Shamlaji Temple Gujarat - One of the 154 pilgrimage sites of Vaishnavism

Shamlaji Temple or Shamalaji Temple is a major Hindu pilgrimage centre located at Aravalli in Gujarat, India. 

Shamlaji Temple in Gujarat

The primary deity worshipped here is Lord Shamlaji, a form of Vishnu or Krishna. The temple was claimed by Jains in the past.  The temple is built in 11th century in Solanki style. The temple is built of white sandstone and brick. It is surrounded by a wall with a gateway. This is a two-storeyed temple supported on pillars, and a canopy with arches on each side.The cow idols are also worshipped depicting childhood of Krishna as cowherd.

Significance of Shamlaji Temple

It is one of the 154 important pilgrimage sites of Vaishnavism. The tribal community calls Shamlaji as Kaliyo Dev or the Dark Divine. Above the shrine, a pyramid-based tower rises into a spire like a high-shouldered cone with flattened sides. Outside at all the angles of the roof are figures of animals and the gargoyles. On the walls, there are some scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics.

A large annual fair is held on Kartik Sud in October. A large number of devotees visit this place during the festive season.

Location of Shamlaji Temple Gujarat - How to Reach

The temple is situated 20 km from Bhiloda and 29 km from Modasa and is well connected by state transport buses from Himmatnagar and Ahmedabad. The nearest railhead is Shamlaji. There are two daily passenger trains operated by the Indian railways on meter gauge track.   The nearest airport is Ahmedabad Airport. Several other Hindu temples are located nearby this famous temple.

Address: NH8, Samalaji, Aravalli, Gujarat 383355, India