Top 10 Most Popular Temples in Gujarat That You Should Definitely Visit
Gujarat, known for its rich cultural heritage and spirituality, is home to numerous magnificent temples that attract devotees and tourists from across the globe. From ancient architectural marvels to modern spiritual complexes, Gujarat has numerous temples that attract tourists. In this article, we will explore the top 10 most popular temples in Gujarat that are revered for their grandeur, religious significance, and architectural splendour. Whether you seek spiritual enlightenment, cultural exploration, or simply wish to witness architectural brilliance, these temples are a must-visit when in Gujarat.
Top 10 Temples In Gujarat
1. Somnath Temple
Situated on the serene shores of the Arabian Sea, Somnath Temple is one of the most famous temples in Gujarat that you must visit. This temple holds immense religious significance as it has one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its splendid architecture and spiritual aura attract millions of devotees and tourists every year. Somnath, meaning “Lord of the Moon,” symbolises the eternal power and divinity of Lord Shiva. If you’re planning a Gujarat tour, make sure to visit this temple for a spiritual and memorable experience.
Ideal trip duration: Plan a trip of at least 1 or 2 days to fully explore the temple complex.
Timings: 6:00 am to 9:30 pm
Entry fee: no entry fee
Best time to visit Somnath Temple: The best time to visit Somnath Temple is between October and February when the weather is more suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Location: Somnath Mandir Road, Veraval, Gujarat 362268, India
How to reach Somnath Temple: To reach Somnath Temple, you can take a bus, taxi, or private vehicle as it is well-connected by road. The nearest railway station is Veraval, approximately 6 kilometres away, and the nearest airport is Keshod Airport, around 55 kilometres away.
2. Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple
Another popular Gujarat temple that you must visit on your trip is the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple. This temple is an architectural marvel that showcases the intricacy of Indian craftsmanship and spiritual teachings. The temple complex, spread across vast acres, combines ancient architectural styles with modern techniques, offering you a mesmerizing experience. This architectural marvel sprawls over 23 acres of beautiful lawns and was constructed by around 1000 skilled workers. The temple was established in 1992 and is not only a masterpiece of artistry but also a comprehensive centre for education, religion, research, exhibitions, and architecture.
Ideal trip duration: 1 day.
Timings: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.
Entry fee: Exhibition – Rs. 60 (adults) and Rs. 40 (children).
Water show – Rs. 90 (adults) and Rs. 60 (children).
Best time to visit Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple: The best time to visit the temple is from October to February.
Location: J Road, Sector 20, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382020, India.
How to reach Swaminarayan Temple: To reach Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, you can take a bus or private vehicle as it is well-connected by road. The nearest railway station is Gandhinagar Capital Railway Station, located around 6 kilometres away.
3. Dwarkadhish Temple
Dwarkadhish Temple, also known as Jagat Mandir or Trilok Sundar Mandir, holds a significant place in the revered Chardham Yatra of the Hindu religion. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temple has a history dating back to 2500 years and attracts devotees from around the world. The temple’s main entrance, called “Moksha Dwara” or Door to Salvation, is located in the north, while the south entrance is known as “Swarga Dwara” or Gate to Heaven. If you’re looking to visit some magnificent Gujarat famous temples, then make sure to add the Dwarkadhish Temple to your list.
Ideal trip duration: 1 day.
Timings: 6:30 am to 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm.
Entry fee: No entry fee.
Best time to visit Dwarkadhish Temple: The best time to visit the temple is from October to March.
Location: Dwarka, Gujarat 361335, India.
How to reach DwarkadhishTemple: The nearest railway station is Dwarka Railway Station, and the nearest airport is Jamnagar Airport. From there, you can take a private vehicle or bus to reach the temple.
4. Rukmini Temple
Many famous temples in Gujarat will not only make your trip interesting but spiritual too and the Rukmini temple is one of them. It is dedicated to the idol Rukmini, who was the beloved consort of Lord Krishna, this popular Gujarat temple is known for its exquisite artwork and two beautifully designed panels. One panel showcases intricate human sculptures, while the other depicts elegant elephant motifs. As you explore the temple, you will be captivated by the beautifully crafted sculptures, the vibrant colours of the paintings, and the overall ambience of devotion.
Ideal trip duration: 1 day.
Timings: 5:00 am – 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
Entry fee: No entry fee.
Best time to visit Rukmini Temple: You can visit the temple throughout the year except on full moon days and Ekadashi days.
Location: Rukmini Devi Temple, Dwarka, Gujarat, India
How to reach Rukmini Temple: Dwarka Railway Station is the nearest railway station and Jamnagar Airport is the nearest airport. You can take a bus or a private taxi to reach the temple.
5. Shri Shatrunjaya Temples
When it comes to Gujarat’s famous temples, you have many spectacular temples that attract tourists from far and wide. The Shri Shatrunjaya Temples, located atop the Shatrunjaya Hills in Palitana is one of the most revered Jain pilgrimage sites in India. Nestled amidst picturesque surroundings, this complex has many exquisitely carved temples dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras. Once you reach the Shri Shatrunjaya Temples, you need to climb around 3,800 steps. The temples at Shatrunjaya are divided into several clusters, each with its unique character and significance.
Ideal trip duration: 1 day.
Timings: 6 am – 6 pm.
Entry fee: No entry fee.
Best time to visit Shatrunjaya Temple: You can visit the temple throughout the year.
Location: Palitana, Gujarat 364270.
How to reach Shatrunjaya Temple: To reach Shatrunjaya Temple, travel to Palitana town in Gujarat. The nearest railway station is Palitana Railway Station (4 km away), and the nearest airport is Bhavnagar Airport (approximately 50 km away).
6. Sun Temple
One of the most spectacular temples in Gujarat is the Sun Temple located in Modhera. This temple is a magnificent temple built in the 11th century by King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty. The temple stands as a masterpiece of intricate carvings, exquisite sculptures, and stunning celestial architecture. The main sanctum of the temple is dedicated to the Sun god Surya and is designed in a way that the first rays of the rising sun illuminate the idol. Here, you can witness the architectural brilliance and cultural heritage of ancient India. Make sure to get this place added to your Gujarat tour packages.
Ideal trip duration: 1 day.
Timings: 6 am – 6 pm.
Entry fee: No entry fee.
Best time to visit Sun Temple: You can visit the temple from October to March.
Location: On Becharaji, Highway, Modhera, Gujarat 384212, India.
How to reach Sun Temple: To reach the Sun Temple in Modhera, Gujarat, you can take a taxi or private vehicle from Ahmedabad. The nearest railway station is Mehsana, and the nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
7. Hutheesing Jain Temple
One of the prominent Jain temples in Gujarat, Hutheesing Jain Temple is a splendid architectural gem dedicated to Lord Dharmanath, the fifteenth Jain Tirthankara. Built in the 19th century by Sheth Hutheesing, a wealthy Jain merchant, this temple stands as a testament to intricate craftsmanship and religious devotion. It is an architectural marvel, showcasing intricate carvings, delicate stonework, and exquisite craftsmanship. The temple’s grandeur and attention to detail reflect the rich artistic heritage of Gujarat. You can come here to seek solace and inner peace on your Gujarat trip.
Ideal trip duration: 1 day.
Timings: 7 am – 8 pm.
Entry fee: No entry fee.
Best time to visit Hutheesing Jain Temple: You can visit the temple throughout the
year.
Location: Shahibaug Rd, Bardolpura, Delhi Darwaza, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380004.
How to reach Hutheesing Jain Temple: You can reach Hutheesing Jain Temple by taxi from Ahmedabad Junction railway station. The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, from where you can take a taxi to reach the temple.
8. Nilkanth Dham Swami Narayan Temple
In Nilkanth Dham Swami Narayan Temple, you will find yourself immersed in a divine atmosphere of devotion and tranquillity. Located in Poicha, Gujarat, this revered pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Swami Narayan offers a spiritual experience for visitors like you. As you step into the temple complex, you will be awestruck by its majestic architecture and serene surroundings. The grandeur of the temple, with its intricately carved pillars, magnificent domes, and vibrant murals, will captivate your senses and inspire a sense of awe. Take your time to explore the temple premises, visit the sanctum where the divine idol of Lord Swami Narayan resides, and offer your heartfelt prayers.
Ideal trip duration: 1 day.
Timings: 9:30 am – 8:00 pm.
Entry fee: Rs. 140 per head (Adults) and Rs. 80 per head (Children).
Best time to visit Nilkanth Dham Swami Narayan Temple: You can visit the temple throughout the year.
Location: Nilkanthdham Rd, Poicha, Gujarat 393145.
How to reach Nilkanth Dham Swami Narayan Temple: To reach Nilkanth Dham Swaminarayan Temple in Poicha, Gujarat, you can take a taxi or drive via Vadodara-Jambusar Highway if you’re coming from Vadodara. If coming from Surat, you can take a taxi or drive via NH48.
9. Sandipani Temple
This marvellous Gujarat temple holds great significance as it is believed to be the spot where Lord Krishna and his childhood friend Sudama received education from their guru, Sandipani Muni. As you enter the temple, you will witness the beautifully adorned sanctum housing the idols of Lord Krishna, Sudama, and Sandipani Muni. The spiritual atmosphere and the rhythmic chants of devotional hymns will engulf you, and you will feel connected to your lord.
Ideal trip duration: 1 day.
Timings: 7:30 am – 8:00 pm.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Best time to visit Sandipani Temple: You can visit the temple throughout the year.
Location: Nilkanthdham Rd, Poicha, Gujarat 393145.
How to reach Sandipani Temple: To reach Sandipani Temple in Ujjain, you can take a taxi or local bus from Ujjain Junction Railway Station, located 5 kilometres away. The nearest airport is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore, approximately 55 kilometres away.
10. Jagannath Temple
The Jagannath Temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. As you enter the temple, you will be captivated by its architectural grandeur and the spiritual energy that you can feel on the premises. The main sanctum houses the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. Take a moment to offer your prayers and witness the rituals and devotional chants.
Ideal trip duration: 1 day.
Timings: 5 am – 1 pm and 3 pm – 9:15 pm.
Entry fee: no entry fee
Best time to visit Sandipani Temple: You can visit the temple throughout the year.
Location: Shri Jagannathji Mandir Trust, Nr. Jamalpur Darwaja, Jamalpur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380022.
How to reach Jagannath Temple: To reach Jagannath Temple, you can take a taxi from Ahmedabad Junction railway station. The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, from where you can hire a taxi to reach the temple.
These were the most popular temples in Gujarat that you must visit on your trip. Gujarat tourism has a lot to offer all types of tourists. If you’re looking to visit this beautiful land for a spiritual experience, then check out Thomas Cook to get the best deals and packages. So, what are you waiting for? Book your Gujarat trip now!
