27 Religious Places & Hindu Temples in Gujarat

Gujarat is home to some of the most iconic temples in India thus it attracts lots of devotees all around the year. Known to be birth-place of Lord Krishna, Dayanand Saraswati and Bapa Sitaram, it is a popular pilgrimage destination in India. Further, it is a sacred site for Hindus from the epic time of Mahabharata. There are a number of ancient temples in Gujarat and among all of them, Dwarkadhish Temple and Somnath Mandir are the most famous ones. Apart from that, these temples also represent the architectural grandeur of this beautiful state.

Somnath Temple, Somnath

Somnath Temple is one of the most visited pilgrimages destinations in India that exist from ancient times. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva thus it has great religious significance among all devotees. Further, the beautiful temple also mentioned in ancient texts like Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta, Skand Puran, Shiv Puran and Rig-Veda. Located on the confluence of three rivers namely Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati, it is one of the best Hindu temples in Gujarat.

The original temple looted and destroyed many times by different emperors like Mahmud Ghazni, Alauddin Khilji, and Aurangzeb. In Addition, the present-day structure of this temple reconstructed by the support of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the year 1951. Apart from that, Somnath Temple gives you a glimpse of the Chalukya style of architecture, so along with spiritual travellers, it attracts lots of art lover too.

• Built by: The Chaulukya (Solanki) king Mularaja
• Year: 997 CE
• Deity: Lord Shiva
• Location: Prabhas Patan near Veraval, Saurashtra
• Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Darshan Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Best time to Visit: October to March
• Festivals: Shravan, Shivratri, Karthik Purnima, Makar Sankranti
• How to Reach: Nearest airport- Diu Airport (63 km), nearest railway station- Veraval Junction railway station (7 km).

Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka

Dwarka is one of the most religious places in Gujarat as it is a part of the revered Chardham Yatra in India. It is home to numerous ancient temples and among all of them, Dwarkadhish Temple is one of the best pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Also known as Jagat Mandir, it is about 2000-2500 years old that dated back to the epic time of Mahabharata. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, it is located on the confluence of Gomati River alongside the Arabian Sea. The architectural style of this five-storied temple is truly magnificent as it is adorned with wonderful carvings. Made up of lime sandstone, the entire temple complex supported by 60 columns that offer it a glorious look.

There are various other shrines within the temple complex dedicated to Subhadra, Balarama and Revathy, Vasudeva and Rukmini. The temple complex has two main entrances which are known as ‘Moksha Dwara’ and ‘Swarga Dwara’ that lies on North and South side respectively. Undoubtedly, Dwarkadhish Temple is one of the famous temples in Gujarat as well as in entire India and you should visit it at least once.

• Built by: Vajranabh
• Year: 2500 years ago
• Deity: Dwarkadheesh Krishna
• Location: Dwarka, Gujarat 361335
• Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Timings: 6 AM to 1 PM and then 5 PM to 9:30 PM
• Best time to Visit: October to March
• Festivals: Annakut Utsav, Janmashtami, Tulsi Vivah, Akshaya Tritiya, Holi, Rath Yatra
• How to Reach: Nearest airport- Porbandar Airport (95 km), nearest railway station- Dwarka railway station (2-3 km).

• Click Here – Best Places to visit in Dwarka

Kirti Mandir, Porbandar

Located in Porbandar, Kirti Mandir was built in the honour of Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi. An ancestral house of Mahatma Gandhi also located just right beside the temple complex. Constructed in the year 1944, the temple houses age-old paintings of Mahatma and Kasturba Gandhi thus it draws the attention of all history buffs. The historic temple display minimalistic Bapu’s thoughts and lifestyle. So by visiting this temple, one can get a chance to know philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi and his devoted wife. So having a unique significance or motive, it is a must visit temple in Gujarat that you can’t miss at any cost.

• Founder: Shri Darbar Gopaldas Desai
• Year: 1944
• Location: Kasturba Road, Porbandar, Gujarat
• Visit Duration: 30 minutes 1 hour
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Timings: 10 AM to 12 PM and 3 PM to 6:30 PM
• Best time to Visit: November to March
• How to Reach: Nearest airport- Porbandar Airport (10 km), nearest railway station- Porbandar Railway Station (2 km).

• Also Read: Most Famous Places to Visit in Porbandar

Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar

Spread over an area of 23 acres of land, Swaminarayan Akshardham temple considered as one of the largest Hindu temples in India. Dedicated to Lord Swami Narayan, who was the founder of the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism, it has great religious importance among devotees of all religion in India. Constructed in the year 1822, the entire temple complex known for its architectural intelligence and it was built by around 1000 artisans. At the internal sanctum, you can see a huge idol of Lord Swaminarayan along with two other idols of Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami and Aksharmukta Gopalanand Swami.

In addition, it also houses a large courtyard and a herbal garden that makes it a great place to relax and picnic. Moreover, in the list of all famous temples in Gujarat, it is a great sacred site for all devotees. At the evening time, one can enjoy a water fountain show that is truly admirable.

• Built by: Pramukh Swami
• Year: 1979
• Deity: Swaminarayan, Lakshmi-Narayana, Sita-Rama, Radha-Krishna and Shiva-Parvati
• Location: J Road, Sector 20, Gandhinagar
• Visit Duration: 2 hour
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Best time to Visit: November to February
• How to Reach: Nearest airport- Ahmedabad Airport (21 km), nearest railway station- Gandhi Nagar Junction (32 km).

Rukmini Temple, Dwarka

Built around the 12th century, Rukmini temple is one of the oldest temples in Gujarat. Dedicated to Goddess Rukmini Devi who was the beloved wife of Lord Krishna, it is an architectural masterpiece in itself. Further, the temple adorned with beautiful paintings of Goddess Rukmini and Lord Krishna that leaves every tourist spellbound. At the inner sanctum, you can see the idol of Goddess Rukmini along with the Lord.

• Built year: 12th Century
• Deity: Goddess Rukmini
• Location: Dwarka, Gujarat
• Visit Duration: 30 minutes 1 hour
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Timings: 6 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM
• Festivals: Rukmini Ashtami
• Best time to Visit: November to March
• How to Reach: Nearest airport- Porbandar Airport (98 km), nearest railway station- Dwarka railway station (5 km).

Bala Hanuman Temple, Jamnagar

Located on the bank of Ranmal Lake, Bala Hanuman Temple is another popular shrine in Gujarat for all Hindu devotees. The temple also earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records due to continuous chanting of ‘Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram’ since 1st August 1964. Established by Shri Prembhikshuji Maharaj in 1963-64, the temple visited all throughout the year by a great number of devotees. It is also said that from that time to till date the chanting has not stopped for a single moment.

• Built by: Shri Prembhikshuji Maharaj
• Year: 1964 AD
• Deity: Lord Hanuman
• Location: Near Lakhota Lake, Jamnagar
• Visit Duration: 30 minutes
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Best time to Visit: November to March
• How to Reach: Nearest airport- Jamnagar Airport (10 km), nearest railway station- Jamnagar Railway Station (5 km).

Sun Temple, Modhera

Dedicated to Sun God, Sun Temple in Gujarat is one of its kind hence it is visited by lots of spiritual travellers every year. Located in Modhera near Mehsana, it resides on the bank of Pushpavati River. Built by King Bhima I around 1026 AD, the temple has intricately carved pillars depicting various sculptures of gods and goddesses. Further, it is built in such a way that the sun rays directly reflect on Surya chakra. The entire temple complex mainly divided into three parts such as Surya Kund, Sabha Mandap and Guda Mandap. There are various other shrines as well dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva. A famous dance festival also organised at Sun Temple in the third week of January.

• Built by: Bhima I
• Year: 1026-27 CE
• Deity: Surya
• Location: Mehsana – Becharaji Rd, Highway, Modhera
• Visit Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Entry Fee: 25 INR for Indians, 300 INR for foreigners
• Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Best time to Visit: October – March
• How to Reach: Nearest airport- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport Ahmedabad, nearest railway station- Modhera Railway Station.

• Also Read: Popular Places to Visit in Gujarat

Amba Mata Mandir, Girnar

The Amba Mata Mandir is located on the peak of the Girnar Mountain, and as the name suggests the temple is dedicated to the Goddess Amba. This is a very well known temple located in the Junagadh area and it is indeed known as a very well known pilgrimage site of Junagadh, which is the Amba Mata Temple. The temple is visited by most newlyweds and the temple is believed to be auspicious for the newly wedded couples. . People believe that couples especially come to visit this temple and come to receive the blessing of the Goddess and always pray for their lifelong marital bliss.

The Amba Mata Mandir is believed to have a very old, historical background and has been very well represented through a folk drama which is known as ‘Bhavai’. The Bhavai is appreciated by everyone visiting the temple. One can see a panoramic view of the downtown, right from the tip of the Girnar Mountain. One can also see and follow the imprinted footsteps of the Goddess. One can also see a golden Yantra, which has almost 51 Shlokas written on it, which is placed inside the premises of the temple.

• Built by: Suriyavans Emperor Arun Sen
• Year: 4th Century AD
• Deity: Arasuri Ambaji
• Location: Banaskantha, Khodiyar Chowk, Ambaji,
• Visit Duration: 30 minutes 1 hour
• Entry Fee: No entry fee
• Timings: 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM
• Best time to Visit: October to March
• How to Reach

• • By Road: Junagadh is well connected to major cities of Gujarat so one can easily get in here by his own vehicle or hired taxi.
  • By Airport: Junagadh does not have its own airport but the closest airport is Keshod and another major airport is Ahmedabad, connected to Delhi, Mumbai.
  • By Bus: To reach this city State Transport buses are available towards Junagadh and Veraval. Volvo buses run between Ahmedabad and Junagadh.
  • By Train: Bandhnath Railway Station is the closest railway station.

Koteshwar Temple, Bhuj

While Somnath has significance for Shiv Bhakts from all over India, people from Saurashtra, Kutch and other parts of Gujarat hold the Koteshwar temple in special reverence. The temple, which means “ten million gods” is 165 km from Bhuj in Kutch district, close to Narayan Sarovar, another pilgrimage spot. It follows the ancient architectural style. According to legend, Lord Shiva granted the boon of immortality to Ravana but he had to carry an Amarlinga to Lanka without it touching the Earth.

The Gods tricked Ravana and he dropped Amarlinga and when he tried to pick it up, it turned into thousands of other lingams and he could not identify which one was the true Amarlinga. He returned to Lanka but the Amarlinga remained in place. Koteshwar is the site of the Amarlinga. Some devotees consider that Shiva is represented here by Bhairav of Hinglaj Mata, whose temple is in the vicinity. The temple is built on sandstone platform and faces the sea.

It has a surrounding wall with an inscription showing the present construction dates back to 1820 AD. It is a fort cum temple premises built by Sundarji and Jetha Shivji, prominent merchants of that time. The wall has three guns and in the middle of the courtyard is the stone temple of Shiv. The temple is older than that and a previous older temple building shows that the Kers of Golay built it. Regardless, it is a pilgrimage spot.

Nishkalangeshwar Mahadev, Bhavnagar

Nishkalangeshwar Mahadev located in Koliyak village (3 km), close to the Arabian Sea. Legend has it that the Pandavas established five Shiva Lingams at this spot after the Mahabharata war and prayed to Shiv to cleanse them of their sin. Nishkalangeshwar is also known as Nish Kalank or spotless or blameless. The unique fact is that the temple is submerged during high tides and emerges during low tides, symbolic of washing away sins. Because of this factor devotees arrange a visit only after 1 PM and the temple remains open up to 10 PM.

Jambavan Cave, Porbandar

Jambavan Cave is located in Ranavav in Porbandar district in Saurashtra, Gujarat. It is worthy of mention since it is a cave dedicated to Jambavan, King of Bears, who supported Lord Rama in his fight against Ravana. Jambavan helped Hanuman and encouraged him to make the jump to Lanka and Jambavan is said to have been present during the Samudra Manthan. He is supposed to have been the King of the Himalayas, reincarnated as a bear to serve Lord Rama. It is believed there are two paths inside the cave, one tunnel leading to Dwarka and another to Junagadh. The cave has naturally formed Shiva Lingas of sand, similar to Amarnath but here the lingams are in sand, not in ice.

Gopnath Shiva Temple, Talaja, Bhavnagar

About 22 Km from Talaja on the Bhavnagar road you will come across Gopnath Shiva temple in the Gulf of Cambay region. The claim to fame is that Narsinh Mehta, the 15th century poet of Gujarat performed meditation here. The temple owes its construction to a rich merchant. At that time the villagers noticed that their cows refused to give milk so they followed the cows and found them offering all their milk to a naturally appeared Shivling. The temple was built on this spot.

Trimandir, Adalaj

It is a great non-sectarian temple and great architectural place. It is called Trimandir as it contains 3 temples of Lord Simandhar Swami, Lord Krishna & Lord Shiva. More than 4 lack people including hundreds of school visits here every year. It is worldly headquarter of spiritual activities of Dada Bhagwan Parivar. You will find peace never before here. All basic facilities for a visitor available here. There are also a beautiful museum, gardens & play area for children.

• Deity: Lord Krishna, Shiva and Mahavir
• Built by: Gnani Purush Dada Bhagwan
• Address: Simandhar City, Ahmedabad-Kalol Highway, Adalaj, Gandhinagar
• Visit duration: 1-2 hours
• Entry fee: No entry fee
• Timings: Temple remains open from 5.30 am to 9.30 pm all days of the week
• Best time to visit: During Aartis
• Festivals: Janmashtami, Paryushan, Navratri, Diwali
• How to reach: Located 12 Km from Gandhinagar, nearest airport- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel airport (15 km), nearest railway station- Gandhinagar railway station (10 km).

Hanuman Temple, Gandhinagar

Visitors can find the Hanuman Temple in Gandhinagar, the idol in this temple bears a shoulder with a mountain, the visitors can find this temple in the center of Gandhinagar city and can be easily reaches, and it is mostly visited by Hindu religion followers.

• Deity: Lord Hanuman
• Address: Dabhoda Village
• Visit duration: 1 hour
• Entry fee: No entry fee
• Timings: 5:30 AM – 10 PM
• Best time to visit: Throughout the year
• Festivals: Hanuman Jayanti
• How to reach: Nearest airport- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel airport, nearest railway station- Gandhinagar railway station.

Mahudi Jain Temple, Mahudi

This temple, Mahudi Jain Temple, is mostly visited by Jain religion followers, it is built in an area of 2 kms, the idols found in this temple were claimed to be about 2000 years old due to old script written over the idols,  the followers claim the idols in this temple have miracle powers.

• Built by: Buddhisagarsuri
• Built year: 1917 CE
• Deity: Shri Ghantakarna Mahavir
• Address: Mahudi Temple Rd, Mahudi, Gujarat
• Visit duration: 1 hour
• Entry fee: No entry fee
• Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Best time to visit: During festival and Kali Chaudas
• Festivals: Dhaja Mohatsav, Kali Chaudas
• How to reach: Nearest airport- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel airport- Ahmedabad (70 km), nearest railway station- Vijapur station (12 km).

Mahakali Temple, Pavaghadh

Visitors can see this famous temple in Pavagadh place at a height of about 600 meters above seal level, visitors can reach this temple by trekking a rocky terrain. Near this temple the visitors can see famous lakes.

• Built by: Vishvamitra Rishi
• Built year: 10-11th centuries
• Deity: Goddess Kali
• Address: Bava bazaar, Pavaghadh, Gujarat
• Visit duration: 2-3 hours
• Entry fee: No entry fee
• Timings: 5 AM – 7:00 PM
• Best time to visit: October to February
• Festivals: Navratri and Dushehra
• How to Reach: Nearest airport- Civil Airport Harni- Vadodra (48 km), nearest railway station- Champaner (1 km).

Krishna-Sudama Temple, Porbandar

Visitors can see this ancient temple in the Porbandar city center, claimed to be built in 20th century for Hindu God Krishna and his friend Sudama. The visitors will be amazed by the construction of this temple surely not to be missed in Porbandar city visit.

• Built by: Sri Ram Devji Jethwa
• Built year: 1902 to 1907
• Deity: Lord Krishna’s friend Sudama
• Address: Sudama Puri, Bhatia Bazar Old, Porbandar, 360575
• Visit duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Entry fee: No entry fee
• Timings: : 7 AM – 6 PM all days of the week
• Best time to visit: October to March
• Festivals: Krishna Janmashtami
• How to reach: 1 km from Porbandar bus station, nearest airport- Civil Airport Harni- Vadodara (48 km), nearest railway station- Vadodara.

Shri Hari Mandir Temple, Porbandar

Visitors can see 12th century temple in Porbandar city, claimed to be one such beautiful temple in Porbandar city covering an area of 80 acres of land. Visitors can see around 60 pillars in this temple also coconut trees around this temple, the visitors can see famous Hindu Gods idols in this temple.

• Built by: Pujya Bhaishree
• Deity: Hindu gods
• Address: Sandipani Ashram, Bapunagar, Porbandar
• Visit duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Timings: 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM & 4:30 PM – 8 PM
• Entry fee: No entry fee
• Best time to visit: October to March
• Festivals: Holi, Janmashtami; Navratri, Diwali
• How to reach: 5 km from Porbandar city, nearest railway station- Porbandar (8km).

EME Temple, Vadodara

Visitors can see this temple in Vadodara city, the construction of the temple is known for depicting five main religions of India, the architecture is in Indian army style, the idol in this place in the south direction.

• Built by: Indian Army Corps of EME
• Built year: 1966
• Deity: Lord Shiva
• Address: EME Rd, Fatehgunj, Vadodara, Gujarat
• Visit duration: 3 hours
• Entry fee: Entry is free
• Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM except Sunday
• Best time to visit: September to March
• Festivals: Maha Shivratri
• How to Reach: Nearest airport- Civil Airport Harni-Vadodara (6 km), nearest railway station- Vadodara railway station (5 km).

Hemchandracharya Gyan Mandir (Knowledge Temple), Patan

The visitors can find this temple or an educational university in Patan claimed to be one such knowledge temple or university in India. The visitors will observe ancient learning practices in this university.

• Built by: Chavada King, Vanraj Chavda
• Year: 746 AD
• Address: Banks of river Saraswati, Patan

So these are the some most famous temples in Gujarat that attracts tourists from all around the country. Whereas few of the temple also listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their great historical and architectural importance. Being a land of many ancient temples, it is a popular religious place in India where you can feel spiritual essence at each and every corner.

Less Crowded Temples in Gujarat

Durvasa Rishi Ashram – Kadifalia, Dumas, Surat

The great saint Rishi Durvasa, who is also believed to be one of avatars of Lord Shiva had meditated and done tapasya at this place. Located on the banks of river Tapi, this particular place is Ideal for early morning or evening prayers. Apart from spirituality there are few bhajiya (Fritters) stalls approximately a kilometre away from the temple premise which surely will be a great treat to your taste buds. For directions click: Durvasa Rishi’s Ashram.

Parmarth Ashram, Mora, Limla, Surat

This particular temple is located amidst Gujarat’s trade and industrial hub Hazira. Surprisingly, despite being in the middle of the Industrial area this temple is extremely quiet. So quiet that you can hear moos and bells of the cows of the Gaushala from a very long distance. These sounds can be your Navigation, no need to use GPS. It is believed that offering water to the Shivling over here and reciting Hanuman Chalisa 7 times in the evening over here shall connect you so well with your own self that you get all the answers to your questions and no extremely clear and focussed mind. How to reach: Parmarth Ashram.

Swayam Pragat Hanuman Mandir, Kapasi, Olpad

Swayam Pragat which literally means Self Appeared. The whole article about how Lord Hanuman appeared here is mentioned on the temple wall. This very remote and calm location is also a feast of nature photographers. Please remember to carry a bottle of water and some snacks as there are no stores here. Here is how you can navigate here: Svayam Pragat Hanuman Mandir.

Mani Nageshwer Dham, Vadhvana

Located on the Banks of the river Narmada, this temple will leave you speechless. The off-beat location is so peaceful and calm that you’ll never wish to return. This temple too hosts rooms to accommodate a group of a good bunch of people and a kitchen good enough to feed almost the devotees passing by and guests. Mani Nageshwar Dham is a pitstop for people doing Narmada Parikrama – The Great Circumambulation. This place offers a good off-roading of about 10 KMS which might be the cherry on the cake for Motorcyclists and adventure lovers like me.

Shree Manibhadra Veer Dada Temple Magarwada, Palanpur

Primarily a Manibhadra Dev is a deity devoted to Jains however, this particular temple of Shree Manibhadra Veer Dada in Magarwada hosts devotees from various other communities too. As per the folklore, while fighting evils Shree Manibhadra Veer Dada’s body got cut into three parts and the bottom part “pindi” fell here. The prasad of Sukhdi is offered here however the pilgrims are advised to not to carry the prasad with them and consume it in the temple itself. There are too many stories and lores that indicate that many wishes of the devotees have been fulfilled by offering prayers and Sukhdi in this temple. Want to head here, follow the instructions: Shri Maninageshwar Mahadev Temple.

Galteshwar Mahadev Mandir, Galteshwar

This temple is very popular hence not very quiet however, it’s in the list because the vibrations and aura here are simply impeccable. The huge Lord Shiva idol at the entrance and the tour of replicas of all 12 Jyotirlingas are one the few main attractions among the devotees.  Please do not confuse it with the Galteshwar Temple of Kheda mentioned in the article here. This particular temple is an ancient ruin whereas the one we are talking about is completely operational. Come on pack your bags and follow the instructions: Galteshwar Mahadev Mandir.

Hanumantiya Hanumanji Temple, Jaspur, Vadodara

Before we talk about the temple, the path leading there is worth a lot of words. 8 KMS of dense forest with no tarmac and just dust and sand. A path so silent that you can listen to the cattle creating sounds from far away towns. After this magnanimous trail we reach the temple that’ll stop all kinds of thoughts and commotion going in our heads. There is a small ashram beside the temple where there are sadhus eager to offer you Chhas (Buttermilk) which will surely feel like elixir after the trail. Why wait, pick keys and ignite your machines and head: Hanumantiya Hanumanji Temple.

This list is not complete yet we might add some more breathtaking experiences from our spiritual journeys across Gujarat so, keep visiting. Also, if you think we are missing out on something and you want us to share our experience about a specific temple or any other religious destination, feel free to let us know.

Also Read: Famous Shiva Temples in Gujarat