Junagadh: The Girnar Lili Parikrama, an annual five-day pilgrimage starting on Devuthni Ekadashi and concluding on Kartik Purnamashi, will begin on November 12. Traditionally inaugurated with a midnight fire shot into the sky, this year’s Parikrama will be shortened by one day due to the alignment of Kartik Sud Teras and Kartik Sud Chaudas on November 14. The Parikrama will conclude on Dev Diwali, November 15.

The Parikrama spans a 36 km route, with Annakshetras (community kitchens) providing food and Parabs supplying water for the pilgrims. Since the route passes through a sanctuary, devotees are required to follow environmental protection rules. To facilitate this, the Forest Department has mapped out the route and issued public guidelines.

The Girnar Parikrama begins at Dudheshwar Temple at Bhavnath Taleti, and pilgrims proceed through the dense forest via the Intwa Ni Ghodi, a challenging mountain pass. After crossing the pass, they reach Zina Bava Ni Madhi, located near Hasnapur Dam, where they halt for the night. The area is home to the Chandra-Mauleshwar Temple, though entry requires permission from the Forest Department. From Zina Bava Ni Madhi, pilgrims can either take a direct route to Malvela or pass through the Sarkhadiya Hanuman Temple, located in a dense forest, before heading to Malvela. From Malvela, they face the steep Nal-Pani Ghodi, the most difficult part of the route, followed by a descent to Bordevi, a temple surrounded by nature. After visiting Bordevi, pilgrims make their way back to Bhavnath Taleti, completing the Girnar Parikrama.

Each year, around a million devotees participate in the “Lili Parikrama” or “Green Pradakshina” of Girnar, held from Kartik 11 to 15 according to the Gujarati calendar. Girnar, Gujarat’s highest peak, stands 6 km from Junagadh city and is steeped in history. According to legend, the Pandavas undertook this Parikrama after their victory at Kurukshetra to seek divine blessings.

The section of the Parikrama passing through the forest offers a blend of spirituality and adventure, particularly appealing to young devotees. Post-monsoon, the ponds and rivers are filled, enhancing the natural beauty of the hills and forest, which many see as an opportunity to experience nature while observing tradition.

Maheshgiri Bapu has emphasized the importance of environmental preservation, urging devotees to refrain from bringing plastic, which is banned in the sanctuary. Water facilities will be provided to support this initiative. Devotees are also encouraged to carry saffron flags during the Girnar Parikrama. DeshGujarat