Gujarat, India’s most western state, is a place of enthralling cultural diversity, stunning natural beauty, and historical significance. The state is well known for its extensive history and heritage, and it is home to several temples, museums, and archaeological monuments that serve as reminders of Gujarat’s former splendor. The temples in Gujarat are among the most important features of its cultural environment. The state of Gujarat is known for its beautiful architecture, spiritual vitality, and wide range of religious practices.
One of India’s most beautiful and revered temple regions is Gujarat. These temples are not only houses of worship but also works of art that showcase the state’s diverse cultural past. Gujarat’s famous temples are a pleasure to behold, with their detailed carvings, magnificent decorations, and spiritual fervor. Let’s find out about Gujarat’s famous temples.
Gujarat’s famous temple list;
- Somnath Temple
- Dwarkadhish Temple
- Swaminarayan Akshardham
- Bala Hanuman Mandir
- Rukmini Temple
- Sun Temple
- Bhalka Tirth
- Shri Shatrunjaya Temple
- Jagannath Temple
- Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple
- Hutheesing Jain Temple
- Sandipani Temple
- Nilkanth Dham Swami Narayan Temple
- Shamlaji Temple
Somnath Temple
Due to its significant religious significance, stunning architectural design, and rich historical relevance, Somnath Temple in Somnath is regarded as the best temple in Gujarat. Hindu followers revere the temple because it is thought to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Hinduism. Despite being demolished and rebuilt numerous times throughout history, the temple continues to survive as a testament to Gujarat’s religious fervor and cultural tenacity.
Location: Somnath
Timing: 6 am to 10 pm
How to reach: Somnath Temple is in the town of Somnath in Saurashtra, Gujarat. The nearest airport is Keshod Airport, and the nearest railway station is Veraval Railway Station.
Dwarkadhish Temple
Dwarkadhish Temple, located in the town of Dwarka, is one of the most revered Hindu temples in India and is considered the best temple in Gujarat. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is believed to have been built over 2500 years ago. The temple’s architecture is awe-inspiring, and it houses several shrines and idols of deities. The temple’s significance attracts many devotees every year, making it a must-visit pilgrimage site in Gujarat.
Location: Dwarka
Timing: 6:30 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 9:30 pm
How to reach: The nearest airport is Jamnagar (137 km), and the nearest railway station is Dwarka. Buses, taxis, and private cars can be used to reach Dwarkadhish Temple from major cities in Gujarat.
Swaminarayan Akshardham
Gandhinagar’s Swaminarayan Akshardham is commonly regarded as Gujarat’s top temple. This spectacular Hindu temple complex, which covers 23 acres, is renowned for its exquisite carvings, breathtaking architecture, and lush gardens. Bhagwan Swaminarayan is honored in this temple, which also offers exhibitions, a water show, and a captivating light and sound show. Millions of people visit Swaminarayan Akshardham each year, which is not only a spiritual destination but also a cultural and educational hub.
Location: Gandhinagar
Timing: 10 am to 7:30 pm
How to reach: Swaminarayan Akshardham is in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. It can be reached by car or public transport from Ahmedabad, which is about 25 km away.
Bala Hanuman Mandir
Bala Hanuman Mandir, located in Jamnagar, is considered the famous Hanuman temple in Gujarat by many devotees. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and it holds the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous chanting of “Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram” over 1 million times since August 1, 1964. The temple attracts many devotees every year, who visit to seek blessings and participate in continuous chanting.
Location: Jamnagar
Timing: 10 am to 7:30 pm
How to reach: Bala Hanuman Mandir is in Jamnagar, Gujarat. It can be reached via taxi or auto-rickshaw from Jamnagar airport, railway station, or bus station.
Rukmini Temple
One of Gujarat’s top temples is the Rukmini Temple, which can be found in the Gujarati city of Dwarka. It is devoted to Goddess Rukmini, who was Lord Krishna’s spouse. With wonderfully beautiful murals and complex carvings, the temple’s architecture is spectacular. The idol of Goddess Rukmini, which is decked out in priceless jewelry and silk garments, is kept in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. Every year, thousands of worshippers come to the temple to ask the goddess’ favors.
Location: Dwarka
Timing: 6 am to 12 pm and 5 pm to 9:30 pm
How to reach: Rukmini Temple is located in Dwarka, Gujarat. The nearest airport is in Jamnagar, and the nearest railway station is in Dwarka. Buses and taxis are also available for transportation to the temple.
Sun Temple
The Sun Temple in Modhera, Gujarat, is widely regarded as one of the best temples in the state. Built-in the 11th century, the temple is an architectural marvel with intricate carvings and sculptures. Dedicated to the sun god Surya, the temple’s design is such that the first rays of the sun fall on the idol in the sanctum sanctorum during the equinoxes. The temple is also a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world.
Location: Modhera
Timing: 8 am to 7 pm
How to reach: The Sun Temple in Modhera can be reached by road, located approximately 102 km from Ahmedabad. The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, and the nearest railway station is Mehsana, located 25 km away.
Bhalka Tirth
Bhalka Tirth, located in the coastal town of Veraval in Gujarat, is considered one of the best temples in Gujarat. It is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna was accidentally shot by an arrow and left his mortal body. The temple complex includes a sacred banyan tree, a pond, and several shrines dedicated to Lord Krishna. Devotees from all over the world visit Bhalka Tirth to seek blessings and pay homage to Lord Krishna.
Location: Veraval
Timing: 6 am to 9 pm
How to reach: Bhalka Tirth is in Veraval, Gujarat. The nearest airport is Diu Airport (75 km), and the nearest railway station is Veraval Railway Station (6 km). Taxis and buses are available from both places.
Shri Shatrunjaya Temple
Shri Shatrunjaya Temple is the most famous Jain temple in Gujarat, located atop a hill in Palitana. This temple complex is home to over 900 intricately carved marble temples that are believed to have been constructed over 900 years. The temple is a pilgrimage site for Jains from all over the world, who come to pay their respects and climb the hill to visit the temples. It is considered one of the most significant and beautiful Jain temples in India.
Location: Palitana
Timing: 7 am to 7 pm
How to reach: To reach Shri Shatrunjaya Temple in Gujarat, one must first travel to the town of Palitana. From there, visitors can take a 3.5 km trek or a ropeway to reach the temple complex atop the hill.
Jagannath Temple
One of Gujarat’s most well-known temples is the Jagannath Temple, which is situated in Ahmedabad. A manifestation of Lord Vishnu named Lord Jagannath is honored for its dedication. The temple is well known for its beautiful architecture, which features detailed carvings and sculptures on its pillars and walls. It is particularly well-known for its yearly Rath Yatra event, which features a magnificent parade of the gods through the streets.
Location: Ahmedabad
Timing: 6 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 9 pm
How to reach: Jagannath Temple in Gujarat is in the Jamalpur area of Ahmedabad. It is easily accessible by road and is approximately 5 kilometers from the Ahmedabad railway station and 10 kilometers from the airport.
Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is a famous Shiva temple in Gujarat, located in the coastal town of Dwarka. This ancient temple is believed to have been built by Lord Krishna’s grandson and is renowned for its magnificent architecture and religious significance. The temple is situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea, offering visitors breathtaking views of the sea and the sunset.
Location: Dwarka
Timing: Open 24 hrs
How to reach: Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple can be reached by road from Dwarka city. One can also hire a boat from Okha or Dwarka to reach the temple during low tide.
Hutheesing Jain Temple
Hutheesing Jain Temple, located in Ahmedabad, is one of the most famous Jain temples in Gujarat. The temple was built in 1848 by a wealthy Jain merchant named Sheth Hutheesing as a dedication to the 15th Jain Tirthankara, Dharmanatha. It features stunning architecture and intricate carvings on its walls and pillars, making it a must-visit destination for tourists.
Location: Ahmedabad
Timing: 7 am to 8 pm
How to reach: Hutheesing Jain Temple is in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It can be easily reached by local buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws from the city’s railway station and airport.
Sandipani Temple
Sandipani Temple is one of the famous temples in Gujarat and is situated in the city of Porbandar. This temple is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna and Sudama were educated by their Guru, Sandipani Muni. The temple is known for its unique architecture and beautiful carvings. It is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees who come to seek blessings and pay homage to the revered Guru.
Location: Porbandar
Timing: 7:30 am to 8 pm
How to reach: Sandipani Temple is in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. It can be easily reached by train or bus from major cities in India. The nearest airport is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore, which is about 55 km away.
Nilkanth Dham Swami Narayan Temple
One of the best temples in the area is the well-known Nilkanth Dham Swami Narayan Temple, which is situated in Gujarat. It has an amazing architecture with elaborate carvings and vivid colors that are devoted to Lord Swaminarayan. The Swaminarayan sect’s history and teachings are displayed in the temple’s museum and cultural center. Visitors can take part in daily prayers and ceremonies and enjoy the tranquil ambiance.
Location: Porbandar
Timing: 7 am to 8 pm
How to reach: Nilkanth Dham Swami Narayan Temple is located in the state of Gujarat, India. It can be easily reached by road, and the nearest airport and railway station are in Ahmedabad, which is approximately 100 km away.
Shamlaji Temple
Shamlaji Temple, also known as Shri Vishnu Mandir, is one of the most famous temples in Gujarat. Located in the Sabarkantha district, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to have been built in the 11th century. The temple’s exquisite architecture and beautiful surroundings make it a popular pilgrimage site for both locals and tourists. The temple is also renowned for its annual fair, held during Kartik Purnima, which attracts thousands of devotees from all over Gujarat.
Location: Sabarkantha
Timing: 6 am to 8:30 pm
How to reach: Shamlaji Temple is easily accessible by road, located approximately 130 km from Ahmedabad and 30 km from Himmatnagar. The nearest airport and railway station are in Ahmedabad.
Gujarat is a state steeped in history and culture, with a rich tradition of temple worship. From the ancient Sun Temple of Modhera to the magnificent Somnath Temple, here are the best temples to visit in Gujarat that offer a glimpse into the state’s vibrant spiritual heritage.