17 Must-Visit Temples in Gujarat with Details
Gujarat is a popular tourist destination in India with beautiful scenery. Gujarat is also home to numerous temples that are visited by devotees from all over the world. From Dwaraka, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, to the Somnath temple in one of the Jyothirlingas, Gujarat is home to some of India’s iconic temples. It also has some famous Jain temples such as Palitana Temple. Some of these temples are considered World Heritage Sites and are known for their history and links to Indian mythology. Check out this article to explore the list of famous temples in Gujarat that not only Hindus but every Indian should visit.
The most famous temples in Gujarat:
1. The Temple of Somnath in Saurashtra:
Somnath Temple is the first of Shiva’s twelve Jyothirlinga shrines and is located in Saurashtra on the west coast of Gujarat. Due to various legends associated with the temple, it is considered sacred and thus a famous pilgrimage and tourist destination. The temple is known as the “Eternal Temple”. The current building was rebuilt in 1947. The temple is built in the Chalukya style and three aartis are performed daily.
2. Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka:
Dwarkadhish Temple or Jagat Mata Temple was built 2,200-2,000 years ago. Located in Dwarka, it is a Hindu temple in Gujarat dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here as Dwarka or Dwarkadish King. This is a Pushtimarg temple and the main shrine of the temple is called Jagat Mandir or Nija Mandir. Dwarkadish Temple is one of Char Dham’s four pilgrimage sites.
3. Modra Sun Temple:
The Sun Temple is dedicated to the Hindu sun god Surya. It is located on the banks of the Pushparvati River in Modra. The temple was built in 1026 AD by Raja Bhimdev of the Solanki Dynasty and is divided into three parts namely Surya Kund, Sabha Mandap and Guda Mandap. At Surya Kund, devotees perform a ritual bath before worshipping Surya. Sabha Mandap has carvings of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Krishnalera. The Modhera Dance Festival is celebrated every year in the third week of January against the backdrop of the Temple of the Sun.
4. Akshardham Mandir, Gandhinagar:
The Akshardham mandir in Gandhinagar is 108 feet high, 131 feet wide and 240 feet long and has 97 carved pillars, 17 domes, 8 balconies, 220 stone beams and 264 carved figures. The central room of the temple houses a seven-foot-tall idol of gold-yes Swaminarayan, who started the temple complex. There are idols of Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami and Akshar Mukta Gopalanand Swami. The mandir is divided into two layers, Vibhuti Mandapam and Prasad iMandapam.
5. Shri Shatrunjaya Temple in Palitana:
Shri Shatrunjaya Temple is located in Shaturnjaya, Palitana City. This place, along with Shikharji in Jharkhand, is regarded by the Jain community as the holiest of all places of pilgrimage. The city of Palitana was named the “City of Temples” and as such it was built as a sacred abode. Jains believe that visiting all the temples in Palitana will help to achieve Nirvana or salvation. There are 863 temples carved in marble, the main of which is dedicated to Rishabha.
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6. Jama Mosque, Ahmedabad:
Jama Masjid was built in 1424 during the reign of Ahmed Shah outside the Bhadra fort in Ahmedabad. The tombs of Ahmed Shah I, his son and grandson are to the west of the mosque, and the tombs of the queen and the rest of the king’s wives are nearby. The mosque was originally built for the sultan’s private use, but now it is open to all Muslims.
7. Bhalka Tirtha of Veraval:
Bhalka Tirtha is where Lord Krishna was mistaken for a deer and shot by an arrow by a hunter named Jara, after which it is believed that he has left earth and entered heaven. It is located in Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval, Saurashtra. The Bhalka Tirth Temple is currently under development to turn it into a major tourist attraction.
8. Barakhanuman Temple in Jamnagar:
The Balakhanuman Temple is located on the southeastern shore of Lake Ranmar or Lake Lakota. The temple has been known for the chant “Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram” since August 1, 1964. The temple was therefore included in the Guinness Book of World Records. The temple is open 24 hours a day, and it is said that in order to witness long periods of devotion, one should visit the temple late at night or at night and participate in the chanting.
9. St. Paul’s Church in Diu:
St Paul’s Church in Diu was built by the Portuguese and named after Jesus’ apostle St Paul. It is the most famous, surviving and functioning church in Diu. It is an excellent example of Baroque architecture, with a statue of St. Mary on the altar. The church celebrates the Feast of Eleven Virgins and commemorates the start of the school year, with a feast on January 25 to commemorate the conversion of St. Paul.
10. Jagannath Temple:
Located in Ahmedabad, this temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath. It was established 450 years ago by Sadhu Sarang Daji and is famous for the Ratha Yathra festival. During this festival, the Chief Minister clears the way for the chariot procession. The temple was attacked by Muslims during the 1969 Gujarat riots. The Rath Yatra performed in this temple is the largest and most prominent after the Rath Yatra in Puri.
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11. Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple:
The Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is the residence of Lord Shiva, whose Shivalinga was discovered in the Arabian Sea some five thousand years ago. The temple is submerged in the sea for a period of time every year, which is said to be for the sea to perform the Abhisakam to the linga. Shivaratri is celebrated with the utmost devotion and is a grand event with devotees. It is also popular as the sun rises and sunsets in the ocean can be witnessed.
12. Hutheesing Jain Temple:
This Jain temple was built in 1848 and is one of the famous Jain temples in India. It is located in Ahmedabad and was financed by a wealthy Gujarati businessman. The temple is managed by the Hutheesing family trust, hence the name. Despite the severe famine, the temple was successfully built by artisans in two years at a cost of 800,000 rupees. The entire temple is meticulously crafted and meticulously crafted everywhere.
13. Sandipani Temple:
Sandipani Temple is located in Pobandar and is dedicated to the friendship of Krishna and Sudama. This is the only place in the world that recalls the loyalty and devotion of Sudarma. Known as Shir Hari Mandir, the temple took 13 years to build. This is one of the most magnificent structures in the temples of Gujarat, attracting both Indian and foreign tourists. It is located in a peaceful atmosphere and picturesque location.
14. Nilkanth Dham Swami Narayan Temple:
Nilkanth Dham Swami Narayan Temple in Poicha Village is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Gujarat. It is one of the Swami Narayan temples in India, designed to preserve Indian culture and heritage. This temple is a fine example of craftsmanship and ingenious architecture. With its intricate carvings and remarkable dome, it attracts many tourists throughout the year.
15. Rukmini Temple:
Rukmini Temple is said to be nearly 2,500 years old and is located in Dwaraka, the birthplace of Krishna. It is dedicated to worshiping Lord Krishna’s chief queen Rukmini. The temple is full of exquisite carvings of deities, which is impressive. Legend has it that Sage Durvasa cursed the couple for being short-tempered, so Rukmini was separated from her husband, so they had separate temples.
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16. Rancho Delai Temple:
The temple was originally a Shiva temple called Danknath Mandir. It later developed into the Vishnu Center, dedicated to Vishnu. The temple was built in AD 1772 and Lord Vishnu was worshipped in the form of Lord Ranchhodrai. The temple was built by Shri Gopalrao Jagannath Tambwekar and has eight domes. The statue has four arms holding a lotus flower, a conch shell, a disc and a mace. The idol is said to have a small flute in his right hand because he is a young version of Krishna.
17. Shamraj Temple:
Shamalaji Temple is another popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus in Gujarat. This temple is located in the Aravali district and is dedicated to Krishna. The temple is said to have been built in the 11th century and was renovated about 500 years ago. The temple was built in the architectural style of the Chaluki style and was also a Jain temple. This beautiful temple attracts tourists with its intricate carvings of elephants, gods and other structures.
18. Manzarova:
Mansarovar is a freshwater holy water tank built in the 16th century. Very popular with devotees and tourists who take a dip in the pool before entering the temple. There are two temples next to the Mahadev and Ajay Devi tanks. It has clean water and nicely designed steps into the pool. Take a dip in this pool to experience a sense of holiness and proximity to divinity.
List of Top 10 Temples in Gujarat:
Check out the top 10 temples in each sector of Gujarat:
Middle Gujarat:
- Swami Narayan Mandir, Surat
- Shree Swami Narayan Mandir, Pij
- Shree Sankheshwar Prashwanath Jain Derasar, Gandhinagar
- Nilkanth Mahadev Mandir, Savli
- Shree Lavreshwar Mahadev Temple, Surat
- Shri Somnath Temple Jyotirlinga, Somnath
- BAPS Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar
- ISKCON Surat, Surat
- Shree Swaminarayan Temple Bhuj (Bhuj Mandir), Kutch
- Shree Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka
North Gujarat:
- Shamalaji Temple, Shamalaji
- BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhopal
- Shree Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanumanji Mandir.sarangpur
- Goga Temple Patan, Patan
- Om ManokamnaPurna Mahadev, Ahmedabad
- Naresh (Chamunda Temple), Khorsam
- Naklank Dham, Surat
- Jai Bajarang Bali Temple, Mayan Padar
- Goga Maharaj Mandir, Ranip
- Jay Shree JoganiMaa Mandir, Ahmedabad
South Gujarat:
- Hutheesing Jain Temple, Ahmedabad
- Ambika Niketan Temple, Surat
- Sri Shirdi Sai Temple, Surat
- Shri AjitnathBhagwanShwetamber Jain Derasar, Taranga
- EME Temple, Baroda
- Rammadhi, Surat
- Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kalupur, Ahmedabad
- Bhalka Tirtha, Somnath
- Chintamani Parshvnath Jain Temple, Nafsari
- Shri Bhadreshwar Jain Tirth Derasar, Bhadreshwar
Saurashtra-Cutch:
- Shree Someshwar Mahadev Temple, Rajkot
- Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Darukavanan
- Shree Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanumanji Mandir, Salangpur
- Bhalka Tirtha, Somnath
- Shitla Mandir, Saurashtra
- MELDI MATAJI TEMPLE, Rajkot
- Shiv Mandir and Umiya Mata Mandir, Ahmedabad
- Digambar Jain Temple, Jetpur
- Swaminarayan Temple, Jadhavpura
- Shree Gopinathji Mandir, Gardada
By the end of this article, we want you to understand why this state is so popular for religious tourism. Gujarat is one of the states that has contributed significantly to the preservation of Hinduism and Indian culture. These temples are the embodiment of our nation’s rich heritage, which has been preserved for many centuries. Most of these temples are quite old, and despite invasions and foreign threats, they have withstood the test in time to tell us the story of a bygone era. They are not only known for their beautiful art and architecture, but also for their connection to our Indian mythology. This is the proud land of Sri Krishna Janmashtami!