The goddess of the mountain
Higher up Girnar than the Jain temple cluster, after roughly five thousand steps (Or the ropeway followed by a short climb), stands the temple of Amba Mata, a much-revered shrine to the Mother Goddess. For centuries it has been a key station on the Girnar pilgrimage — the point many climbers set as their goal before tackling the final, steeper peaks of Gorakhnath and Dattatreya.
The goddess is especially associated with marital blessing: newly-wed couples traditionally climb to seek a long and happy union. Wreathed in bells, flags and the shared effort of the ascent, with vast views unfolding below, the Amba Mata shrine is one of the spiritual high points — literally and figuratively — of the sacred mountain.
A Girnar goddess shrine.
The hill shrine brides climb for a blessing
Bells and flags on high.
The Amba Mata shrine stands high on Girnar, above the Jain temple cluster and roughly five thousand steps from the foot of the mountain.
It became the goal most climbers set themselves — the point at which many turn back rather than continue to Gorakhnath and Dattatreya.
Newly married couples climb to seek the goddess's blessing on the marriage, a tradition that brings a steady stream of them up the steps.
A ropeway now covers much of the ascent, leaving a shorter climb to the shrine and opening it to people who could not manage the full stair.
Reasons to make the time
Girnar goddess
A Shakti shrine high on a mountain that has been sacred for more than two thousand years.
Pilgrim goal
It is the principal station on the Girnar climb, and where most pilgrims consider the ascent completed.
Newly-wed blessing
Newly-weds come specifically for the goddess's blessing on their marriage.
Vast views
The view runs out over Junagadh and the Saurashtra plain, which is flat in every direction from here.
Bells & flags
This is living mountain devotion — the steps are busy from before dawn, every day of the year.
Now easier
The ropeway has changed the climb entirely, though many still walk the full five thousand steps by choice.
What to look for inside
THE SHRINEAmba Mata
The Amba Mata temple on the shoulder of Girnar.
THE CLIMBSteps & views
The great stepped ascent, and the view it opens over Saurashtra.
How to spend an hour or two
Ascend Girnar
Climb the steps or ride the ropeway.
Take darshan
Seek Amba Mata's blessings.
Newly-weds' rite
Couples pray for a happy union.
Rest and refuel
Pause before the higher peaks.
Soak the views
Take in the vast panorama.
Push higher
Start before dawn if you are walking; the steps are exposed and the heat builds fast after sunrise.
A high Shakti shrine.
A goddess temple on the saddle
The Amba Mata temple sits on a high saddle of Girnar, above the Jain temple cluster and below the final peaks — a compact shrine, brightly kept and hung with bells and flags, housing the image of the goddess. Like the other Girnar shrines, its architecture is modest and weather-worn; its power lies in its altitude, its rituals and the devotion of pilgrims who climb thousands of steps to reach it.
For everything else the district holds, see our Junagadh travel guide.
It is one of many — our guide to temples across Gujarat covers the rest.
High-saddle goddess shrine
Above the Jain temples
Bells and temple flags
Reached by the great stairway
When to go
Cool and clear — ideal for the long Girnar climb.
Lush, misty peaks; steps can be slippery.
Hot — climb before dawn with plenty of water.
⏰ Aim to reach it by mid-morning; carry water and warm layers, and decide here whether to push for the peaks.
Timings & entry
- Reached by ~5,000 steps or ropeway + climb
- Start early to allow time for the peaks
- Carry water and warm layers
- Remove footwear at the shrine
- No entry fee for darshan
- The ropeway (To this level) is ticketed
- Respect queues and customs
- Be prepared for a strenuous climb
Getting there
By Air
Keshod Airport (~45 km) is nearest.
By Rail
Junagadh, then road to the Girnar base.
By Ropeway
The ropeway lands near this level.
At the shrine
FAITH & HEIGHT
A goddess temple amid the peaks
What to shoot
The shrine, bells and flags.
Vista
The panorama from the saddle.
The climb
Pilgrims on the great stairway.
Be discreet
Respect worshippers and rules.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Damodar Kund
Vaishnav temple beside Damodar Kund
CAVESKhapra Kodiya Caves
Buddhist rock-cut monastic caves
Old City Gates
◐ Bazaars & bustle
ARCHITECTUREUparkot Buddhist Caves
A pillared mosque within the old fort
NATUREWillingdon Dam
A scenic reservoir beneath Girnar’s peaks
SUFIDatar Hill
A hilltop Sufi shrine with sweeping valley views
Where to eat near Amba Mata Temple
THALIKathiawadi Thali
Rotla, kadhi, shaak and ghee-rich fare.
SNACKSGanthiya & farsan
Saurashtra's beloved fried snacks.
STREET FOODChaat & kachori
Bustling old-city bazaar bites.
Kesar mangoes
Junagadh's Girnar-grown Kesar mango is famed (Summer).
Amba Mata Temple FAQ
Where is the Amba Mata temple?
High on Girnar, above the Jain temple cluster, about 5,000 steps up.
Who is worshipped there?
Amba Mata, the Mother Goddess — a Shakti shrine.
Why do newly-weds visit?
To seek the goddess's blessing for a long and happy marriage.
How do I reach it?
By the Girnar steps, or the ropeway followed by a short climb.
Is there an entry fee?
No, darshan is free; the ropeway is ticketed.
Is it the top of Girnar?
No — the Gorakhnath and Dattatreya peaks rise higher still.
When should I go?
Winter, starting early.
What should I carry?
Water, warm layers and good shoes.
Related places across Gujarat
GARDENValley of Flowers
A riverside garden in bloom below the statue
BAZAARSoni Bazaar
The glittering goldsmiths’ jewellery lane
LAKEGomti Lake, Dakor
The sacred tank beside Dakor
Victoria Park
◐ Morning · birdlife
FORTParnera Hill & Fort
A hilltop fort with sweeping views
Tulsishyam
The first Jyotirlinga, rebuilt at the ocean’s edge
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026