The temples in Gujarat have always been recognized for their magnificence and splendour and the great following that they have in the spiritual domain.
Gujarat is one of India’s most holy regions since it is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Dayanand Saraswati, Bapa Sitaram, Jalaram Bapa, and many more saints. This region has significant historical importance in Hindu mythology and is also known as the country of monks.
The state is home to a plethora of magnificent temples that showcase the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the region. These temples, steeped in spirituality attract devotees and tourists alike. It is astonishing how countless temples adorn the landscape of Gujarat, each with its own unique architectural style, religious importance, and cultural significance.
The temples in Gujarat are not only places of worship but also architectural wonders that capture the hearts of visitors, providing a spiritual sanctuary and insight into the rich religious heritage of the state.
Gujarat shrines with Hindu saints have influenced Indian history through their prayers, devotion, and commitment to their followers. There are several historic temples in Gujarat, each with magnificent architecture evocative of past regal eras.
Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar – the power of faith
The Akshardham Temple, situated in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is one of the biggest Hindu temples in India and overseas. The main god honoured within the temple is Bhagwan Swaminarayan. In addition, there are displays, studies, and historical structures spread around the 23 acres of grounds. This magnificent temple is around 28 km from Ahmedabad in Gandhinagar.
The Akshardham Temple is a marvel of craftsmanship and devotion, showcasing intricate carvings and breathtaking architecture. It serves as a spiritual and cultural centre, promoting peace, harmony, and the teachings of Swaminarayan.
The mandir, the exhibits, and even the grounds reverberate with holiness in Akshardham. Around two hundred murtis (idols) symbolize religious stalwarts through many centuries at the temple. Akshardham’s heavenly basis is that every soul can be almighty. A trip to Akshardham is a rewarding experience whether it is comprehending the power of faith, experiencing the intensity of nonviolence, realizing the global nature of ancient beliefs, or just appreciating the beauty of ‘God’s home on Earth’ – each aspect is significant.
Somnath Temple, Saurashtra – iconic and magnificent
An iconic temple is the Somnath Temple, located in Prabhas Patan. It is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (manifestations of Lord Shiva) and holds immense significance for Hindus. Somnath Temple, one of India’s ancient temples is located at the archaeological site of Veraval city in Saurashtra on Gujarat’s west coast.
The temple exemplifies the magnificent Chuka contemporary design and is one of the most famous Shiva temples in Gujarat. The town of Veraval is around 412 km from Ahmedabad, and most visitors to Somnath temple come from Rajkot.
Somnath temple’s history and folklore contribute to its magnificence and religious significance, and it has always long piqued the imagination of tourists who head to the temple every year. While at Somnath, visit the Triveni Sangam Temple and the Pancha Pandava Gufa, as well as the Parashurama and Suraj temples to get a full spiritual experience.
Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka – a sense of deep spirituality
A notable temple is the Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka, dedicated to Lord Krishna. This ancient temple stands as a testimony to the devotion of Lord Krishna’s followers and offers a serene ambience for spiritual seekers.
Built on the site believed to be the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna, the temple showcases exquisite architecture and intricate carvings that mesmerize. The sanctum sanctorum houses the magnificent idol of Dwarkadhish, a beautifully adorned form of Lord Krishna. The temple’s ambience is filled with divine energy and echoes with devotional chants and prayers.
The architectural marvel of the five-storey temple is supported by seventy-two pillars and crowned by a towering spire of 170 feet. Constructed entirely of pristine limestone, it boasts intricate carvings on its exterior with an awe-inspiring display of mythic continuity and design.
Devotees flock to this sacred site to seek blessings, offer prayers, and experience a sense of deep spirituality. Dwarkadhish Temple holds a significant place in Hindu mythology and serves as a vibrant centre of religious and cultural activities, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Dwarka – a major spiritual site
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is an equally important Jyotirlinga as a Kedarnath pilgrimage. It is thought to be the first among India’s 12 jyotirlingas. Nageshwar is situated in Saurashtra, Gujarat, near Dwarka.
It is said that the devil Daaruka trapped Shiva worshipers, who then began to recite the Shiv chant, causing Shiva to come and destroy the evil. He decided to live here as a jyotirlinga. A voyage to this place is equally honourable as one to Kedarnath but without the challenges of travelling the rugged rocky terrain. Another major spiritual site near the temple is Gopi Talav Tirth, a lake associated with tales of gopis meeting Lord Krishna and finally surrendering their life to blend with the earth therein.
Hutheesing Jain Temple, Ahmedabad – a peaceful retreat
The Hutheesing Jain temple is a peaceful retreat amid Ahmedabad’s hectic business district. Lord Dharamnath, the 15th Tirthankara, is the major idol at the temple. There are also 11 more Tirthankaras in the main temple complex, which is flanked by a courtyard and an arcaded gallery with 52 smaller shrines devoted to other Jain Tirthankaras. Each one is wonderfully carved. In the temple’s huge courtyard, there is a tower, known as a Kirti stambh.
Hence, Hutheesing Jain Temple is a white marble iconic landmark embellished with exquisite stone sculptures. This respected property has an excellent layout that includes a garden surrounded by cloisters.
Navlakha Temple, Ghumli – majestic craftsmanship
Ghumli is a little village 45 km from Porbandar, in the foothills of Barda. It was the center of the Saindhava dynasty, which ruled the state from the eighth to the tenth centuries, before becoming the seat of the Jethwa dynasty. According to historical facts, Rana Bhanji Jethwa lost a battle in 1313 when Sindh’s Jadeja Ram Unaji attacked him, and he subsequently fled to Ranpur, leaving Ghumli in ruins.
The temple is 30.48 meters by 45.72 meters in size, with a magnificently sculpted entrance and crafted walls and pillars on both ends.
With its beautiful craftsmanship and complicated construction, it rivals the Modhera Sun temple.
Sun Temple, Modhera – timeless beauty
Modhera’s Sun Temple, belonging to Surya Deva, is located 25 km from Mehsana. It was built between 1026 and 1027 AD by King Bhima I of the Chalukyan dynasty.
The temple’s pillars are artistically carved with images of many divine beings.
The shrine has the normal hall, the assembly hall, and the garbha griha, which once held Surya Deva’s sculpture but is now absent, and the chamber is shuttered. The assembly hall, unlike some other temples, is a unique structure with its own dome and beautifully carved pillars.
The inner and outer hall domes are each richly carved. Alongside the main temple, there is a big water tank with steps that lead down to the river body in all directions. Mostly along with the steps, there are little shrines devoted to different gods. Furthermore, there is a tiny step well next to the grounds that are currently in disrepair but represents the monarchy of the time with a finely designed mandap. The Uttarardh Mahotsav, a three-day festival, brings the temple to life in the third week of January.
Bileshwar Shiva Temple, Porbandar – unlock ancient history with faith
Bileshwar is a tiny village in the Ranavav taluka of Porbandar, Saurashtra, Gujarat, where Shiva worshipers attend the Bileshwar temple. Lord Krishna is supposed to have concentrated on Lord Shiva for seven months while offering leaves from the Bili tree. Lord Shiva arrived and gave him his request to get the Parijat tree so that he might delight Satyabhama.
The inhabitants have a great belief in Lord Shiva, and festivals are conducted here throughout the month of Shravan and on Shivratri when it is best to head to Bileshwar. Travelling from here to Bagwadar on Khambhalia Road in Porbandar would bring visitors to the Bagwadar Sun Temple, which is remarkable in that it contains nine planet temples around the primary one devoted to the Surya god.
Mallinath Temple, Girnar – intricately crafted and ornamented
Girnar Hill was formerly a haven and refuge for sages and saints seeking peace to reflect. There are both Hindu temples as well as Jain temples here, one of which is the renowned Mallinath temple on Girnar.
This temple is around 600 meters tall and has five peaks, each of which is intricately crafted and ornamented. It takes ninety minutes to ascend 2000 stairs to approach the temple reported to have been erected by Vastupal and Tejpal, who are also attributed to the architecture of the Dilwara temples. There are temples devoted to Lord Neminatha and Amba Devi nearby, and also a Kalika Devi shrine a little further out. Mallinath is regarded as the 19th Tirthankara. He is claimed to have been born into the princely Ikshvaku dynasty but embraced meditation and then became an enlightened being.
Bhadreshwar Jain Temple, Kutch – an ancient wonder of architectural brilliance
The Bhadreshwar Vasai Jain temple is situated in the Mundra Taluka of Kutch and is one of the earliest Jain temples worldwide. It is only 69 km from Mandvi, a beautiful beach and port city.
Devchandra, a courtier, built the foundation for this temple, which was later enlarged by King Sidhsen in 449 BC and refurbished by Jagdusha in 1125 AD. According to a few, the temple was built in 516 BC. This temple is similar to the Jain temples of Dilwara, with an 85-foot-by-48-foot courtyard encircled by a gallery of forty-four statues. Ajitnath, the second Tirthankar, is the principal deity, accompanied by Lord Parshwanath and Lord Shantinath. Earthquakes ruined the ancient temples, but each time it was repaired.
The temples of Gujarat stand as remarkable testaments to the religious fervour, architectural brilliance, and cultural richness of the state.
From the awe-inspiring Somnath Temple to the divine Dwarkadhish Temple and the exquisite Akshardham Temple, each temple holds a unique place in the hearts of devotees and admirers.
These sacred sites not only inspire spirituality but also captivate with their intricate carvings, majestic structures, and serene surroundings.
Gujarat’s temples offer a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of Indian traditions and continue to attract people from all walks of life, fostering a sense of unity, devotion, and cultural appreciation.
The temples of Gujarat are sure to leave an indelible impression, making them an absolute must-visit for anyone seeking a historic, spiritual and cultural journey.
Read More: Latest
FAQs
Which is the No 1 temple in Gujarat? ›
1. Somnath Temple, Somnath. Somnath temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the renowned Hindu Architecture -Somnath temple is known to be one of the most gorgeous temples in Gujarat that exist from prehistoric times.
Which God is famous in Gujarat? ›Shaivism (Shivaism), the cult of the Hindu god Shiva, has long flourished in Gujarat; so too has Vaishnavism (the worship of Vishnu), from which have emerged not only the cult of bhakti (devotion) but also a rich repertoire of verse and song.
What are the two famous temple of Gujarat? ›If you want to experience the exotic history and witness some of the most beautiful architecture, then the temples in Gujarat have it all for you. Some of the major attractions involve Dwarkadhish Temple, Somnath Jyotirling Temple, Ambaji temple, and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga.
Which is the famous temple of Lord Shiva in Gujarat? ›Nishkalank Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple located at Koliyak near Bhavnagar, Gujarat. Situated in Koliyak Beach, it is one of the rarest sea temples in India you must include in your Gujarat trip and among the most visited places of pilgrimage in Bhavnagar.
Which God is born in Gujarat? ›Many Hindu religious traditions developed in Gujarat. Gujarat is the birthplace of Lord Shiva's Avatar Lakulisa (Staff-God).
Which is oldest temple in Gujarat? ›| Somanatha Temple Somanath Mandir | |
|---|---|
| Location | Veraval Somnath |
| State | Gujarat |
| Country | India |
| Shown within Gujarat Show map of Gujarat Show map of India Show all | |
- Geographically, Gujarat is a vital state in India. ...
- Jamnagar refinery is the largest oil refinery in the world. ...
- Jewel Of West is what the name of the state locally means.
- This state has the largest district in India, known as Kachchh.
- The Rann of Kachchh is the largest salt desert in the world.
It is renowned for its beaches, temple towns and historic capitals. Wildlife sanctuaries, hill resorts and natural grandeur are gifts of Gujarat. Sculpture, handicrafts, arts, festivals also make the state rich.
Which is famous temple in Gujarat? ›Somnath Temple, Somnath
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the legendary Somnath temple is known to be one of the most beautiful temples in Gujarat that exist from ancient times.
The Somnath Temple in Gujarat is believed to be the first among the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva and an important pilgrimage and tourist site. Ahmedabad: The Somnath Temple trust in Gujarat is undertaking the gold plating of over 1,400 kalash (urn) at the temple.
Which is the rich temple in Gujarat? ›
Somnath Temple, Gujarat
The immense wealth and glory of this temple were so much that it has been looted and destroyed by Turkic ruler Mahmud of Ghazni 17 times for its brimming gold and silver collections. The temple still has enough prized possessions that make it called as one of the richest temples in India.
...
| Bahuchara Mata | |
|---|---|
| Affiliation | Devi, Shakti |
| Abode | Manidweep |
| Weapons | Devi mahatmya, trident, sword and rosary |
| Mount | Rooster |
| # | Jyotirlinga | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Somnath | Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Gujarat |
| 2 | Mallikarjuna Swamy | Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh |
| 3 | Mahakaleshwar | Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh |
| 4 | Omkareshwar | near Indore, Madhya Pradesh |
Angkor Wat is a temple complex at Angkor, Cambodia. According to the Guinness World Records, it is the largest religious structure in the world, located on a site measuring 162.6 hectares (1,626,000 m2; 402 acres).
Which temple is underwater in Gujarat? ›The Stambheshwar temple is located a few meters away from the Gujarat shore. During high tide, the temple submerges underwater and reappears during low tide.
What are Gujarat Muslims called? ›The Gujarati Muslims are further sub-divided into groups, such as the Sunni Vohra/Bohra, Ismāʿīlī, Khoja, Dawoodi Bohra, Memon, Surti, Miyan Bhai, Pathan people/Hansotis, Khatri, Ghanchi and Chhipa each with their own customs and traditions.
What religion is Gujarat culture? ›Gujarat is a flourishing state with cultural diversity. It is vibrant with its true colors of rich heritage and cultural traditions. Dating back to history with the Harappan civilization, the state becomes a confluence of many religions – Hinduism, Islam, Jainism and Buddhism.
What is main culture of Gujarat? ›Customs and Traditions of Gujarat
Embracing different religious faiths, Gujaratis demonstrate a vibrant mix of Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, and Buddhism. This amalgamation of cultures is quite evident in their beliefs, customs, traditions, institutions, and practices.
This revelation has solidified the status of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple as the wealthiest place of worship in the world.
How many people died in Gujarat temple? ›...
Akshardham Temple attack.
| Akshardham Hindu Temple Attack | |
|---|---|
| Weapons | Grenades, AK-47 |
| Deaths | 32 (including both terrorists) |
| Injured | At least 80 |
What is the oldest temple in Earth? ›
Known as Göbekli Tepe, the site was previously dismissed by anthropologists, who believed it to be a medieval grave. In 2008, however, the German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt determined that Göbekli Tepe is, in fact, the oldest known temple in the world.
What are 3 famous things of Gujarat? ›| Rani Ki Vav | Dholavira | Vijay Vilas Palace |
|---|---|---|
| Somnath Temple | Akshardham Temple | Kutch Bustard Sanctuary |
| Polo Monument | Ambaji Mata Temple | Statue of Unity |
| Champaner Archaeologial Park | Pols of Ahmedabad | Chhota Udepur |
| Sabarmati Ashram | Wild Ass Sanctuary | Sidhpur |
The typical Gujarati thali consists of rotli, dal or curry, rice, and shaak (a dish made up of several different combinations of vegetables and spices, which may be either spicy or sweet).
What is the old name of Gujarat? ›Gujarat is derived from the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, who ruled Gujarat in the 8th and 9th centuries CE. Parts of modern Rajasthan and Gujarat have been known as Gurjarat or Gurjarabhumi for centuries before the Mughal period.
Why is Gujarat important to India? ›Gujarat has a strong cultural influence of socio-economic-political history. It has a special significance in Indian Political History as it is a birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and the main influence to the people of Gujarat with his system of non violence movement.
What is the biggest temple of Gujarat? ›| Dwarkadheesh Temple द्वारकाधीश मंदिर | |
|---|---|
| State | Gujarat |
| Country | India |
| Location in Gujarat | |
| Geographic coordinates | 22°14′16.39″N 68°58′3.22″E |
The whole state of Gujarat is highly opulent with godly places of pilgrimage and holy temples Ambaji, Somnath, Dwarka, Palitana, Girnar, and Dakor are the chief holy places of Gujarat.
What is the temple style in Gujarat? ›Māru-Gurjara architecture or Solaṅkī style, is the style of West Indian temple architecture that originated in Gujarat and Rajasthan from the 11th to 13th centuries, under the Chaulukya dynasty (also called Solaṅkī dynasty).
Which temple is made of pure gold? ›Golden temple, Amritsar
On this raises a sparkling second level, enclosed in elaborately carved gold panels, with a dome covered with 750 kilograms of pure gold on top.
The Padmanabhaswamy temple treasure is a collection of valuable objects including gold thrones, crowns, coins, statues and ornaments, diamonds and other precious stones.
Which temple is made of gold in world? ›
The Harmandir Sahib (Gurmukhi: ਹਰਿਮੰਦਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ) is also spelled as Harimandar or Harimandir Sahib. It is also called the Durbār Sahib (ਦਰਬਾਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ), which means "sacred audience", as well as the Golden Temple for its gold leaf-covered sanctum centre.
Which is the richest religion in India? ›Jains are the richest religious community, with more than 70% of their population in the top quintile. There isn't much difference between Hindus and Muslims and they are very close to the national distribution of wealth.
Which temple has more gold in India? ›Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Mumbai, Worth- INR 125 Crore
Lord Ganesha sits under a gold roof and the temple has amassed 158 kg of gold offerings worth USD 67 million until now, making the temple richest of Mumbai collecting around 125 hundred crores annually.
Administration of these temples are now in the hands of government appointees instead of private trustees. Vyas stated that the state government,till January 2012,had administrative control over 244 major temples in 16 districts,which were now being managed by government-appointed administrators.
Who is the powerful female Hindu god? ›Durga is one of the most powerful goddesses of Hindus. Hindu scriptures say that Durga came to kill the asuras, that is, the demons. Male gods had failed to control asuras and she was created. She has the powers of all the male gods combined.
Who is the Hindu girl god? ›Tridevi, or three goddesses, is a term used in Hinduism to describe the three main female deities . These are Saraswati (who is linked to Brahma ), Lakshmi (who is linked to Vishnu ) and Parvati (who is linked to Shiva ).
Who is the first woman in Gujarat? ›...
| Vidyagauri Nilkanth | |
|---|---|
| Vidyagauri around 1895 | |
| Born | 1 June 1876 Ahmedabad |
| Died | 7 December 1958 (aged 82) |
| Known for | Social reformer, educationist and writer |
These represent Shiva's five aspects: Sadyojata, Vamadeva, Aghora, Tatpurusha and Ishana. A four-faced linga is said also to represent the five aspects of Shiva, the fifth aspect is center, the shaft itself or is assumed to be emerging from the top of the shaft and denotes the formless Absolute.
Which is the most powerful god in the world? ›Indra also called Śakra, the supreme god, is the first of the 33, followed by Agni.
Which is the world highest Shiva? ›...
| Tungnath | |
|---|---|
| District | Rudraprayag |
| Deity | Shiva |
| Festivals | Maha Shivaratri |
| Location | |
Which is mysterious temple in India? ›
Stambheshwar Mahadev, Gujarat
It is one of the most mysterious temples of India that appears as well as disappears throughout the day.
...
| Mundeshwari Temple | |
|---|---|
| Nagara style architecture of the temple. | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Kaimur bhabua district |
Somnath Temple Gujarat
It was Lord Shiva who cured his illness and later Soma built this temple in his honour. It is one of the most revered 'jyotirlinga' among the 12 jyotirlingas of India.
Pratishtha King Nag Bhatt II constructed the temple for the third time in 815 using a red stone (sandstone) stone. In 1026, Mahmud Ghazni lent the precious jewels and property of Somnath temple.
Which temple has highest steps in Gujarat? ›Ambika Temple
From it the crest of the mountain (3330 feet) is reached by a steep flight of stairs. Here is an ancient temple of Hindu Goddess Amba mata temple, which is much resorted to by newly married couples .
Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple or Ananthapura Lake Temple is a Hindu temple built in the middle of a lake in the little village of Ananthapura, around 6 km from the town of Kumbla in Manjeshwaram Taluk of Kasaragod District of Kerala, South India.
Which is the world largest temple in Gujarat? ›| Dwarkadheesh Temple द्वारकाधीश मंदिर | |
|---|---|
| State | Gujarat |
| Country | India |
| Location in Gujarat | |
| Geographic coordinates | 22°14′16.39″N 68°58′3.22″E |
1. Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar. Akshardham Temple is one of the largest Hindu temples in India and the World which is located at Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat.
Which is the hidden temple in Gujarat? ›The Stambheshwar temple is located a few meters away from the Gujarat shore. During high tide, the temple submerges underwater and reappears during low tide. As the sea level rises and falls twice in a day, the temple vanishes under the water.
Which is richest temple in world? ›The Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the state of Kerala, India. It is widely considered as the world's richest Hindu temple.
Which is oldest temple in world? ›
Known as Göbekli Tepe, the site was previously dismissed by anthropologists, who believed it to be a medieval grave. In 2008, however, the German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt determined that Göbekli Tepe is, in fact, the oldest known temple in the world.
Which is the most powerful Shiva temple? ›| # | Jyotirlinga | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Somnath | Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Gujarat |
| 2 | Mallikarjuna Swamy | Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh |
| 3 | Mahakaleshwar | Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh |
| 4 | Omkareshwar | near Indore, Madhya Pradesh |
| Mundeshwari Temple | |
|---|---|
| Architecture | |
| Completed | 635 CE Hindu inscriptions dated 4th century AD were found in the temple m. |
| Specifications | |
| Temple(s) | One |
Varanasi is the holiest of all and it is favorite to lord Shiva, thus it is often referred as City of Lord Shiva. In Hinduism, one should visit the major temples in Varanasi in his/her life. Ujjain, also known by the ancient name Avanti, has one of the 12 Jyotirlingas installed in the Mahakaleshwar Temple.
What is the famous religion of Gujarat? ›The major religions followed are Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. Muslim Religion, Christianity, Parsi, Sindhi and other many more religions are followed with faith all across Gujarat. Since ancient times, Gujarat is noted for its temples.
What is the holy place of Gujarat? ›The whole state of Gujarat is highly opulent with godly places of pilgrimage and holy temples Ambaji, Somnath, Dwarka, Palitana, Girnar, and Dakor are the chief holy places of Gujarat.