Gujarat, a state known for its vibrant culture, remarkable architecture, sacred Hindu and Jain pilgrimage sites, colourful festivals, birding opportunities, and more, offers incredible experiences to visitors. Dotted with some of the most awe-inspiring temples, Gujarat is also a land of countless beliefs. Temples in Gujarat became exceptional masterpieces known for their religious, cultural, and architectural significance. People visit these religious sites to pay their respects to the divine deities and marvel at the architectural acumen of our forefathers.
Temples in Gujarat is known for their religious and spiritual significance, rich historical past, and unique architectural splendour. A visit to any of these temples brings a sense of peace, calm, and joy to hearts.
Planning to visit Gujarat? Here, we have curated a list of temples in Gujarat that must be on your wishlist!
One of the most stunning and spiritually significant, Somnath, Gujarat temple is believed to have been built in gold by Somraj, silver by Ravana, wood by Krishna, and stone by Bhimdev. Located in Prabhas Patan, Veraval, the temple is built in a symmetrical, traditional design. The huge black-coloured Shiva Lingam in the temple makes it one of the most revered Jyotirlingas in Gujarat. The temple faced a lot of damage and was mercilessly plundered by invaders. A sound and light show in the evening narrate the temple’s rich and tumultuous past.
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Belonging to the Hindu Swaminarayan Group, Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is one of the most ornately built temples in Gujarat. With the exquisite craftsmanship of more than 1000 artists, the temple is constructed using 6000 tonnes of pink sandstone. Sprawled across 23 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, this temple is one of the major tourist attractions in Gujarat. The majestic statue of Swaminarayan in gold is seven feet tall. With stunning architecture and a serene ambience, a visit to this temple proves to be a peaceful experience.
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this 15th-Century Dwarka temple is one of the most splendid religious sites in Gujarat. Supported by 60 columns, the temple has a stunning five-storey spire. It is also referred to as Jagat Mandir and Trilok Sundar Mandir. The main entrance to the temple, or ‘Moksha Dwar’ in the north and ‘Swarga Dwar’ in the south, are truly magnificent. The temple looks surreal, close to the confluence of River Gomati and the Arabian Sea. It is the 108th Divya Desam of Lord Vishnu.
Dedicated to Lord Krishna’s Patrani, Devi Rukmini, the Rukmini Temple in Dwarka is considered one of the rarest temples in India. It is a solitary temple, standing tall, located at a distance from Dwarka. As per locals, the visit to Dwarka is considered incomplete if they do not visit this temple. The temple is believed to date back to the 12th Century. As prasad, water is distributed to the devotees, which is one of the unique aspects of the temple. Visitors are also encouraged to donate drinking water, which is considered very sacred. Beautifully-designed panels and stunning artefacts make the interior of the temple impressive.
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The famous Modhera Sun Temple should be on the bucket list of every visitor coming to Gujarat. Built by Bhimdev I in 1027, this temple is a remarkable example of architectural prowess. The temple is designed in such a way that the rays of the morning sun fall on the idol of the Sun. There are more than 100 shrines in the rectangular stepwell located within the temple premises. It looks like a sunken art gallery. Intricately carved exterior, niches. sculpted pillars and erotic panels are major architectural features of the temple.
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A famous pilgrimage site of Jain followers, Shri Shatrunjaya Temple, is perched atop a hill dotted with small shrines. Some of these temples are more than 900 years old. It is believed that Rishabha or Adinath, the founder of Jainism, meditated beneath the Rayan tree. The temples are grouped into enclosures or tunks, with minor ones flanking the central temple. A climb of 3300 steps, approximately 1 ½ hour, takes you to the temple offering an extraordinary spiritual and souk-stirring experience.
Located close to Somnath, Bhalka Tirth is the place where an arrow fatally wounded Lord Krishna as he was mistaken for a deer. The temple is not too impressive from an architectural point of view, but the idol of the reclining Lord Krishna, two Shiv lingam, a relief of his footprint, and a tulsi tree planted in his memory are its major attractions. The temple is situated close to the confluence of three rivers- Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati.
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Located approximately 2 km from Dwarkadhish Temple, the Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Perched atop a hillock overlooking the Arabian Sea, this temple of Chandra-Mouliswar Shiva is one of the most enchanting shrines in the area. Enshrining a shiv linga in the sanctum sanctorum, the temple is located close to the confluence of the Arabian Sea, River Gomti, and Ganga. The temple premises has 75 metal forms of Shankaracharyas, 1300 Shiv Lingas, and 1200 Salgramshilas.
In the month of June or July, the water of the Arabian Sea enters the temple, and the temple gets submerged until the abhisheka of the Shiv Linga is complete. The panoramic view of the vast expanse of the sea from the temple is worth cherishing.
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