Updated 3 November 2026
- About 16 temples gathered on one plateau, around 3,800 steps up (sources vary)
- The Neminath temple, built 1128–1159, is the largest and oldest
- It stays open all day, while many others close roughly 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Girnar is one of the five Śvetāmbara “Pancha Tirth”
Before the Hindu shrines of Ambaji and the Gorakhnath peak, the climb passes a walled city of marble. The Jain temples of Girnar sit on a ledge two-thirds of the way up and are worth a slow hour on any visit.
Why this mountain is holy to Jains
Jains revere Girnar, anciently called Raivata or Ujjayanta, as the place where Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara, renounced the world and attained liberation. The mountain is counted among the five principal Śvetāmbara pilgrimage sites, with Ashtapad, Shikharji, the Dilwara temples of Mount Abu and Shatrunjaya at Palitana.
The Neminath temple
The largest and oldest temple stands in a quadrangular court of about 195 by 130 feet and dates to 1128–1159. Its principal image shows Neminath in dark stone, seated in the lotus position and holding a conch. Corridors lined with carved figures and two halls surround the shrine, and a tank called Bhima Kund lies to the north.
The Vastupal–Tejpal temple
Just behind it rises a triple temple built by the brothers Vastupal and Tejpal, the ministers who also funded temples at Mount Abu and Shatrunjaya. Its central image is of Mallinath, the 19th Tirthankara, in blue. Sources date it variously to 1177 or around 1231. During festivals it draws monks and ascetics from far away.
Other shrines on the plateau
- A golden-hued temple of Rishabhadev
- The Parshwanath temple, built in the 15th century and known as Meravasi
- The temple of Samprati Raja, thought to be one of the oldest on the hill
- The Gaumukhi shrine and its spring, to the south of the complex
Timings and etiquette
- Many temples on the hill are locked from about 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Neminath temple is the exception and remains open throughout the day.
- Remove footwear before entering, and avoid carrying leather items inside; follow the signs at each gate.
- Dress modestly, keep your voice low and ask before taking photographs.
Getting there
From the base at Bhavnath Taleti the complex is roughly 3,800 steps up, though counts differ by source. The ropeway skips it — it lands at Ambaji, higher up — so many visitors ride up and walk down through the Jain plateau. For a stage-by-stage way to pace the climb, see our plan for climbing in stages, and for a room at the base call +91 96274 27283.
Frequently asked questions
How many Jain temples are on Girnar?
About 16 temples are gathered on the first plateau, with others elsewhere on the hill.
Which is the main Jain temple on Girnar?
The Neminath temple, built between 1128 and 1159, is the largest and oldest.
Are the Jain temples open all day?
The Neminath temple is. Many others close for a break from roughly 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
How far up are the Jain temples?
Roughly 3,800 steps from the base, though sources give figures from about 3,000 to 4,500.
More from the notebook
Planning a stay near Girnar?
Ring the office for rooms and dates at Bhavnath Taleti.
+91 96274 27283