside, while the interiors had wall paintings and stucco or canvas false ceilings.

The 160 sq foot hall of the Bahuddin college is noted for it's wood carvings seen on the timber roof, the galleries and the carved brackets, the Sardar bagh palace for it's stucco carvings and the Rang mahal palace for it's fancy canvas ceiling.

Maqbara Junagadh :-

The older complex of maqbaras (mausoleoms) of the Nawabs of Junagadh, located near Chitkana chowk offer some remarkable 18th century architecture with vertical columns, delicate carved arches, cornices and domes in a range of sizes, the whole accentuated by a wealth of brilliant stone carvings.

The newer complex, near the town gates, is even more impressive and attractive, besides being better maintained. The naya Maqbara complex was started by Mahabat Khanji in 1878, completed in 1892 by his successor, Bahadur Khanji, and enshrined also Rasul Khanji in 1911 ADThe complex includes the mausoleom of Baha-ud-din, minster of Nawab Rasul Khanji, which has an almost funfairish flamboyance-4 minarets with pirouetting spiral staircases, a facade rich in stone carvings, beautiful silver doors and large sized domes mark the architecture of this tomb of the great minister in the Nawabi court, titled Vazir-e-azam.

Beside the maqbaras is the Jumma mosque, dated to 1886-97 which has geometric rows of coloured pillars leading to a cool marble minbar, and an Islamic religious school.

Roaming around the streets of Junagadh look for a number of old havelis, known for their jarokhas (intricately bracketed balconies) and wood carvings and the town gates including the Majevdi gate, the Junagadh gate near the new Maqbara cluster and the Reay gate, an imposing 2 storeyed cresent archway with domes and minarets.

The New Bazaar and the Sardar bagh garden are other reminders of the Nawabi period.

Historical Places in Junagadh City Saurashtra Gujarat India

Girnar :- The mountain, 6 km. from Junagadh city, has five principal peaks. It has 9999 steps. The third peak, Gorakhnath, at 3661 ft above sea level, is the highest.

The area of the hills is approximately 10 km. To ascend the hills a stepaway is built UPPER KOT certainly worth seeing Jain tamples. Spots to visit Bhimkund, Satpuda, Gaumukhi Ganga, Pathar chati, Bhairavjap, Bharatvan Sheshavan, Hanumandhara.

The peak of Ambaji, with a height of 3330 ft., is famous for the temple of Ambaji. Kamandal kund; stepway diverts between temples of Gorakhnath and Dattatreya.

The path to Dattatreya temple is difficult, but on the top of the peak is a small temple on the padukas of Guru Dattatreya.


THE WILD MUSEUM - Junagadh museum in Sakkarbagh, has a memorable collection of of pre-historic and proto-historic implements made from stone and bone, stone sculpture including a 9th century Vishnu, bronze sculpture of the medival period, copper inscriptions and manuscripts, consorting with an average collection of silverware, glass, porcelain, wood carvings, traditional textiles, folk art and unimpressive miniature paintings.Rare specimens of art furniture, stuffed animals, ancient coins, Persian Sanskrit inscriptions and various other articles of interest.

SAKKARBAUG ZOO – In Junagadh,The historical city,one of the few places in the world where the pure bred Asiatic lion is breeding successfully.This is the oldest zoo in Gujarat and the 3rd oldest in India. The rare Gir lions are bred and supplied to other zoos.Here you find a sizable collection of mammals, birds and reptiles from Indian species.

MAKARBA – In Junagadh, Nawabs were buried here. This is a fine specimen of medieval structure.

JAIN DERASAR – In Junagadh-The Historical City,Excellent Temple on Girnar Hill at 3100 feet. There are many temples with excellent design.

NARSINH MEHTA NO CHORO – In Junagdh,This place is said to be one where the great poet Saint and reformer Narshinh Mehta held his assemblies of discovers in 15th century. Some believe that Lord Krishna held a traditional "Rasleela" dance here.

DARBAR HALL MUSEUM – In Junagadh,Its also one of the great historial place for tourists.Picture gallery , textiles, arms gallery, the kacheri, the hall which was used by Nawabs of Junagadh to hold their darbar. The Durbar Hall and Museum has an interesting collection of weapons, thrones, silver articles, costumes, paintings, tapestries, and palanquins on display. It is not far from the entrance to the fort.

GAYATRI MANDIR & VAGHESHWARI MANDIR – In Junagadh-Gujarat,On the way to Girnar Talati, are both of the beautiful temples of Maa Gayatri and Maa Vagheshwari. At every navratris, a mela is held.

SONAPUR – In Junagadh,Where many statues of saints are erected. It also has a Sai Baba temple and serves as a cemetery.

DAMODAR KUND – It is Built in 500 a.d.in Junagadh-Saurastra, this often reconstructed kund (water reservoir) is a check dam. This kund is about a km before the bottom of Girnar Hill. It is a sacred bathing tank. Close to Damodara Kund is Revati Kund. It is said that Revata left Dwarka and moved near Girnar Hill after his daughter, Revati, married Lord Balarama

DAMODAR KUND – It is Built in 500 a.d.in Junagadh-Saurastra, this often reconstructed kund (water reservoir) is a check dam. This kund is about a km before the bottom of Girnar Hill. It is a sacred bathing tank. Close to Damodara Kund is Revati Kund. It is said that Revata left Dwarka and moved near Girnar Hill after his daughter, Revati, married Lord Balarama.

DAMODARJI TEMPLE, Near Aswatthama Hill, which is north of Damodara Kund, is the Damodarji Temple, said to have been built by Vajranabha, Lord Krishna’s great-grandson.

DATAAR HILLS – In Junagadh-Saurastra,2779 feet high stepway is built for going up shrine of Jamiyalshah Datar.

SCIENCE MUSEUM – In Junagadh,Gujarat’s first and the only private science museum. More than 60 working science projects based on science facts. Which can be operated by visitors. Worth visiting attached one small aquarium and evening open air garden restaurant garden café serves south Indian and Punjabi dishes since 1981.Its is a first & best garden restaurant in Junagadh.

WELLINGTON DAM - Built by the Britishers near the foot of Datar hill. The three sides and a garden in front it affords an enchanting view.

MOTI BAUG - The best garden the campus of agricultural university and botanical garden. It also houses the Junagadh Agricultural University Campus which has total land area of 754.62 ha and 2485 ha including 17 sub centers and 1500 manpower with annual budget around 28.5 crores.

Mujkund Caves - Famous place where Krishna ran and came from mathura after which he was named as Ranchod Rai

Ayurvedic Museum- In Junagadh,Ayurvedic Museum is located at the Ayurvedic College at Sardarbag in the western part of town. The personnel are helpful to those interested in learning something about this ancient and natural medical treatment.

NARSINH MAHETA LAKE- In Junagadh,A beautiful lake constructed by joint effort of the people of Junagadh near Talav Gate.Its is one of the great enjoyful places for people of Junagadh at weekand.

BAHAUDDIN COLLEGE(Arts & Science)- In Junagadh-Saurastra,Gujarat's first science college built by the Nawab's vazeer "Bahauddin".

KESAR KERI (MANGOES)- Junagadh is famous for Kesar Mangoes (Safaron Mangoes). As name says Kesar mangoes are very sweet and looks like safaron color.

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir,Junagadh- Mandir made for Lord Swaminarayan. Chhatri of Lord Swaminarayan's Charanavind at Junagadh On the land presented by Jinabhai (Hemantsingh) Darbar of Panchala, Lord Swaminarayan got constructed a huge temple at Junagadh by Sant Brahmanand Swami and installed Radha, Ramandev, Ranchhodji, Trikamji and Siddheshwar Mahadev with Parvati Devi in Vikram Samvat year 1884 on the second day of the dark half of the month of Vaishakh (Vad 2), on Friday,May 1,1828.

JETPUR-Junagadh

An interesting excursion on the Rajkot-Junagadh road for those interested in textiles is Jetpur, approximately 30 kms from Junagadh, which is one of the largest centers in India for screen and block printed textiles. Here you can visit workshops which specialize in screen printing of textiles, artisans who work on the highly intricate process of printing fabrics using wooden blocks and yarn dyeing centres. Buddhist relics can be seen here too.

Excursions - From Junagadh one can journey easily to nearby Porbandar (112 kms away) on the West Coast, where Mahatma Gandhi was born. Equally close by (88 kms) is Veraval, where the rebuilt temple of Somnath, stands proudly. Further along the coast is the former Portuguese colony of Diu. Sasan Gir, the last habitat of the Asiatic lion is only 60 kms from Junagadh.

Junagadh Events Saurashtra Gujarat India

Events in JUNAGADH:-

Shivratri Mela – In Junagadh-Saurastra, At the foot of Girnar mountain (Taleti) in the month of MAHA 9 starts on mela for next five days. About ten thousand people visit.
The city of Junagadh, situated at the foot of Mount Girnar, is famous as the site of many historical events, dating from the remote past. The Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, located at the foot of Girnar, is so ancient that its precise, origins are unknown. The Bhavnath temple is surrounded by many equally ancient and holy places. Buddhist caves are also found in and around at Upperkot, Junagadh.

In Junagadh,A visit to Tourism of Gujarat, offers a golden opportunity to the tourist to undertake a tour across Gujarat and also to the bright and charming Bhavnath fair, being celebrated in Gujarat, India. Tourism of Gujarat, offers travel related information that Bhavnath fair in Gujarat, India, is home to a multitude of tourists and devotees who throng the location to be part of the mammoth experience. Bhavnath Fair, in Gujarat, India, is held in Junagadh, annually, with the fair coinciding with the grandiose and very famous festival of Shivratri, being celebrated in the same month as the Bhavnath fair of Junagadh, in Gujarat, India. Bhavnath fair, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and a lot of revelry goes on in the Shiva temples and along with that the temples are visited by Naga Sadhus, and watching them is a novel and enigmatic experience.

The fair during Mahashivaratri is held for five days and takes place during February, and the events associated with it are colourful indeed. The mahapuja of Lord Shiva takes place at midnight, in this temple, on the 14th day of the dark half of the month of Magh. When the puja starts, naga bavas living nearby move towards the fair seated on elephants, holding flags, and blowing conch shells, sounding tungis and turis. It is firmly believed that Lord Shiva himself visits the shrine on this occasion. Girnar is said to be the abode of the nine Nathas, who are immortal and eighty-four siddhas or spiritually elevated souls all of whom also visit the temple, in their invisible spiritual bodies.

Visitors are served free meals by the organisers. Special stalls sell idols, rosaries brought by vendors from Ayodhya and Mathura, utensils of brass and copper, sweets and fruits.

Girnar Parikrama:- In Junagadh-Saurastra,Starts from Kartik 11 to 15 thousand people. The periphery of Girnar hills on foot about 40 km. Enjoy the religious and natural beauty.

Girnar Competition:- In Junagadh-The historical city, Girnar hill, home to several shrines held sacred by Hindus and Jains, will host an annual competition next month that will see school and college students scurry up and down 2,200 steps on its slopes.

Anyone who climbs up 5500 feet within 2 hours gets a certificate from the Government of Gujarat, and the winner gets lots of prizes.

The event Feb 3 is being organised by the Gujarat government's Sports, Youth Services and Cultural Activities Department and the Junagadh district administration.

The competition is open to all students in schools and colleges. The participants are categorised into 14-18 years and 19-35 years. The men in the former category have to traverse 2,200 steps uphill and downhill in a span of one hour and 15 minutes. The time limit for women in the same category is two hours. The criterion for the older category of candidates of both genders is the same.

Girnar Hill, around 300 km from Ahmedabad, has around 10,000 stone steps to climb before one finally reaches the ultimate peak of Dattatreya.

This Girnar competition was started in 1971 by a local newspaper, Phoolchab, as a way to mark its golden jubilee. The newspaper held the event until 1979 before handing it over to the Junagadh civic administration.

Mount Girnar is sacred to Hindus and Jains. It also attracts people with its charm of the nearby Gir forest that is home to Asiatic lions. The Girnar forest too has 35 lions.

Many 'sadhaks' or ascetics had laid their lives to rest on the mountain, most notably, the fourth Jain tirthankar Neminath, adding to its sanctity.

The mount is home to a beautiful Jain temple complex on a small plateau, followed by the Ambaji Mata temple situated on one of the peaks.

Then there are steps rising and descending to the Gorakhnath shrine. There is also a spot venerated as the place of the Pir, sacred to Muslims.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Buddhist Caves Uperkot Junagadh City Saurashtra Gujarat India

Its one of the historical place in Junagadh.

An impressive fort, Uperkot, located on a plateau in the middle of town, was originally built by the Mauryan Chandragupta in 319 B.C.E.. It was covered over for 300 years, then rediscovered in 976 C.E.It was besieged 16 times over an 800-year period.

The walled fortress of Uparkot, witnessed every change in the lifestyle of Junagadh from monastic Buddhism, Aryan Hinduism, pious Jainism, Islamic invasions, British colonisation, the Nawabi spendour and finally, the victory of democracy which forced the Nawab to vacate his throne after he was heavily out-voted in the elections. Like the acrpolises of ancient Greek cities, the Uparkot is built on the defences of rocky hills and the entire modern city sprawls around it. It was an important city during Mauryan rule, became the capital of the Kshtrapas after the fall of the Mauryan empire in the 2nd-4th century AD period, was rebuilt by the Chudasama Rajputs in the 9th century and finally fell to Sultan Muhamad Bhegada. In all, the fort is said to have been subjected to 16 seiges, including one which lasted 12 years over a beautiful daughter of a potter. The girl was coveted by a neighbouring prince, and came for refuge to the ruler of Junagadh, who promptly married herIn the war that followed, the chivalrous prince of Junagadh was killed in 1094 AD, and the girl committed Sati on his funereal pyre.

An inscription with fourteen Edicts of Ashoka is found on a large boulder within 2 km of Uperkot Fort. The inscriptions carry Brahmi script in Pali language and date back to 250 B.C.E.. On the same rock are inscriptions in Sanskrit added around 150 C.E. by Mahakshatrap Rudradaman I, the Saka (Scythian) ruler of Malwa, member of the Western Kshtrapas dynasty. Another dates from about 450 C.E. by Skandagupta,the last Gupta emperor. Old rock-cut Buddhist"caves" in this area, dating from well before 500 C.E., have stone carvings and floral work. There are also the Khapra Kodia Caves north of the fort, and the Babupyana Caves south of the fort.

The Maitraka dynasty ruled Gujarat in western India from 475 to 767 C.E. The founder of the dynasty, general Bhatarka, a military governor of Saurashtra peninsula under the Gupta empire, established himself as the independent ruler of Gujarat approximately in the last quarter of the 5th century. However, James Tod states Maitraka rule ended as early as 524 C.E..

Visitors enter the fort through a large gate. Some parts of the fort’s walls are 20m high. If, after entering the gate you turn left, you will come to Jama Masjid, which was built on top of a Hindu temple. It has 140 pillars supporting its ceiling.

Further down the road are what are believed to be old Buddhist caves, said to be 1,500 years old (dating from before 500 AD). They are carved into the rocky hill and have stone carvings and floral work. There are also the Khapra Kodia caves north of the fort, and the Babupyana caves south of the fort.

There is a huge, fifteen-foot cannon, made in Egypt in 1531. There are also two interesting large step wells (vavs) here. The 11th century Navghan Kuva has a circular stairway that descends over 50m down into the well. The Adi Chadi Vav descends down 170 steps.

In Junagadh,Inside the massive battlemented walls of the Uparkot, as opposed to other forts where you would expect to see it outside, is a huge moat, said to be around 300 ft deep which not only prevented enemies who successfully scaled the high walls from entering the citadel, but was also said to be a sort of death chamber with crocodiles for throwing convicts and captured enemy warriors. Beyond the moat, is the Buddhist cave, which goes down some 3 storeys and is dated by archaelogists to around 2nd century AD- much younger than the Baba Pyara and Khapra cave complexes-because of the delectable carvings on the 6 pillars, though it is difficult to judge if the actual excavations were earlier and the carvings done later.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Gir National Park

Gir National Park Junagadh

Distance: 66 km from Junagadh

Attraction:- Asiatic Lions

Best Time to Visit:

November to March

Gir National Park has a sprawling area of 1412 sq. km. It was established in the year 1965 and is located about 65 km to the south-east of the Junagadh city of Gujarat. The forest area of Gir was initially protected by the Nawab of the princely state of Junagadh. The wildlife sanctuary was established to put a stop to the alarming rate of Lion hunting. The population of lions dropped to as low as 15. After this, Lion was declared as a protected animal. This initiative considerably helped in the conservation of the species in the region.

Gir National Park, Gujarat is home to a large number of animals and birds. One of the major big-cat hubs in India, the park has about 300 lions and 300 leopards. Besides, you can witness animals like Sambar, spotted deer, blue bull, chousingha (the world's only four-horned antelope), chinkara and wild boar at Gir National Park in Sasangir, Gujarat. There are also 250 birds and about 50 other species of birds at the park including the painted sandgrouse, grey francolin, Asian paradise flycatcher, white-browed fantail, and Asian brown flycatcher.

Gir Wildlife Sanctuary of India is the only place after Africa where Lions can be seen in their natural habitat. It is one of the biggest and important sanctuaries in India. Apart from Lions, Gir is also home to a number of Leopards. It houses the maximum number of Leopards in comparison to any other park in the nation. During the summer months, they can even be seen near the lodges at night. If you are an adventure freak, then make sure to experience the wildlife at its best, via a Jeep safari.

It will give you an opportunity to have a closer look at the animals, especially during early mornings and evenings. The thrilling experience will leave you completely spellbound. Gir National Park is maintained by the Forest Department of Gujarat and it serves as an important biological research center, which holds scientific, educational, recreational and aesthetic importance. Lion breeding programs are also conducted here to increase the population of the Lions. Since its inception, the breeding centers at Gir Wildlife Park, and others nearby, have bred approximately 180 Lions so far. Gir has a rich flora and fauna and is laden with dry deciduous forests.

Around thirty species of mammals, twenty species of reptiles and several species of insects and birds are found here. Only few people know that Gir National Park also boasts of one of the finest bird sanctuaries in India. A number of unique birds can be seen here like Paradise Flycatcher, Bonneli's Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Woodpeckers Flamingo etc. Apart from this the forest is home to Sambar Deer, Chital Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Chowsingha, Chinkara, Wild Boar, Long-tailed Langur, Jackal, Hyena and Panther. Another attraction is a crocodile farm developed in the forest.

You can reach Gir Wildlife Sanctuary comfortably by air, rail, and road. The nearest international airport is the Ahmedabad International Airport (390 km), connected by flights to USA, UK and Singapore. The nearest domestic airport is the Keshod Airport near Junagarh. The closest railheads are at Veraval (40 km), Junagadh (60 km), and Rajkot (164 km). The park is well-connected by an extensive network of roads to Veraval, Junagadh, and Rajkot.

During your visit to the Gir National Park you can enjoy a comfortable stay at the various hotels situated near the park, such as Gir Birding Lodge, Maneland Jungle Lodge, Sinh Sadan Guest House, etc. The park should be ideally visited between late-November and early-March.

For you to know about the Gir Wildlife Reserve in Sasangir, Gujarat, Indian Holiday can help you with information about the Gir National Park in Sasangir, Gujarat. Just get in touch with us for more information about Gir National Park in Sasangir, Gujarat.

The Crocodile Breeding Farm :- In Junagadh-Gujarat,It is great place of Crocodile.There is an interesting breeding farm for crocodiles at Sasan, near Gir, which also provides the specimen that are relocated into the water reservoirs inside Gir.

More to the itinerary: Deva Danga, Riley's, Bawal Chowk, Kankai, Chodardi, Tulsishyam and Kamleshwar dam/lake are few of the sights near the Gir Sanctuary. A trip to other places of Gujarat can be a enriching experience after the feast of the wild. Visit the historical place of Junagarh (42 km) and Ahmedabad (400 km) and the pilgrimage sight of Somnath. You can also laze under the sun at the beaches Diu, Somnath or Veraval. And yes, don't forget to pick some interesting Gujrati embroidered clothing from the very homeland and feast your taste buds in the end with delicious Gujrati dishes.

Accommodation options -

Gir has a host of Government forest bunglows and privately run hotels to fit any budget. The forest department run Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge and the Gir Lodge, can be excellent options.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

GIRNAR-THE HISTORICAL PLACES IN JUNAGADH

Location: Junagadh District

Distance: 327 km from Ahmedabad

Altitude: 3660 feet above sea level

Attractions:Hindu and Jain Temples,

mainly Neminath Temple

Girnar is one of the holiest places in Gujarat, situated near Junagadh at a distance of 327 from Ahmedabad. It is a holy place and an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Jains. There are a number of temples located here, which have converted it into a township of temples. Amidst the lush green Gir Forest, the mountain range serves as the hub of religious activity. Apart from this, there is a mosque attracting many Muslim pilgrims to the place. This has made Girnar a perfect example of unity in diversity in India.

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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