The Supreme Pinnacle of Bhagwan Neminatha
श्री गिरनार जी सिद्ध क्षेत्र (उर्जयंत गिरि पंचम टोंक), जूनागढ़, गुजरात
Mount Girnar (Urjayanta) is the sacred Diksha, Kevalajnana, and Moksha Bhoomi of the 22nd Tirthankara Bhagwan Neminatha. In the 1st Century CE, Acharya Dharasenacharya revealed the remnants of the Drishtivada Anga in Girnar’s Moon Cave (Chandra Gupha) to Pushpadanta and Bhutabali, leading to the written composition of the Shatkhandagama.
Inscriptional & Archival Proofs of Jain Antiquity
Archaeological Survey of Western India (Vol. II)
James Burgess, Memorandum on Antiquities of Dabhoi, Ahmedabad, Than, Junagadh, Girnar, and Palitana, pp. 41–44
Explicitly documents Mount Girnar’s highest pinnacle (5th Tonk) as the consecrated place of Bhagwan Neminatha’s Nirvana, bearing the rock-carved footprints (*Charan*) revered by the Jain community.
Official Firmans (Sanads) of the Nawabs of Junagadh
Junagadh State Darbar Records & Historical Archives
Recognized the lawful custodianship, management rights, and religious sovereignty of the Jain community over the temples and sacred shrines across Mount Girnar.
Shatkhandagama Inscription & Tradition
Dhavala Tika Commentary (Acharya Virasena)
Records that Acharya Dharasena, the greatest Digambara preceptor of the era, resided in the Moon Cave (*Chandra Gupha*) of Girnar, initiating the historic written transmission of the Agamas.
The Genesis of the Encroachment & The 2013 Violent Attack
For centuries, Digambara Jains have worshipped the rock-hewn footprints (*Charan Paduka*) of Bhagwan Neminatha atop the highest summit (5th Tonk). In the late 20th century, sectarian groups claimed these foot imprints as those of "Guru Dattatreya" and erected unauthorized idols, donation boxes, and concrete enclosures in direct defiance of the Gujarat Ancient Monuments Act and high court injunctions, leading to harassment of Jain pilgrims and violent attacks on ascetics.
Official Pilgrim Security & Puja Protocol for 5th Tonk
Guidelines for peaceful Darshan, Nirvana Ladoo offering, and police assistance
Police & SRPF Security Outposts
Deployment: 24/7 armed personnel guarding the footprint shrine, staircase corridor, and viewing terraces.
Location: Permanent Gujarat State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) Camp at Step 9,500 & 5th Tonk Summit
Emergency Control Room: +91-285-2621100 (Junagadh Police Control Room) / 112
Surveillance: CCTV surveillance cameras installed at critical junctions between Ambaji temple, Gorakhnath peak, and the 5th Tonk.
Peaceful Ritual Conduct
- Ascend barefoot reciting the Navkar Mantra in peaceful harmony.
- Offer pure silver/almond Nirvana Ladoo at the footprint shrine under official SRPF observation.
- Refrain from arguments or political debates; report any intimidation immediately to the on-site SRPF officers.
- Contact the Digambar Jain Kothi office at Bhavnath foothills (+91-285-2621108) for group coordination and registration.
Chronology of High Court & Constitutional Proceedings
Writ Petition Against Illegal Construction on 5th Tonk
पंचम टोंक पर अवैध निर्माण के विरुद्ध याचिका (Special Civil Application No. 12975 of 2004)
Jain trusts documented unauthorized cement construction over the ancient rock footprints of Bhagwan Neminatha, seeking court protection under the Gujarat Ancient Monuments Act.
Landmark Interim Order Directing Strict Status Quo
गुजरात उच्च न्यायालय का यथास्थिति (Status Quo) आदेश (Order in SCA 12975/2004 (Dec 2005))
Directly restrained all parties from putting up any further construction or alteration of any nature whatsoever on the 5th Tonk of Mount Girnar.
Criminal Investigation into Stabbing of Muni Prabhalsagar Ji
मुनि प्रबलसागर जी पर जानलेवा हमले की जांच (FIR No. I-01/2013, Junagadh Taluka Police Station)
Resulted in permanent deployment of Gujarat State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) outposts on the 5th Tonk and CCTV security surveillance along the peak trail.
Petitions for Removal of Encroachments & Declaration of Protected Heritage
अतिक्रमण हटाने एवं प्राचीन संरक्षित स्मारक घोषित करने की याचिका (Fresh Writ Petitions & Contempt Applications (2024))
High Court issued formal notices to Gujarat State and Central Archaeological bodies examining continuous violations of the 2005 status quo order and demanding unhindered worship rights for Jains.
Ascending Girnar? Check Doli Rates & Dharamshalas
Bhavnath foothill Tyagi Bhavans, regulated Doli rate cards across 9,999 steps, and emergency posts.