Reckoned as the largest city in Gujarat, Ahmedabad boasts a number of stunning monuments, huge ancient temples, and many more tourist places. This beautiful city has been emerged out as an educational hub, commercial hub, and a textile city which was once under the harsh control of various dynasties including Britishers, Marathas, Mughals, and the Delhi Sultanate. It is a culture as well as heritage-rich city which holds a great historical significance. On your trip to this heritage rich city, you are going to spot an exotic collection of ancient and famous temples in Ahmedabad which are believed to be constructed many eras back. Continue reading this article to explore the magnificent ancient temples in the city which are pretty popular for their historical and cultural significance.
1. Akshardham Temple
One of the most popular religious places and also the most frequented destinations in Ahmedabad, Akshardham Temple is reckoned as the iconic attraction of the city. Thousands of devotees flock to this place from every nook and corners of the country. This ancient temple is located at a distance of almost 25 km ahead of Gandhi Nagar, the capital city of Gujarat. If we look at the recent Ahmedabad tourism then we can conclude that the pilgrimage is visited by more than one million people every year. Witness the beauty of this architectural wonder along with paying homage to god.
Visiting Time: 9:30 am to 6:45 pm
Dress Code: Pilgrims are requested to carry decent attires and do not play with the sentiments of the place.
2. Modhera Sun Temple
Dedicated to Lord Sun, Modhera Temple is one of the most happening tourist destinations in the city. The architecture of this huge ancient temple is pretty alluring and appealing and is so enlisted among one of the well-designed architectures in the country. On your visit to this shrine, you can spot three majestic Mandapas designed inside the temple complex amongst which Guda Mandapa is considered to be the main Mandapa of the temple. Sabhamandapa and the Kunda are the other two Mandapas found inside the temple complex. However, you cannot find any deity here and the architecture is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India.
Visiting Time: 7 am to 6 pm
Dress Code: There is no specific dress code
3. Hutheesing Jain Temple
Constructed in the 18th century, Hutheesing Jain Temple is devoted to Jain Tirthankar. This gorgeous temple was constructed by Sheth Hathisingh who was quite a healthy and prosperous merchant. White marble had been used to construct this splendid architecture and you can also witness the beautifully intricate carvings done on the entire structure. Inarguably it is enlisted among one of the most beautifully designed temples in the country as well as the world. From three sides the temple is adorned with galleries of paintings in discrete form and the entrance gate of the temple is adorned with dome-shaped structure.
Visiting Time: 6 am to 7 pm
Dress Code: Carry something traditional when you are visiting this temple.
4. Swami Narayan Mandir
Standing beautifully in the heart of the city, Swami Narayan Temple looks gorgeous and is quite popular among tourists for its intricate architecture. One can spot a beautiful collection of nine tombs which are collectively called as “Nau Gaz Pir” also “Nine Yard Saints”. The architecture of this temple is incomparable and is absolutely breathtaking. As the name clearly tells that the temple is dedicated to Lord Narayan but you can also spot other deities including Dharma-Dev Bhakti Mata, Radha Krishna, and Hari Krishna Maharaj.
Visiting Time: 8 am to 5 pm
Dress Code: Carry a traditional dress and abide by the rules and regulations of the temple.
5. Shri Hanuman Ji Temple
Situated in the cantonment area, Shri Hanuman Ji Temple is one of the most beautiful religious places in Ahmedabad. This huge temple is believed to be constructed almost a hundred years back by Pandit Gajanan Prasad. Lord Hanuman is the main deity of this ancient shrine and thousands of devotees come here to seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman. Indian history states that during British Rule, the temple was named as Jalalpur Village Hanuman.
Visiting Time: 6:30 am to 6:30 pm
Dress Code: Likewise most of the temples in Ahmedabad, at Shri Hanuman Ji Temple also you have to carry the traditional dress.
6. Shree Jagannathji Temple
Situated on the Jamalpur Road, Shree Jagannathji Mandir is a newly built temple which is however dedicated to Lord Krishna but you can also find the idols of Subhadra and Balram. Some of its customs are similar to the Jagannath Temple which is in Puri and the most important one is organizing annual Rath Yatra. It is believed that the place where this beautiful temple is standing was the place studded with thick dense forests and River Sabarmati used to flow beside the area.
Visiting Time: 5 am to 9 pm
Dress Code: Something traditional
7. Bhadrakali Maa Temple
The name clearly signifies that the temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali who is an incarnation of Goddess Kali. This ancient temple was constructed in the 14th century by one of the great settlers of Ahmedabad named Ahmed Shah. The temple is frequented by Hindu devotees coming from all around the country and also with the locals throughout the year. Do not miss out the ritual when the vehicle of the goddess is changed (happens on a regular basis).
Visiting Time: 8:30 am to 9 pm
Dress Code: Traditional wear