Gujarat is a state with a rich cultural heritage and stunning temples that showcase exquisite architecture and religious significance. Whether you are a devotee or a tourist, you will find plenty of temples in Gujarat that will mesmerize you with their beauty and history.
Must Visit Temples In Gujarat That You Should Not Miss:
-
Somnath Temple
Somnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the supreme Hindu deity. The temple is located on the shore of the Arabian Sea in Somnath. It is believed that the Moon God built the temple in gold, then rebuilt by Ravana in silver, Lord Krishna in wood, and King Bhimdev in stone. The temple has been destroyed and reconstructed several times due to historical invasions and natural disasters. The present structure was built in 1950 by the efforts of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first deputy prime minister. The temple is a marvel of the Chalukya style of architecture and attracts millions of pilgrims every year.
-
Dwarkadhish Temple
Dwarkadhish Temple, also known as Jagat Mandir, is a majestic temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here as the king of Dwarka. Dwarka is one of Hinduism’s four sacred pilgrimage sites, known as Char Dham. The temple is situated on the banks of the Gomti River in the city of Dwarka. It is believed that the temple was built more than 2500 years ago by Lord Krishna’s grandson, Vajranabha. The temple has five stories and a 78-meter-high spire. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various scenes from the life of Lord Krishna.
-
Akshardham Temple
The Akshardham Temple, located in Gandhinagar, is a breathtaking temple complex devoted to Lord Swaminarayan, the founder of the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism. Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the sect’s spiritual leader, inaugurated the temple in 1992. The temple is made of pink sandstone and is 108 feet high. It has a beautiful dome, a large hall, and a sanctum sanctorum that houses a seven-foot-tall idol of Lord Swaminarayan. The temple complex also features a museum, a garden, a lake, and a musical fountain.
-
Bala Hanuman Temple
Bala Hanuman Temple is a unique temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god and devotee of Lord Rama. It is located on the banks of the Ranmal lake in the city of Jamnagar. The temple is famous for its continuous chanting of the holy name of Lord Rama, which has been going on since 1964. For this feat, the temple has entered the Guinness Book of World Records. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees who join the chanting and seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman.
-
Rukmini Temple
Rukmini Temple is a charming temple dedicated to Goddess Rukmini, the consort of Lord Krishna. The temple is located near Dwarka, about 2 km from the Dwarkadhish Temple. The temple is said to be more than 2500 years old and was built by Lord Krishna. The temple has a single dome and a richly carved doorway. The temple has a small idol of Goddess Rukmini, which is made of black marble. The temple is also known for its sacred water tank, Rukmini Kund, which is believed to have healing properties.
-
Sun Temple
Sun Temple in Modhera is a stunning example of Solanki architecture dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. The temple was built in 1026 AD by King Bhima I of the Solanki dynasty. The temple is designed in such a way that the first rays of the sun fall on the idol of Surya at the time of the equinoxes. The temple complex consists of three parts:
- A stepped tank called Surya Kund
- A pillared hall called Sabha Mandap
- A sanctum called Guda Mandap
The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various Hindu gods, goddesses, animals, birds, and floral motifs.
-
Bhalka Tirth
Bhalka Tirth is a sacred pilgrimage site associated with the departure of Lord Krishna from the mortal world. The site is near Veraval, about 5 km from the Somnath Temple. It is believed that this is the place where Lord Krishna was accidentally wounded by an arrow shot by a hunter named Jara, mistaking him for a deer. The site has a temple called Mahaprabhuji’s Bethak, which has a peepal tree and a white idol of Lord Krishna. The site also has a small pond called Gopi Talav, where Lord Krishna is said to have played with his gopis.
-
Palitana Temples
Palitana Temples are a cluster of more than 800 Jain temples located atop the Shatrunjaya Hill in Palitana. The temples are considered the holiest pilgrimage sites for the Jains, who believe that many of their Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers) attained salvation here. The temples were built over 900 years, from the 11th to the 20th century, by various Jain kings, merchants, and devotees. The temples are made of marble and have exquisite carvings and sculptures. The temples are accessible by a flight of 3750 steps, which takes about two hours to climb.
These are some of the most famous temples in Gujarat that you should visit for a divine and memorable experience. Gujarat is a land of spirituality and culture, where you can witness the glory of ancient and modern temples. So, plan your trip to Gujarat and explore these fantastic temples.
