Updated 3 November 2026
- A 15th-century Gujarati poet and devotee of Krishna
- Bathed daily at Damodar Kund and sang his morning hymns nearby
- His Choro in Junagadh is remembered as a place of bhajans and discourse
- Best known for the hymn “Vaishnav Jan To”
Girnar’s story is not only about temples on a hill. At its foot walked a poet whose verses Gujarat still sings. Narsinh Mehta’s Junagadh gives a quiet, human thread to follow between your climb and your rest.
The poet
Narsinh Mehta lived in the 15th century and is often called the first poet of Gujarati literature. A devotee of Krishna, he wrote bhajans and morning hymns known as prabhatiyas. His best-known composition, Vaishnav Jan To, was later made famous by Mahatma Gandhi, who kept it among the hymns of his prayer meetings.
The kund and the temple
Local tradition says he bathed at Damodar Kund every day before worship, and that many of his prabhatiyas were composed in this setting. A small memorial temple to him stands near the Radha Damodar temple. One of his own lines places him exactly there: at the foot of the hill, by Damodar Kund, where “Mehtaji goes to bathe.” For the kund itself, see our guide to Damodar Kund and Revati Kund.
Narsinh Mehta no Choro
Inside Junagadh stands a spot known as Narsinh Mehta no Choro, remembered as the place where he held gatherings, discourses and bhajans. There is a small temple of Gopinath there, with images of Damodar Rai and of Narsinh Mehta himself. Treat the area with the calm it deserves, and ask locally for the way, as the lanes are narrow.
A gentle half-day route
- Begin in Junagadh at the Choro, early, before the traffic.
- Drive on toward Girnar and stop at Damodar Kund and the Radha Damodar temple.
- Continue about 2 km to the Bhavnath Mahadev temple and Mrigi Kund.
- End the day at Bhavnath Taleti, where the Girnar stairway begins.
Order, timings and access can vary, so confirm each stop when you plan.
Why it belongs on a Girnar trip
The climb is a test of the body; this route is a rest for the mind. It reminds you that Girnar has always been a place where very different traditions — Nath yogis, Jain monks, Vaishnav poets — share one mountain.
Where to sleep
Triloknath Ashram is at Bhavnath Taleti, the end of this route. Read about the rooms or call +91 96274 27283.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Narsinh Mehta?
A 15th-century Gujarati poet-saint and devotee of Krishna, remembered for his bhajans and morning hymns.
What is his link with Girnar?
He bathed daily at Damodar Kund at the foot of Girnar, and is said to have composed many hymns there.
What is Narsinh Mehta no Choro?
A place in Junagadh remembered for the gatherings, discourses and bhajans he held.
More from the notebook
Planning a stay near Girnar?
Ring the office for rooms and dates at Bhavnath Taleti.
+91 96274 27283