Ancient Rishabhdev temple on Girnar holds special place in Jainism
The temple of the first Jain Tirthankara sits on Girnar hill's first stage, reached by nearly 4,000 steps.
Girnar hill in Gujarat is regarded as a highly sacred pilgrimage site by followers of Jainism. On the first stage of this hill stands the ancient temple of Bhagwan Rishabhdev, located directly opposite the main Jain temple. Reaching this temple requires climbing around 3,800 to 4,000 steps from the base.
In earlier times, Girnar was known by different names, such as Urjayanta, Raivataka and Revatagiri. The hill finds mention in ancient literature and inscriptions as well. According to the Marathi Vishwakosh (encyclopaedia), references to Girnar go back to a period even before Ashoka, and a third century BCE Ashokan-era inscription is also present here.
In Jainism, Rishabhdev is considered the first Tirthankara. According to Jain tradition, he taught humans various arts and occupations useful in life, and later renounced the world to take the path of spirituality. This is why Rishabhdev holds a very high place in the history of Jainism.
Girnar's connection with Rishabhdev has been described in Jain tradition since ancient times. However, the most famous and prominent Jain pilgrimage site on Girnar hill is linked to the renunciation, omniscience (kevalgyan) and nirvana of Bhagwan Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara. Hence, when speaking of Rishabhdev on Girnar, it is best viewed in connection with the entire Jain tradition of Girnar.
Several other ancient Jain temples and pilgrimage sites are also present on Girnar hill. Among these, the temple of Bhagwan Neminath is particularly famous. At different points on the hill, footprints (charan paduka) of Jain Tirthankaras and monks, temples and other religious sites can also be seen. The temple of Ambika Devi, Rajul's cave and the temple of Neminath are all part of this pilgrimage tradition. It is said that the carvings in the temples here closely resemble those of the famous Dilwara temples of Rajasthan.
There are a total of five main stages on the entire Girnar hill. Besides the temple of Bhagwan Rishabhdev, the first stage also has a Digambar Jain temple, the Rajulmati cave and a statue of Bahubali.
