History and Significance of Shri Damodar Hari Temple and Damodar Kund, Girnar, Junagadh
Damodar Kund and Radha Damodar temple is located on the way from Junagadh to Girnar Taleti, on the bank of Sonarakh River, around 2 km from Bhavnath temple. As per the Purana, it is believed that Damodarraiji temple was built by Vrajnabh, grandson of Lord Shree Krishna. Revati - Baldevaji temple, Chintamani Ganpati temple is located beside the Damodar Hari Temples. The lake is 257 feet long and 50 feet broad and 5 feet deep and surrounded by well built Ghat.
It is also believed that, once Lord Brahma decided to perform yagya at Giranar and invited all Rhishi and God to take part in rituals. Lord Brahma had inspired Ma devi Gange to appeared at Damodar Kund, thus from that time water of Ma Ganga and other sacred river flow here. Thus this place is very ancient, most sacred and turns into magnetism of devotee.
Thousands of devotee across the India visit here on the Amas - 15th day of Krishna paksh of Bhadra for Pitru Tarpan. Devotee takes holy bath in sacred Damodar Kund and donates as per their belief. As per the Hindu Mythology, if ashes and bones left after cremation of dead body submerge at Damodar Kund, soul would get Moksh – salvation. It is also believed that the water of Damodar Kund has the characteristics to dissolve the bones. The Ashthi of the great freedom fighter and father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi had been dissolution in Damodar Kund on 12-02-1948.
Damodar Kund is also famous because of Narshinh Maheta - the great devotee of Lord Shree Krishna. Narsinh Maheta used to come for holy bath in Damodar Kund daily basis and prepared Prabhatiya- Morning Prayers in natural surrounding area. He was the great poet of Gujarat during the 15th century and prepared lots of devotional song.
From long year Damodar Hari temple and Damodar kund is managed by the Brahmin of Girnar and charitable trust. Big Patotsav has been arranged on the 12th day of Krishna Paksha of Jyeshtha month every year and devotee across the India visit here.
