15 Famous Temples (Mandir) in Gujarat

May 16, 2025

It is well known that Gujarat has a rich cultural heritage that attracts tourists from diverse regions to the city. In that context, 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 read below will help you get a complete guide so that you can plan your travel itinerary accordingly. 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 become familiar with some of them in detail, read the section below and collect all the essential information.

1. Somnath Temple:

When it comes to travelling in Gujarat, how can one forget to visit the Ancient temple? The Somnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is renowned for its beautiful, 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 well known as the Jagat Mandir and is one of India's most famous temples. It is a must-visit temple in Gujarat, as it is dedicated entirely to Lord Krishna. This temple is significant in Hinduism because it is part of the "Char Dham Yatra." In that context, 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:

Another popular temple in Gujarat is the Rukmini Temple, located near Dwarka and dedicated to Goddess Rukmini. Although the temple is quite small, it is well-known for its artistic carvings and architecture, was built in the 12th century, and holds great spiritual importance. Within the temple are idols of Goddess Rukmini and Lord Krishna. Under the temple, the walls and partitions are decorated with beautiful paintings depicting different moments from the lives 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 near the Pushpavati River, about 106 km Northwest of Ahmedabad.

5. Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple:

The Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is a famous Mandir in Gujarat, dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated in Dwarka. The popularity of this temple is due to the "Shivalinga," which was discovered in the Arabian Sea over 5,000 years ago. It is believed that every year, during the high-tide season, the temple is automatically submerged in the sea, which is considered to be performing "Abhishekham," the holy bathing of the Shiva Linga.

See also: Top 10 Famous Temples in Delhi

6. Shamlaji Temple:

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

7. Shri Shatrunjaya Temples:

The Shatrunjaya Temple is situated in Shatrunjaya, Palitana, and is quite popular for its holiest presence and the visits of the Jain community. Many Jains also believe that visiting the temple will offer them Nirvana or salvation; however, the temple is carved from 863 marble blocks and is dedicated to Rishabha. Moreover, the best time to visit the Shatrunjaya temple in Gujarat is considered to be year-round.

8. Hutheesing Jain Temple:

The Hutheesing Jain Temple was built in 1848 and is one of the prominent temples in India, located in Ahmedabad. The construction of the Hutheesing Jain Temple and its architecture are among the most amazing aspects of the temple, boasting intricate carvings. In addition, one day would be enough for you to take a complete tour of this temple and become familiar with all its historical aspects.

9. Sandipani Temple:

When it comes to the most beautiful temples to visit in Gujarat, the Sandipani Temple in Porbandar is dedicated to the pure friendship between 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 stems from its marble construction and golden cones. The speciality 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 the 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 conditions at Nageshwar Jyotirlinga are relatively moderate, and the best time to visit is in winter for 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 the 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 by 45.72 meters and has a beautifully carved entrance, 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 takes 90 minutes. Furthermore, it is said that the temple was built by Vastupal and Tejpal, who are also credited with constructing the 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 suggested to visit Nilkanth Dham Swami Narayan Temple during the winter season to enjoy a smooth travelling experience.

15. Bala Hanumana Temple:

Last but not least, Gujarat also has a Bala Hanuman Temple devoted to Lord Hanuman, located on the Southeastern side of Ranmal Lake. One of the most significant aspects of this temple is that it is featured in the "Guinness Book of World Records" for the uninterrupted chant of the prayer "Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram." Within the temple, one can easily notice that 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 Jains. Therefore, whenever you plan your next trip to Gujarat, never forget to make a travel bucket list using the above-mentioned places for the best touring experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 the Somnath Temple open to tourists every day?

Yes, the 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 from October to February, as it is generally the winter months when one can easily experience pleasant, cool temperatures.

Are there any ancient Jain temples in Gujarat?

Gujarat has several Jain temples, including 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 are in the 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 reach the Sun Temple in Gujarat, one can use various modes of transportation, 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: Somnath Temple and 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?

There are many fine architectural temples in Gujarat, including 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 every Gujarat temple. Still, considering the Hindu faith, they must consider a few essential ones for which specific entry restrictions may apply to certain temples.