Defining the phrase ‘Incredible India’ in its true sense is the state called Gujarat. Adorned with outstanding human architecture at places complemented by invigorating natural beauty is the way how Gujarat is crafted. And, when it comes to tradition and culture, the state boasts it with highest pride. Dotted around with temples of architectural masterpieces, Gujarat receives an influx of tourists who come to marvel these sculpted jewels of India. Temples hold the most prominent aspect in Gujarat tourism. Let’s take a look.
Temples of Gujarat
People not only visit temples in Gujarat to seek blessings and seek self in a divine ambiance, but also to witness the architectural wonders of the bygone era. Down goes the list of the famous temples of Gujarat.
Akshardham Temple
Dedicated to Lord Swaminarayana and inspired by Pujya Pramukh Swamy Maharaj, the temple represents a blend of intricate sandstone carving with that of modern technology like fiber optics and digital sound system. While the air is filled with divinity one can feel the omniscient presence of the Lord himself in the Temple campus that is beautifully embellished with gardens, lakes and rides. Other than these, the entire campus possesses numerous shrines dedicated to different deities that remains the main attraction of the spot. Embodying the true Indian spirit in it, the Akshardham Temples stand lofty with pride and embraces every devotee with benevolence.
The significance of the temple lies in intricate sandstone carving that call for hours of gazing without tiring. This 10 storey imposing monument is built out of 6000 pink sandstone imported from Rajasthan with no cement used at all. It is believed that it took 12 million hours from 900 craftsmen to build this magnificent monument. Standing as a symbol of Gujarat itself, tourism in Gujarat starts and ends with the mentioning of this temple. Read More Here.
Address:
Gandhinagar:
Akshardham, Sector 20,
‘J’ Road,
Gandhinagar 382020
Gujarat, India
Contact No: (91-79) 2326 0002, 2326 0001
Contact No: (91-79) 2326 0002, 2326 0001
Shri Swaminarayana Mandir,
Shahibaug,
Ahmedabad 380004,
Gujarat, India
Contact No: (91-79) 2562 5152, 2562 5151
Ambaji Temple
Considered as the holiest place in Gujarat dedicated to Goddess Ambe Mata, the temple is believed to be among the sacred shaktipeethas of India. The Goddess is the eternal consort of the supreme Lord Shiva whose body fell apart on the land of India, Pakistan and Nepal after the repercussions to the enraged Tandava Nritya performed by Shiva. It is, however believed that the heart of Sati fell here in Ambaji. The temple is thus considered to be highly divine and the name is taken in high regards. The temple, however, does not have any installation of idol. A copper plate called ‘Vishwa Yantra’ is worshipped which has several inscriptions inscribed on it with a syllable ‘Shree’ in the center.
Address:
Shree Ambaji Temple,
Banaskantha District,
Palanpur City,
Ambaji, Gujarat – 385110
Contact No: (91) 2749 264536, 262636, 262136, 262930
Dwarkadhish Temple
Regarded as one of the ‘Char Dhams’ of India, this temple is located in the holy city of Dwarka. It finds a mention in puranas where it is inscribed that the city was planned and built by celestial Lord Viswakarma and it was abode of the Supreme Godhead, Krishna till his existence. The temple is entirely built of sand and limestone and is an architectaural marvel. It has two entrance – Swarga Dwar and Moksha Dwar, both are held in high regards. Flanked by river Gomati, the temple provides a magnificent view to the river from its top floors. It forms as a stop to the quest of eternal peace where hundreds of devotees throng to this place every year to seek the blessings from transcendental being. Read More...
Address:
Shree Dwarkadhish Temple,
Dwarka,
Jamnagar District,
Gujarat- 361335
Contact No: (91) 2892 234080
Girnar Temples
Amidst the lush green forest called Gir Forest, the temple complex is built on the hill top thereby providing a panoramic view of the entire verdant vegetation. The temples are great piece of architecture and are a pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Jains. Located just nearby is a famous mosque that calls hoardes of Muslims to visit all year round. Thus the entire location exhibits a perfect congregation of diverse religion and culture and hence it is regarded with high reverence.
Address:
Girnar, Junagadh
Gujarat
Ranchhodraiji Temple
The temple is of high significance as its is believed that the temple belongs to one of the incarnations of Lord Krishna known as Lord Ranchhodrai. The temple has four gates each of which hold special significance. One of the doors faces towards river Gomati thus providing a magnificent view. The bed designed for the Lord to rest during afternoon and night is worth marvelling which is decorated with bedspreads made of gold and silver and is adorned with fragrant garlands, soft mattresses and blankets.
Address:
Shree Ranchhodraiji Temple
Dakor, Gujarat-388225
Contact No: 02699-244491
Palitana Jain Temples
The Palitana Jain Temples are located together in acomplex that form a holi pilgrimage center for Jains. The Shantrunjay Hill located nearby is home to approximately 900 jain temples. The temple is of high importance for hindus as well as it is believed that the Pandavas attained Nirvana here. It is thus refered as Sidhhakshtra as well which means any one can attain moksha here. Each of the temples here are architectural masterpieces and call for huge influx of tourists every year.
Address:
Palitana Jain Temples
SH 31,
Palitana,
Gujarat 364270
The Sun Temple
Beautifully Carved designs and strategical built up makes this temple one of best religious spots in Gujarat. The temple is so built that the first ray of the sun in every equinox falls on the deity, Lord Surya. The temple is akin to the Sun temple of Konark and calls hundreds of devotees all around the year. Flanked by three finest architectural buildings , Surya Kund, Sabha Mandap and Santum Santorium, this temple becomes even more magnificent piece of beauty.
Address:
Modhera,
Bank of River Pushpavati,
Mahesana, Gujarat – 384001
Contact No: 099743 35693
Somnath Temple
One of the twelve jyotirlingas reside here, thus making the temple a place for pilgrimage for Hindus. The temple is built in Chalukya style and has a 10 ton weighing pot installed on the rooftop. The temple is 155 ft high with a flag mast of 37 feet long. The most interesting fact about the temple is that it was broken 6 times and then built up again. The present standing master art is the seventh built done in 1950 and inaugurated by first president of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Read More...
Address:
Somanth Prabhas Patan,
Junagadh,
Gujarat – 362268
Contact No: 2876 2312 12
ISKCON Temple
Depicting the symbol of love and compassion, this temple is a place to find eternal peace and devotion. Adorned with beautiful gardens and trees all around, the temple complex provides a very serene and tranquil environ to its visitors.
Address:
Hare Krishna Land,
Gotri Road,
Baroda,
Gujarat – 390021
Contact No: 265231060, 2652350885, 9426054308
Chintanamani Jain Temple
A 400 yer old wooden temple is one of its kind boasting intricate architecture all around its body and some rarest painting of Acharya Hemhandra, a Jain preacher. It is supposed to be a great place for pilgrimage for both Hindus and Jains.
Address:
Murarji Nagar,
Surat,
Gujarat.
Jagat Mandir
Dedicated to Lord Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, the temple boasts of intricate sculpture on red stone. The main attraction of the temple is the white marble idol of Shri Ramkrishna seated on Lotus Vedi.
Address:
Jagat Mandir,
Dr. Yagnik Road,
Rajkot,
Gujrat.
Gujurat symbolises for an incubation of different cultures settled together and celebrated with equal zest and gaiety. As the temples exemplify rich architecture and heritage, Gurudwaras also hold equal importance. Let's know about them now.
Gurudwaras in Gujarat
Here are they:
Gurudwara Chader Saheb
This gurudwara is built on a trance of incident. It is believed that when once Guru Nanak Dev wanted to cross the river Narmadda, the boatman denied and so he crossed the river on a piece of cloth and landed on Bharuch. Hence the name, Gurudwara Chader Saheb.
Address:
Gurudwara Chader Saheb,
Bharuch,
Gujarat.
Gurudwara Sri Nanakwadi Sahib
The gurudwara is located in a place where Sri Guru Nanak Ji first visited Gujarat with Sri Mardanaji. It was thus built to offer obeisense to the Guru’s visit. Till date daily prayers are offered as per Sri Hukumnama of Akal Takht Sri Amritsar Sahib ji.
Address:
Nanakwadi,
Khanderao Market,
Vadodara, Gujarat – 390010
Contact No: (91) 265 2424 564
Gurudwara Gobind Dham
Located in the heart of Ahmedabad, this gurudwara is place for pilgrimage for all Sikhs. The illuminated view of the gurudwara in the evening is worth viewing.
Address:
Guru Gobind Dham,
SG Highway, Thaltej Circle,
Ahmedabad, Gujrat 380054
Contact No: 09924721678
Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar
A branch of the other main gurudwaras in the globe, this gurudwara finds a place of utter importance for all Sikhs in Ahmedabad.
Address:
Punit Marg,
Manina Nagar,
Ahmedabad, Gujarat- 380008
Gurudwara Lakhpat Sahib
Otherwise known as Gurdwara Pehli Patshahi, this Gurudwara is located in Kutch. It was built to commomerete the visit of Guru Nanak in Kutch. It is believed that from here Guruji sailed to Somiani port in Sind for his journey to Mecca and Medina.
Address:
Gurudwara Lakhpat Sahib,
Lakhpat, Kutch,
Gujarat.
Gurudwara Nanak Sahib
Located in Dinga Dist, this Gurudwara holds an interesting story. When Guru Nanak Dev ji visited this place, an ascetic set up a drama by beating drum and saying that he would fast for 40 days and mediate. Guru ji explained him the repurcursions and asked him not to do. But he was adamant and fasted for 40 days after which he fainted. No one came to visit him. Gurunanak appeared in-front of him and said that his ego burnt all his virtues and so he cannot become an ascetic. Without the sacrifice of ego, no one can ever become Jogi, soofi or sant.
Address:
Dinga,
Gujarat.
Gurudwara Shaheed Baba Deep Singh ji
Located in Surat, this gurdwara is dedicated to Shaheed Baba Deep singh ji, an honoured martyr of Sikh history. His life history exemplify the living-hood and death with dignity. To commomerete his great sacrifice, this gurudwara was built.
Address:
Opposite Reliance Co.,
Bhatlai, Surat,
Gujarat, India – 394510
Gurudwara Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib
Dedicated to Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib, this gurudwara is a symbol of renunciation, fearlessness and courage. Real name of Teg Bahadur is Tyagmal. Due to his par excellence in sword art, he was given the name Teg Bahadur.
Address:
Ahmedabad,
Gujarat.
Gurudwara Guru Nanak Dev
Built by Sqr Ldr. Harvinder Singh Sawhney, this gurudwara was built for the sole purpose to build an active and enthusiastic community of Sikh. Here darbar is held on weekly basis and is a place for get togethers for all Sikhs in the region.
Address:
Sector 30,
Gandhinagar,
Gujarat.
Mosques in Gujarat
Mosques in Gujarat are of great importance of Muslims from all across India as they hold significance from the bygone era. Down goes the list of famous mosques in Gujarat.
Sultan Ahmed Shah Mosque
Built in the year 1414 by the great Ahmed Shah, this mosque tends to be the oldest mosque in the city. The prayer hall, Mehrab, of the mosque is designed with white and black marbles. There is separate worshipping chamber for women, Zenana, which is built towards the northeast corner of the mosque. It is however believed that the mosque is built on a site where a Huindu temple is believed to have existed.
Address:
Sultan ahmed Shah mosque,
Near Bhadra Fort,
Ahmedabad,
Gujarat.
Raj Babri Mosque
Raj Babri mosque is a famous tourists spot owing to its shaking minarets that are pieces of wonders. It originaly had two shaking minarets out of which one was pulled down by the Britishers in a quest to leran its engineering behind its construction. Now, the mosque stands with only one minaret which is 40 ft high with the base tapering towards the top. Carved windows and balconies enhance the beauty of the mosque that lay spiral along a narrow staircase from inside.
Address:
Gomtipur Road,
Gomtipur,
Ahmedabad,
Gujarat
Rani Rupmati Mosque
Built by Sultan Mehmud Beghara, Rani Rupmati mosque is dedicated to the hindu wife of the Sultan named Rupmati. The mosque displays an architecture that is an amalgamation of both Hindu and Muslim style carvings. Featuring three domes which are supported by three pillar from the mosque interior this mosque offers for an eye's delight.
Address:
Rani Rupmati Mosque,
Mirzapur Road,
Ahmedabad,
Gujarat 380001
Rani Sipri's Mosque
Built by Rani sipri herself, this is either known as Masjid e Nagira, meaning, jewel of mosques. Intricatly designed minarets and total structure depicts high class of architectural mannerism. The architectue is a concoction of both hindu and isamic style. Jali work is done on the entire body of the structure while flowing plants and trees embellish the mosque thus raising the quotient of beauty to infinity.
Address:
Astodiya Drawaja,
Swami Vivekananda Road,
Raipur, Khadiya,
Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001
Contact No: 098981 37147
Mahabat Maqbara
Grand mouselem of the nawab, this mosque is worth marvelling. Magnificent views rendered by those golden and silver doors and minarets spiraled by staircases will just take away anyones attention into gazing for long.The architecture done here is of Indo-islmaic style that is testified as the best of it's kind.
Address:
Mahabat Maqbara,
Junagad,
Gujarat.
Jami Masjid
Featuring 140 pillars, this mausoleum is embellished with silver minarets with doors and windows sporting a winding pattern. The pillar were brought from Chunasana Palace. the Durbar Hall musuem displays palanquins, thrones, chandeliers, silver chains, and howdahs of elephants that were collected and preserved since the Mahabat Khan 1's times. Read More...
Address:
Manek Chowk, Mahatma Gandhi Rd,
Danapidth, khadia,
Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001.
Siddi Saiyyad Mosque
Ten curved stones latticework windows makes it the most stunning mosques of Gujarat. Characterised of several arches, the mosque's wall exhibits square stone pierced panels with geometrical designs. The central area of the mosque has two bays that re marked with designs of twining trees and foliage. The winows are designed with carved stones that form a jali named Siddi Saiyyed Jali. This jali is now placed for display in London museum and UN head quarters.
Address:
Mirzapur cross rd,
Gheekanta, Lal Darwaja,
Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001
Sidi Bashir
The Siddi Bashir mosque is akin to the Raj babri Mosque because of its shaking minarets. The two minarates that shake calls a hoarde of tourists all year round. The mosque is also known as Jhulta Minar owing to its typical characteristics.
Address:
Opposite to Ahmedabad Railway Station,
Ahnedabad,
Gujarat 380001
Churches of Gujarat are of utter significance because they portray great work of architecture and hold a greater implication towards Christian culture. The establishments of these churches itself are legends related to important events of India. Let's know them from close.
Churches in Gujarat
Counted amongst the rich heritage of the nation, they are great pieces to marvel and hence find place among the famous tourist spots of Gujarat. Here they are:
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church
Located in Navrangapura, this church portrays a unique style of architecture that is solely of self. The main attraction over here is the crucifix which is a risen Christ installed alongside an Indian One. The soaring walls, huge doors and roof touching windows make the church look more magnificent in terms of built up.
Address:
Navrangapura, Ahmedabad,
Gujarat 380009
Contact No: (91) 79 26302488
Church Of Christ
Earlier built to carry out the daily prayers, this cottage church gradually took shape into a sprawling big structure that is now licensed under the government to carry out all religious ceremonies and preach the name of God.
Address:
Jaitun Building,
Behind Kalyan café Fatehgunj,
Vadodara, Gujrat – 390002
Contact No: (91) 9879139789
Jesus Temple Bible Church
This is a home based family church that aims at promoting love, compassion and peace to fellow humans. The church welcomes an influx of visitors every year owing to the belief that it is highly powerful and divine. This church is not only visited by Christians but also attracts people of other religion, caste and creed.
Address:
20, Unnadnath Flats,
Behind Railnagar, Priyalaxmi Mill Road,
Vadodare 390003
Methodist Church, Maninanagar
Built in the year 1972, this church functions with a sole aim: Jesus is the savior and committing one’s life to his service and ideals is the only path to salvation. The church counsels people to recover from past misdeeds and grow towards a pure, bright and righteous future.
Address:
Sionnagar,
Maninanagar East,
Ahmedabad 380008
Gujarat.
Contact No: (91) 79 2277 4848
Methodist Church, Shahpur
Built north of Relief Road, as a part of Raikhand Methodist Church, it caters to wide religious needs of all Christians in the area. The Church is quiet young in built up and is a common place for reunion of young believers and pastors. An attractive minaret with a church bell placed over it makes the front look of the church quiet attractive.
Address:
Shahpur Methodist Church,
Bahai Center, Shahpur,
Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001
Contact No: (91)79 25503545
St. James Church
Claimed as the oldest Church of Gujarat and India, this church is known as White Church. It has many legends related to its origin and portrays artistic ability of J Sinclair Stevenson, who is believed to have rendered designs for most of the churches in India.
Address:
VIP Road,
Fatehgunj. Vadodara,
Gujarat 390002
Contact No: 0265 279 4188
These were the top-most religious places you can visit in Gujarat. Do not forget to mark your diaries with them and visit them in your next vacations. Bon Voyage!
These were the top-most religious places you can visit in Gujarat. Do not forget to mark your diaries with them and visit them in your next vacations. Bon Voyage!
