Temples in Gujarat – At a Glance

• Best for: Families, Nature lovers, & Couples
• Ideal duration: 3 – 7 days
• Top experiences: Spiritual, Cultural & Beach Visits
• Best time to visit: October to March
• Famous Jyotirlingas: 2 (Somnath & Nageshwar)

The culturally rich state of Gujarat is one of the most vibrant states in India, known for its exquisite charm. Visit some of the most famous temples in Gujarat, which attract a large number of devotees and tourists. The temples of Gujarat are not just places of worship but architectural marvels that represent the grandeur of the state in past times.

What makes Gujarat temples unique?

• Home to 2 of 12 Jyotirlingas (Somnath & Nageshwar).
• Part of the sacred Char Dham Yatra (Dwarka).
• Extraordinary Chalukya and Solanki architecture.
• Living heritage sites with continuous 1000+ year traditions.

#Local Insights

‘Don’t miss the visit to the Somnath Temple during the new moon night! The sound of waves, combined with the evening aarti, creates a remarkable experience. Also, the early morning aarti at Dwarkadhish will be the cherry on top.’ ~ A traveller from Mumbai.

Here is your list of the 7 most famous Hindu temples in Gujarat

1. Somnath Temple, Somnath
2. Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka
3. Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar
4. Bala Hanuman Mandir, Jamnagar
5. Rukmini Temple, Dwarka
6. Sun Temple, Modhera
7. Bhalka Tirth, Somnath

Somnath Temple, Somnath

Location: Veraval, Somnath Deity: Lord Shiva (First Jyotirlinga) Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM Entry Fee: Free

One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the legendary Somnath Temple is renowned as one of the most beautiful temples in Gujarat, dating back to ancient times. It is said that the temple was initially built by the Moon God in gold, rebuilt by Ravana in silver, and then by Lord Krishna in wood, and then by King Bhimdev in stone. The temple was severely damaged and looted of its riches by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1024 AD. The temple was raided on several occasions in 1706, 1927, and 1934.

The present structure was erected with the support of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in 1950. Today, it is managed by the Shree Somnath Trust. The seven-storey temple structure is in the Chalukya style of architecture and boasts wonderful surroundings, as it is situated on its original site, overlooking the sea. It is also known as Deo Pattan, Prabhas Pattan, and Somnath Pattan.

Getting there

Nearest airport – Keshod airport (55 km) Nearest railway station – Veraval railway station (7 km)

For comprehensive travel information, check our guide on how to reach Somnath.

Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka

Location: Dwarka Deity: Lord Krishna Timings: 6:30 AM to 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM Entry Fee: Free Also known as Jagat Mandir or Trilok Sundar Mandir, the Dwarkadhish temple is a part of the revered Chardham yatra in Hinduism. Dedicated to Lord Dwarkadhish (a form of Lord Krishna), the temple is over 2500 years old and attracts devotees from all across the globe. Located at the confluence of the Gomati River and the Arabian Sea, the magnificent sandstone temple features five floors, is supported by 60 columns, and boasts beautiful carvings.

Dwarkadhish Temple is one of the Sapta Puris, as per the Hindu religion, and is often combined with a visit to Beyt Dwarka. The temple is also the 108th Divya Desam of Lord Vishnu. On top of the temple is a flag featuring a sun and a moon, which is changed three times a day. The present structure of the temple was founded around the 15th and 16th centuries.

The main door, which is the north entrance, is known as ‘Moksha Dwara’ (Door to Salvation); on the other hand, the entrance on the south is known as ‘Swarga Dwara’ (Gate to Heaven). On the back side of the door, there are 56 steps leading down towards the River Gomati.

Getting there

Nearest airport – Jamnagar airport (45 km) Nearest railway station – Dwarka and Jamnagar railway station (132 km)

Plan your visit with our detailed Dwarka travel guide and discover the best time to visit Dwarka.

Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar

Location: Gandhinagar Deity: Lord Swaminarayan

Timings: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Entry Fee: Exhibition ₹60 (adults), ₹40 (children)

Water Show: ₹90 (adults), ₹60 (children)

One of the largest temples in Gujarat, the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar is managed by the prosperous Hindu Swaminarayan Group. Spread over 23 acres of manicured lawns, approximately 1,000 artisans constructed this vast temple. The complex was built from 6,000 metric tonnes of pink sandstone and is believed to be the abode of Lord Swaminarayan. One of the prime highlights of the temple is a 45-minute water show, which is organised after sunset. 

Founded in 1992, this temple is a fine work of craftsmanship and a one-stop masterpiece that combines education, religion, art, research, exhibitions, and architecture. The gold-plated idol of Lord Swaminarayan is huge, seven feet in height. Located on a three-foot pedestal, this idol lies amid idols of his ideal devotees, Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami and Aksharmukta Goplanand Swami. 

Getting there

Nearest airport – Ahmedabad airport Nearest railway station – Gandhi Nagar Junction

Bala Hanuman Mandir, Jamnagar

Location: Jamnagar

Deity: Lord Hanuman Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Positioned on the southeastern side of Ranmal Lake, the Bala Hanuman Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is visited by a vast number of devotees every year. The temple and its surroundings bustle with activity during the early evenings. The temple features in the Guinness Book of World Records due to the continuous chanting of the prayer ‘Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram’ since August 1, 1964. Prem Bhikshuji established the temple in 1963-64.

Getting there

Nearest airport – Jamnagar Airport 

Nearest railway station – Jamnagar Railway Station

Rukmini Temple, Dwarka

Location: Dwarka (1.5 km from town)

Deity: Goddess Rukmini (Lord Krishna’s consort) Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Note: Closed on Ekadashi and full moon days

Dedicated to Goddess Rukmini, the consort of Lord Krishna, the Rukmini Devi Temple is a small temple renowned for its beautiful carvings and two splendidly designed panels. On one panel, there are Naratharas, or human sculptures, and on the other panel, there are Gajatharas, or elephants, on the base. The inner sanctum of the temple houses the idols of the Goddess and the Lord. It is said that the temple was constructed around the 12th century. The walls of the Rukmini temple are adorned with stunning paintings that depict various events involving the Goddess Rukmini and Lord Krishna. It is around 1.5 km northwards of the town.

Getting there

Nearest airport – Jamnagar airport (45 km)

Nearest railway station – Dwarka and Jamnagar railway station (132 km)

Sun Temple, Modhera

Location: Modhera (106 km from Ahmedabad)

Deity: Sun God Surya

Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Founded in the 11th century by King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty, the Sun Temple is situated on a hillock in Modhera, approximately 106 km northwest of Ahmedabad. One of the most beautiful Hindu temples in Gujarat, it is constructed in such a way that the sun shines on the image of the Surya Chakra from sunrise to sunset. The main hall and the shrine are supported by beautifully carved pillars featuring sculptures of gods and demons.

Located on the banks of the Pushpavati River, the temple is dedicated to the Sun Goa. Its interior hall has 12 niches that represent the monthly manifestations of God. One of the few Sun temples in India, this temple complex is divided into three parts: 

• Surya Kund
• Sabha Mandap
• Guda Mandap

Do not miss visiting these step-wells in the Sun temple of Modhera. The complex also has temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, and Sitala Mata.

Getting there

Nearest airport – Ahmedabad airport (102 km)

Nearest railway station – Mehsana railway station (40 km)

Don’t miss the spectacular Modhera Dance Festival held at this magnificent temple complex.

Bhalka Tirth, Somnath

Location: Between Somnath and Veraval

Significance: Lord Krishna’s departure site

Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Placed amid Somnath and Veraval, Bhalka Tirth is the site where Lord Krishna was mistaken for a deer while he was meditating in the jungle and was wounded by an arrow by a hunter. This is the site where he left the earth for his heavenly abode. The spot is at the confluence of three rivers — Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati, known as Sangam. Also nearby is the temple named Mahaprabhuji’s Bethak, dedicated to Lord Krishna, along with an old banyan tree.

Getting there

Nearest airport – Keshod airport (55 km)

Nearest railway station – Veraval railway station (7 km)

For detailed itinerary planning, explore our Gujarat temples tour package and discover the best time to visit Gujarat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Gujarat Temples

Dress Code Violations

• Avoid: Short clothes, leather items.
• Recommended: Cotton clothing, comfortable walking shoes.
• Pro Tip: Remove shoes before entering the sanctum.

Timing 

• Avoid: Visiting during the afternoon heat.
• Recommended: Early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) or evening (5:00-8:00 PM) visits.
• Pro Tip: Check specific temple timings, as they vary.

Photography Restrictions

• Avoid: Taking photos inside the sanctum.
• Recommended: Photography is often prohibited in the main prayer halls.
• Pro Tip: Capture beautiful exterior architecture.

Planning Without Festivals

• Avoid: Miss out on major festivals like Shivratri and Janmashtami.
• Recommended: Plan visits during festival seasons for an enhanced spiritual experience.
• Pro Tip: Check festival calendars before booking.

Discover Gujarat’s festivals and fairs to enhance your temple visit experience.

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