Bhavnath Mahadev Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Rajkot airport is the closest, 103 km from Junagadh.

• By train

  Two express trains run on the Ahmedabad-Veraval line, which serves Junagadh.

• By road

  Junagadh is reached by ST and private buses from other cities of Gujarat. Girnar Taleti, close to the shrine, is about 4 km east of the city centre.

On the way

• The route from Junagadh to Girnar Taleti passes through the Wagheshwari (Girnar Darwaza) gate.
• The Girnar ropeway gives aerial access between Bhavnath Taleti and parts of Mount Girnar.

Why devotees come here

Bhavnath Mahadev is an old shrine of Shiva close to Girnar Taleti, at the foot of the Girnar hills in Junagadh, Gujarat. Legend says the Shiva lingam here emerged of its own divine intention.

Devotees believe the Shiva lingam here emerged of its own divine intention. Another legend tells of Shiva and Parvati travelling over the Girnar Hills. Their divine garment is said to have fallen over the present Mrigi Kund, and that made this place an auspicious site for Shiva worshippers. Mrigi Kund and Sudharshan Lake lie nearby.

Girnar is a centuries old hill. Junagadh lies at its foot, 355 km southwest of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, the state capital. The shrine is close to Girnar Taleti, the base of the mountain.

The main event for Hindus is the Maha Shivaratri fair. It is held every year on the 14th day of the Hindu month of Magha, and the procession begins at Bhavnath Mahadev Temple. At least 1 million pilgrims visit the fair for pooja and parikrama of Girnar hill.

Festivals

• 14th day of the Magha monthMaha Shivaratri

  The main event for Hindus, with a fair for pooja and parikrama of Girnar hill.

• Five days in Magha, January to FebruaryBhavnath Mela

  Folk music, dancing, and nagas (Saivite holy men) gather at the temple.

• NovemberGirnar Parikrama

  A festival linked to Girnar hill.

Tips for your visit

• Mrigi Kund and Sudharshan Lake are both nearby.
• The centuries old Girnar hill is covered with 866 Hindu and Jain temples on its summits.

Questions people ask