Datta Mandir Girnar: A Sacred Shrine in the Foothills of Girnar Mountain

 Located in the foothills of the Girnar mountain range in Gujarat, India, the Datta Mandir Girnar is a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Dattatreya, the combined manifestation of the Hindu Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. This temple is believed to have been established by the great saint Nrusimha Saraswati, who is regarded as an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya.

The temple complex consists of several shrines, each dedicated to different deities. The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Dattatreya and features a beautifully adorned idol of the deity with three faces and six arms, representing the three aspects of the Trinity. The temple also houses shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesh, and Goddess Saraswati.

The Datta Mandir Girnar is considered to be one of the most significant temples in the region and attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year, particularly during the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion, and marks the birthday of Sage Vyasa, who is revered as the original author of the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata.

Apart from its spiritual significance, the temple also offers stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty, with the Girnar mountain range serving as a picturesque backdrop. The area is also home to a number of other temples and holy sites, including the Ambaji temple, the Bhavnath temple, and the Neminath temple.

Visitors to the Datta Mandir Girnar can also take part in various rituals and offerings, including the recitation of hymns and mantras, and the lighting of incense and lamps. Devotees can also offer prasad, a sacred food offering, to the deities.

Overall, the Datta Mandir Girnar is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a spiritual experience in the beautiful region of Girnar. With its stunning location, rich history, and deep spiritual significance, the temple offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

Girnar Pilgrimage - Datta Paduka - Jai Girnari

 Girnar Pilgrimage is always full of divine blessings from Lord Dattatreya. Its on top of one of the Girnar hills called Girnar Shikhar.

This is where Lord Dattatreya had done tapashcharya (meditation) for 12000 years. The Datta Paduka is on top of the shikhar (hill) which you can reach after climbing 10000 steps from ground level at Girnar Talethi. Nowadays you have ropeways from ground till Ambaji Mandir (5000 steps).

This pilgrimage is full of multiple divine temples such as Ambaji Mata Mandir at 5000 Steps, Shree Guru Gorakshnath Mandir at 6500 steps, Kamandalu Tirth at 9000 steps and there are so many other temples.

How to Travel from Mumbai/Thane to Girnar?

To reach Girnar, one can travel by train from Mumbai to Junagadh and from there they can reach Girnar. One can also take luxury buses (seating/sleeper/ac/non-ac) from Mumbai till Junagadh. One can also travel by Air from Mumbai to Ahmedabad and from there can travel by vehicle. Ahmedabad to Girnar travel could be around 6 hours, so overall 7.5 hrs travel with additional time in checking in to the airport early morning etc. do not offer it as a efficient means of travel. So it is advisable to travel either by train or luxury bus (sleeper coach preferably). Bus Travel could be roughly 15-16 hrs. Buses leaves from Grant road or so and one can board from any place on the western route like Bandra, Andheri, Boriwali etc. People from Thane can board the luxury buses from Fountain Hotel, Versova.

I personally travelled by air to Ahmedabad and from there to Junagadh in private vehicle during my first pilgrimage. In my second pilgrimage, I travelled by luxury sleeper coach bus from Fountain Hotel, Versova. I did not travel by train. However as per me travelling by sleeper coach could be a good option unless you get train bookings for Junagadh.

While climbing steps to reach to the Datta Paduka, people keep chanting Jai Girnari. Chanting Jai Girnari really infuse energy in you.

If you need any additional information, please drop a message here and I will be happy to help you. Be it guidance about travel, stay or any other information that you need, I will be happy to provide you the same.

Jai Girnari. Om Shree Gurudev Datta