Dataar hills

Situated at an altitude of 2,779 feet, Datar Hill is one of the five principle peaks of Mount Girnar. Also known as Guru Dattatray or Dattatri, it is a popular religious place in Saurashtra region as it houses the shrine of Jamiyal Shah Datar. The dargah at the bottom of the hill is the tomb of a Muslim saint Jamal Shah Datar. It is ornately carved and crowned with a large onion dome and small minarets in a style similar to maqbara, the mausoleums of Nawabs of Junagadh. The shrine is visited by sufferers of leprosy in hope of a cure.

Also known as Upla Datar, the shrine is popular for its 5 days Urs festival celebrated here every year with great pomp and show. At least 3 lakh devotees of both Muslim and Hindus visit the Datar shrine during these five days, which symbolizes the true Indian secular culture and traditions. Muslims offer chadar at the shrine, while Hindus perform their puja. During the first night of Urs, all ornaments of the shrine, which are kept inside a cave throughout the year are brought out for public display for ‘darshan’ just for one night.

How to get there

By Road: Private and state bus services are available from different junctions in the state.

By Rail: The town has a railway station that is connected to major cities in Gujarat.

By Air: The closest airports to Junagadh are Keshod (40 km) Porbandar (104 km) and Rajkot (105.3 km).