Girnar Parikrama

Girnar Parikrama is among the most revered religious foot pilgrimages in western India, attracting over 5 lakh pilgrims annually. It is undertaken by devotees of Lord Dattatreya, Lord Shiva, and Jain Tirthankaras, and reflects deep-rooted faith and endurance. Unlike hilltop treks, this is a circumambulatory yatra — walking around the sacred Girnar range, not climbing the peaks.

Why It’s Celebrated / Significance:

• Spiritual Cleansing: The act of barefoot walking 36 km over three days is considered a path of devotion and penance.

• Mythological Importance: Girnar is believed to be the divine abode of Dattatreya, and many Jain Tirthankars attained moksha (liberation) here.

• Sacred Sites: The path covers multiple shrines, including Bhawani Maa Temple, Kamandal Kund, and Zina Bava Ni Madhi.

• It symbolizes spiritual completeness, as the parikrama is completed as a circle around the holy mountain.

How It’s Celebrated / Conducted:

• The official flag hoisting ceremony marks the beginning of the yatra at Bhawani Maa Temple.

• The 36 km route, mostly through forest paths and ancient foot trails, is completed barefoot.

• Devotees spend nights in temporary rest camps (halting points) at locations like Malvela, Bordevi, and Zina Bava ni Madhi.

• The Gujarat government and local administration provide medical, food, and water facilities during the yatra.

• It ends with a dip at the holy Mrigi Kund, considered purifying.

Where It’s Celebrated in India:

• Location: Junagadh District, Gujarat

• Girnar hills lie about 5 km from Junagadh city, and the yatra route passes through the Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, making it a mix of spirituality and nature.

Other Events/Festivals Related to It:

• Kartik Purnima – The culmination day of the parikrama

• Datta Jayanti – The birthday of Lord Dattatreya (celebrated separately but thematically connected)

• Mahashivratri – Also attracts devotees to Girnar, particularly for the Shiva temples.

• Bhavnath Fair – Happens during Mahashivratri near Girnar, focusing on Nath tradition and ascetics.