The western part of India consists of Maharashtra, Gujrat, and Rajasthan. While Gujrat and Rajasthan share some cultural similarities like similar attires, and deserts, Maharashtra has similar languages and cuisines. However, every state of our country connects with each other by more than just culture. Religious practices create a connection between people. There is always a curiosity to know the stories, myths, and mysteries of a deity. Therefore, to help to dive deeper into the religious part of Western India, here is a list of Popular Temples in West India that bind people together from all over the country.
8 Famous Temples in West India
Sr. No. | NAME | LOCATION |
1 | Somnath Temple Gujrat | Somnath Mandir Rd, Veraval, Gujarat 362268 |
2 | Dwarkadhish Temple in Gujrat | Dwarka, Gujarat 361335 |
3 | Sun Temple in Gujrat | On, Mehsana – Becharaji Rd, Highway, Modhera, Gujarat 384212 |
4 | Shirdi Sai Temple in Maharashtra | Shirdi, Maharashtra 423109 |
5 | Siddhivinayak in Maharashtra | SK Bole Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400028 |
6 | Brahma Temple in Rajasthan | Under narsingh temple, Pushkar, Rajasthan 305022 |
7 | Eklingji Temple in Rajasthan | Udaipur-delwada marg, Eklingji, Rajasthan 313202 |
8 | Galtaji Temple in Khania-Balaji, Rajasthan | galtaji temple, khania-Balaji Rajasthan, 302003 |
1. Somnath Temple in Gujrat
The reason why the Somnath temple in Gujrat is so famous and popular is that it is one of the 12 jyotirlinga temples of lord shiva. Millions of Shaivites visit every year to see their beloved lord. Along with that, there is also a legend that connects this temple to the worshippers of Lord Vishnu. They say that Lord Krishna (reincarnation of Lord Vishnu) was spent his last days in this temple. Therefore, this temple attracts Hindus as a whole.
Throughout the history of this temple, it has been constantly destroyed and reconstructed. The origins of this temple date back to 2000 years ago. However, many rulers invaded India through Gujrat and tried to change the temple. Similarly, many ancient kings have renovated the temple as well. Most recently, Dr Rajendra proposed to purify the Shivlinga of the temple in 1951, which is when it was reconstructed for good. Also, Checkout the 10 best places to visit in Jaipur.
2. Dwarkadhish Temple in Gujrat
The Dwarkadhish temple is in the city of Dwarka in Gujrat. Evidently, this is another temple in Gujrat which is of great importance to Hindus. The deity worshipped in this temple is the King of Dwarka, Lord Krishna. Archaeologists suggest that the origins of this temple date back to 2000 years ago. Even the town of Dwarka has existed since ancient times. In fact, there are mentions of Dwarka several times in Mahabharata. It is described as the capital city during Lord Krishna’s rule.
3. Sun Temple in Gujrat
As the name suggests, the Sun Temple is a shrine to Lord Surya. However, the temple is in such a delicate condition that it is preserved by the Archeological Survey of India. Since it is not suitable for use, people don’t worship the deity in this temple. The origins date back to a little after 1026-27 CE. There is also a step-well or Kunda attached to the temple and is in perfectly good condition. Moreover, the reason why this temple astonishes archaeologists is because of its impeccable architecture. Additionally, there are scenes from the epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata carved into the walls and pillar of the temple, making it an excellent source of historical information.
4. Shirdi Sai Temple in Maharashtra
The Shirdi Sai temple is one of the richest most visited temples in India, especially in West India. The temple is a shrine to Sai Baba, a spiritual master who believed in the teachings of Hinduism as well as Islam. Initially, the temple was built in 1915, a little before Baba passed away. The followers built it with stone and wood. Subsequently, more and more people started visiting the shrine and funding grew drastically. Fast forward to now, the temple has Gold-plating on almost every inch of inner walls.
5. Siddhivinayak in Maharashtra
Shri Siddhi Vinayak Ganapati Mandir of Mumbai is again, one of the richest temples in India. They say that all of your wishes will come true if you pray to Lord Ganesh in Siddhi Vinayak. At the beginning of 1801, it was just a small temple that a woman named Deubai Patil constructed. Eventually, the temple gained more and more donations and became one of the most famous temples in India.
6. Brahma Temple in Rajasthan
The Bramha temple in Pushkar or the Jagatpita Brahma Mandir is a 14th-century marble-stone temple of Lord Bramha, the creator. It is only Brahma temples to exist in the entire world. The legend says that when Lord Bramha was defeating a demon named Vajranabh, the petals from his lotus fell down on the ground forming 3 lakes in the shape of a lotus leaf. To benefit from the lakes, Brahma created an entire city suitable for humans around it. Hence, the temple and city gain major tourism for the state of Rajasthan.
7. Eklingji Temple in Rajasthan
The Eklingji temple is a temple of Lord Elkingji (Deity of Mewar) in Udaipur. The ruler of Mewar throughout history have worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple. The 8th-century ruler Bappa Rawal built this temple during his reign. Since this temple is just 22 km away from the main city of Udaipur, make sure to visit this along with the historical palaces of Rajasthan.
8. Galtaji Temple in Khania-Balaji, Rajasthan
This beautiful piece of art will mesmerize you so well that you won’t be able to look away from any random spot in the temple. Moreover, the Aravalli hills surround this temple along with natural springs and holy Kunds. The temple is made up of the famous pink stone, just like many other temples in palaces in Jaipur and the origins date back to the 16th century.
FAQs
Which is the richest temple in Maharashtra?
The Sai Temple in Shirdi is one of the 3 richest temples in India. Additionally, the Siddhi Vinayak temple comes under the list of the 10 richest temples in India.
Which is the most sacred temple in Gujrat?
The Dwarkadhish temple in Gujrat is one of the most sacred temples in India. In fact, the devotees who visit the city of Dwarka often say that they feel a strange divine presence in the city.