Hatheesing Jain Temple
Built outside Delhi Gate in 1850 by a rich Jain merchant, the Hatheesing Temple is the best known of Ahmedabad's many ornate Jain temples. Built of pure white marble and profusely decorated with rich carvings, the Hatheesing Temple is dedicated to Dharamnath, the 15th Jina or Jain apostle. Within the city there are many other Jain temples with remarkable carvings in stone and wood.

Location: Ahmedabad

Amba Bhavani Temple
Situated on the Arasur hill near Mount Abu, Ambaji is one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Gujarat because of the famous temple of goddess Ambaji, also known as Amba Bhavani or Arasuri. It is the principal shrine of the goddess in Gujarat and its actual origins are still unknown. The fact that this temple does not have an idol is indicative of it antiquity, since the worship of images of deities became popular much later.

Built of the finest quality of marble, the temple of Ambaji is recognised as one of the original Shakti Pithas where, according to the ancient Scriptures, the heart of the goddess Ambaji fell to earth when her body was dismembered. The deity in the temple is represented not by an idol but by a triangular Vishwa Yantra, inscribed with figures and the syllable 'Shree' in the centre.

During the holy month of Bhadrapad, devotees trek hundreds of miles on foot to reach the temple by Bhadrapad Poonam. In the vicinity are the well-known Jain Temples of Kumbharia and Gabbar, a steep hill whose peak bears the footprints of the goddess.

Location: Ambaji

Akshardham
The most famous temple of the Swaminarayan Sect, one of the richest religious sects in the world. The temple was built in the memory of Sreeji Swami its founder in 1993. Sreeji Swami was opposed to the Brahminical complexity of rituals.

The merchant community who were not able to follow these rituals and flexibility in temple timings were his main followers. It is built of pink stones with beautiful carvings and is surrounded by lush green gardens and beautiful fountains. It also incorporates an amusement park, a museum, a cafeteria, picture gallery and library. Akshardham is situated 32 kms. north east of Ahmedabad.

Location: Gandhinagar

Taranga
Situated 56 kms. from Mehsana, nestled in the hills of Taranga, is the temple dedicated to Ajitnath, the 22nd Tirthankara of Jains. One of the most beautiful locations, the temples are a "must visit" on a Gujarat traveller's circuit. Though the hills are not high, only 365 metres (1200 ft), they offer a marked change from the surrounding region, due to their climate and panoramic views. The 12th century Ajitnath Temple, believed to be built by King Kumarpal, humbles the visitor by its grandeur. It consists of a Garbhagriha, ambulatory and three balconied windows filled with fine grills. The highlight of the temple are its massive pillars, softened by the beautiful carvings over them. In the centre is the octagonal nave topped by a beautifully decorated carved ceiling, 11mts in diameter. The porches on the sides are large and spacious with equally impressive columns. The temple which has retained its original form and design has a storied arrangement both inside and outside. The upper storey is concealed from the view and is accessible only by a very uncomfortable ladder. It is therefore considered a secret storey. Wooden bars are used to support widely separated walls.

Location: Mehsana

The Sun Temple at Modhera
Constructed in 1026-27 A.D. during the reign of King Bhimdev I of Patan, the temple is dedicated to Surya or the Sun God. Although it bears a dilapidated look, it is still a magnificent specimen of superb artistry of Gujarat's architects of the bygone days. Modhera's sun temple is positioned in such a manner that at the equinoxes the rising sun strikes the images in the sanctuary. It also incorporates an amusement park, a museum, a cafeteria, picture gallery and library. The canvas on the walls and pillars depict the incidents from the Ramayan and the Mahabharat, and forms of gods and goddesses and the way of life of the people of that time. An interesting iconograph is one with three heads, three arms and three legs. The temple was ruined by Mahmud of Gazni. Adjoining the Sun Temple is the huge 'Sun Kund' (Rama Kund) surrounded by step-terraces with numerous smaller temples numbering about 108.

Location: Modhera