15 Famous Temples (Mandir) in Gujarat

May 16, 2025

It is a well-known fact that Gujarat has a rich cultural heritage that attracts tourists from diverse destinations to the city. In context to that, if you are visiting Gujarat for the first time and are curious about obtaining information regarding the best places to visit in Gujarat, especially the famous temples in the city, then the below-mentioned read will help you get a complete guide so that you can plan your travel itineraries accordingly.

List of 15 Famous Temples in Gujarat

1. Somnath Temple
2. Dwarkadhish Temple
3. Rukmini Temple
4. Sun Temple
5. Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple
6. Shamlaji Temple
7. Shri Shatrunjaya Temples
8. Hutheesing Jain Temple
9. Sandipani Temple
10. Ambaji Temple
11. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
12. Navlakha Temple
13. Mallinath Temple
14. Nilkanth Dham Swami Narayan Temple
15. Bala Hanumana Temple

As soon as you plan to travel to Gujarat, the most common thing you will consider is making a travel itinerary with some of the Famous Temples in Gujarat. To get familiar with some of them in detail, you need to read the section below and collect all the essential information.

1. Somnath Temple:

When it comes to Gujarat travel, how can one forget to visit the Ancient temple in Gujarat? The Somnath Temple is known to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is known for its beautiful and ancient architecture. It is believed that this temple was first built by the Moon God in gold, later rebuilt by Ravana in silver, Lord Krishna in wood, and finally by King Bhimdev in stone.

2. Dwarkadhish Temple:

Dwarkadhish Temple is quite well-known as the Jagat Mandir and one of India's most famous temples. It is a must-visit temple in Gujarat because it is wholly dedicated to Lord Krishna. This temple is significant in Hinduism because it is included in the part of "Char Dham Yatra." In context to that, the temple has two entrances known as"Moksha Dwara" (Door to Salvation) which faces North, and the southern entrance is known as "Swarg Dwara" (Gate to Heaven).

3. Rukmini Temple:

One more temple that is quite popular in Gujarat is Rukmini Temple, which is located near Dwarka and is wholly dedicated to Goddess Rukmini. Although the temple is quite small, it is well-known for its artistic carvings and architecture, and it was built in the 12th century and also holds great spiritual importance. Within the temple are idols of Goddess Rukmini and Lord Krishna. Under the temple, the walls and partitions of the temple are decorated with beautiful paintings that show different moments from the life of Rukmini and Krishna.

4. Sun Temple:

The Sun Temple is located in Gujarat's Modhera, and it is the most beautiful Hindu Temple. The significance of this temple is that it is designed so that sunlight falls directly on the Surya Chakra (Sun idol) from sunrise to sunset, making it a magical sight. Moreover, the temple is situated on a small hill quite near the Pushpavati River, which is about 106 km Northwest of Ahmedabad.

5. Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple:

The Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is the Famous Mandir in Gujarat, that is quite a sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is situated in Dwarka, Gujarat. The popularity of this temple is due to "Shivalinga," and the temple was discovered within the Arabian Sea over 5000 years ago. It is believed that every year, in the high tide season, the temple automatically gets submerged in the sea, which is considered to be performing "Abhishekham," the holy bathing of Shiva Linga.

See also: Top 10 Famous Temples in Delhi

6. Shamlaji Temple:

Another pilgrimage site for all the Hindus, in terms of historical places in India, to visit is known to be Gujarat. It is the place that is located in the Aravalli district and it is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple constructions are made in the Chalukyan style of Architecture, a complete set of detailed stone carvings and peaceful surroundings. The ideal trip to this temple should be at least 1 day, which will be enough to have an easy tour and know all about the temple.

7. Shri Shatrunjaya Temples:

The Shatrunjaya Temple is situated in Shatrunjaya, Palitana, and it is quite popular due to its holiest presence and the visit of the Jain community. Many Jains also believe that visiting the temple will offer them Nirvana or salvation; however, the temple is carved with 863 marbles all around and is dedicated to Rishabha. Moreover, the best time to visit the Shatrunjaya temple in Gujarat is considered to be throughout the year.

8. Hutheesing Jain Temple:

The Hutheesing Jain Temple was built in the year 1848, and this is one of those temples that is considered to be one of the prominent temples of India which is located in Ahmedabad. The building of Hutheesing Jain Temple and its architecture are the most amazing parts of the temple and bring boasts to intricate carvings. In addition to that, one day would be enough for you to have a complete tour of this temple, and you will get familiar with all the historical aspects of the temple.

9. Sandipani Temple:

When it comes to the most beautiful temples to visit in Gujarat, the Sandipani Temple is located in Porbandar and is dedicated to the pure friendship of Sudama and Krishna. It is the only temple in the world that stands still and holds the loyalty and devotion of Sudama. Sandipani Temple is quite popular, and it is called the "Shri Hari Mandir," which took almost 13 years to build.

10. Ambaji Temple:

When it comes to sacred Hindu temples in Gujarat, Ambaji is associated with the Goddess Amba and Lord Krishna. Its popularity is due to its marble construction and golden cones. The specialty of Ambaji Temple is that the red flag is situated above the temple, and the dances represent the welcoming of each devotee. It is also quite a well-known temple because it is said that the heart of Shiva’s consort Sati fell in Ambaji Temple.

11. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga:

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is also of the utmost importance in Gujarat, similar to that of Kedarnath Jyotirlinga. This temple's popularity is due to the fact that the demon Daaruka imprisoned Shiva devotees, who then started to chant the Shiv mantra, which caused Shiva to appear and kill the demon. The climatic condition of Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is relatively moderate, and the best time to visit is around winter to have a consistent travel experience.

12. Navlakha Temple:

Navlakha Temple in Gujarat is situated in the foothills of Barda, 45 km from Porbandar. It was once the capital of the Saindhava dynasty, which ruled the region from the 8th to 10th century. After a battle, this place became a popular temple in Gujarat, dedicated to Surya, or the Sun God. The temple is 30.48 meters x 45.72 meters, and it has a beautifully carved entrance, carved walls, and pillars on all sides.

13. Mallinath Temple:

Mallinath Temple is located in Girnar Hill, where you can find Hindu and Jain temples, one of which is this temple. To reach Mallinath Temple, one must climb 2000 steps, which will take ninety minutes. Furthermore, it is said that the temple was built by Vastupal and Tejpal, who are also credited with the construction of Dilwara temples.

14. Nilkanth Dham Swami Narayan Temple:

When it comes to the most famous attraction spots in Gujarat, Nilkanth Dham Swami Narayan Temple is a popular place to visit as it is situated in Poicha Village. This temple has the most beautiful architecture and is one of the best examples of exemplary craftsmanship. The temperature is quite high, so it is suggestible to pick the winter seasons to travel to Nilkanth Dham Swami Narayan Temple to get associated with a smooth travelling experience.

15. Bala Hanumana Temple:

Last but not least, Gujarat also has a Bala Hanuman Temple that is devoted to Lord Hanuman, and it is positioned on the Southeastern side of Ranmal Lake. One of the most important significance of this temple is that temple features in the "Guinness Book of World Records," due to the uninterrupted chant of the prayer "Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram." Within the temple, one can easily be able to notice the structure houses the symbols of Lord Ram, Lord Lakshman, Goddess Sita, and Lord Hanuman.

Conclusion

When it comes to devotion, faith, and the world's best architecture, then Gujarat is one of the best places in India to visit for the best experience of the sacred Jyotirlinga of Somnath to Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, as every temple in Gujarat constitutes a binding story of history, cultures and religious beliefs of Hindus to Jain's. Therefore, whenever you plan your next trip to Gujarat, never forget to make a travelling bucket list with the help of the above-mentioned places available in Gujarat for the best touring experience.

FAQS About Famous Temples in Gujarat

Which is the most famous temple in Gujarat?

Gujarat has various temples to visit and learn about its culture and heritage. The most famous are the Somnath Temple and Shree Mahakali.

What are the top 5 must-visit temples in Gujarat?

The top 5 most visited temples in Gujarat are Somnath Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Bala Hanuman Mandir, and Rukmini Temple.

Is Somnath Temple open to tourists every day?

Yes, Somnath Temple in Gujarat is open to tourists every day for darshan. The deity can be viewed from 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM, and the temple generally opens to visitors throughout the week.

What is the best time to visit temples in Gujarat?

The best time to visit the Gujarat temples is recommended to be from October to February, as it is generally the winter months when one can easily experience pleasant and cool temperatures.

Are there any ancient Jain temples in Gujarat?

Gujarat has some Jain temples, such as Palitana, Taranga, and Girnar Hill. These temples showcase various architectural styles, reflecting the long history of Jainism in the region.

Can I attend the aarti at Dwarkadhish Temple?

You can attend the aarti at Dwarkadhish Temple, but the aarti timings include morning, midday, and evening. So, morning aarti is around 6:30 AM, midday aarti is from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, and evening aarti is around 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM.

How can you reach the Sun Temple in Modhera?

To go to the Sun Temple in Gujarat, one can take various transportation mediums, including road, rail, and air.

What are some historical temples in Gujarat worth visiting?

Historical temples worth visiting in Gujarat include Somnath Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, Sun Temple, Rukmini Devi, Ambaji, and Modhera Sun Temple.

Are there any famous Shiva temples in Gujarat?

Gujarat has some famous Shiva temples, including two of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the Somnath Temple and the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga. Furthermore, there are more Shiva Temples in Gujarat, like Nishkalank Mahadev Temple, Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple, and the Shiva Temple at Bavka.

Do Gujarat temples have entry fees or dress codes?

No, there is no entry fee or charge to enter the Gujarat temples, but there may be associated costs if you want to perform specific pujas or seva.

Which temples in Gujarat are known for their architecture?

The best architectural temples in Gujarat are quite many, and a few include Somnath Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, Rukmini Temple, Bileshwar Shiva Temple, Sun Temple, Shree Nageshwar Temple, and Shree Swaminarayan Mandir.

Is photography allowed inside temples in Gujarat?

Photography inside all the Gujarat temples varies from temple to temple. Many temples allow photography, and some restrict it, especially within the sanctum sanctorum (the main inner part of the temple) or when photographing the deity.

Are there guided temple tours available in Gujarat?

Gujarat offers guided temple tours, and many packages specifically focus on temple visits. The tour packages often include local guides who can provide historical and cultural context about the temples.

Which temple festivals are popular in Gujarat?

The temples are popular for their rich tradition of temple festivals, including Navratri, Diwali, and Janmashtami. These festivals include musical performances and traditional dances, which are vibrant expressions of Gujarat's religious and cultural heritage.

Can foreign tourists visit religious temples in Gujarat?

Yes, all foreign tourists are allowed to visit each and every one of the Gujarat temples. Still, considering the Hindu faith, they must consider a few essential ones for which specific entry restrictions may apply to certain temples.