882 Notes of a journey to Girn&r. [Oct. 



purifying from sin. The highest point of the Girn&r* is occupied by an 

 ancient temple to Mata, or, as it is styled, Ambavee Mata; originally 

 Jain, but at present used by the Hindus, and the only one they possess 

 upon the Girn&r. From this temple towards the south, the road and 

 steps lead to a slight descent, from which a view is obtained of two 

 extraordinary-shaped forks, or peaks of bare granite, which rise from 

 considerable and detached bases to an immense height, gradually re- 

 ceding to points at their summits ; they are separated from the Girn&r 

 by a deep ravine, and the farthest and loftiest is surmounted by a small 

 building, and known as the Guru Dutatri. As seen from this side, 

 these pinnacles appear perfectly inaccessible ; but the Guru Dutatri is 

 gained by a continuation of the steps, and pilgrims from all parts of 

 India traverse this dangerous and often fatal pathway, dailyf . 



Without enumerating the many small shrines and sacred spots 

 on the summit of the Girn&r, it will be sufficient to observe, that the 

 whole of this extraordinary mount, is invested with peculiar sanctity, 

 the origin of which would seem to be of high antiquity. That the 

 present system of worship is a graft of the ancient Buddhist faith 

 which obtained here, there can be no doubt. The Edicts of Pyadasi 

 testify abundantly that the hill of " Girinagar" and its neighbourhood, 

 was originally a stronghold of the monotheists, whose form of worship 

 has now degenerated into the modern system of Jainism. 



The neighbourhood of Junagarh has also its share of Muhammadan 

 sanctity. A shrine called the Dutar, sacred to the memory of a noted 

 saint, (Jumal Sha'h,) crowns the summit of a hill to the southward, 

 and is as highly venerated as any in Guzerat. This spot is also said to 

 have been the scene of some extraordinary austerities performed by 

 this peer, who lived about 100 years ago. The stories connected 

 with Jumal Shah are vague and contradictory ; by some he is said to 

 have been buried at Junagarh ; by others Tattah in Sindh, is said to 

 claim the honor of his remains. But the veneration paid to his me- 

 mory is extraordinary. At the foot of the hill various lepers and other 

 persons afflicted with loathsome diseases, have taken up their residence, 

 and occupy themselves in calling upon the saint's name to release 

 them from their afflictions, and restore them to their families ; and I 

 have seen the Cutch boatmen make their offerings to this shrine, as they 

 pass in view of the Junagarh hills along the western coast of Rat- 

 ty war. 



* The greatest breadth of the table land at the summit of the Girn&r is only 

 15 yards. 



f One man lost his life, by falling from the steps leading to this pinnacle, 

 •whilst we were on the Girn&r. 



