Vaishnodevi Temple, Ahmedabad - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings
Photo Credit: Flickr
#17 of 24 Places to Visit in Ahmedabad
Distance (From Ahmedabad): 19 Kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 1-2 Hours
Place Location: Near Khodiyar Village
Transportation Options: Cab / Auto
Travel Tips: None
About Vaishnodevi Temple
At a distance of 19 Km from Ahmedabad Junction, Vaishnodevi Temple is a Hindu temple situated on Sarkhej - Gandhinagar highway in Ahmedabad. Vaishnodevi Temple in Ahmedabad is dedicated to Goddess Vaishnodevi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. It is one of the most important places of pilgrimage that one must visit as part of the Ahmedabad leisure packages. The temple is a true replica of the original Vaishnodevi temple of Jammu Kashmir and satisfies the quest of devotees seeking a pilgrimage to the sacred Hindu temple.
History of Vaishnodevi Temple
The Vaishno Devi Mandir in Ahmedabad is built in 2007 and is dedicated to Goddess Vaishnodevi. This temple is a true replica of the original Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir and is a significant pilgrimage site for devotees in Ahmedabad, offering a similar experience to visiting the original temple. It has been set up on top of a simulated hillock to give a real feel of the atmosphere of the holy temple.
Architecture of Vaishnodevi Temple
The Vaishno Devi Mandir in Ahmedabad is a true replica of the original Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir. It has been set up on top of a simulated hillock to give a real feel of the atmosphere of the holy temple in Jammu. This circular shaped manmade hill made out of yellow sandstones. The temple interiors have beautiful carvings and many sculptures of Gods and Goddesses. Pilgrims have to go through the manmade hill to reach the main shrine located at the top of the hill. There are also sprawling gardens surrounding this temple. Presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Vaishno Devi, a manifestation of Goddess Durga. The heads of three other Hindu goddess idols, Lakshmi, Kali and Saraswati along with a Shaiva shrine are installed within the temple.
Festivals of Vaishnodevi Temple
The main festival celebrated at the Vaishnodevi Temple in Ahmedabad is Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival honoring Goddess Durga. During this period, the temple is adorned with exquisite decorations and draws significant crowds.
Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Vaishnodevi temple
Vaishnodevi Temple in Ahmedabad does not enforce a strict dress code; however, it is advisable to wear modest attire that covers the upper arms and legs as a mark of respect. Men are encouraged to don a dhoti or pajama along with an appropriate upper garment, or to wear formal trousers and shirts. Women may choose to wear a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is recommended to avoid modern clothing such as mini-skirts, shorts, and sleeveless tops while visiting the temple.
Non-Hindus are generally allowed to visit the Vaishnodevi Temple in Ahmedabad. The temple, a replica of the Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra, is open to all, regardless of religious background.
Vaishnodevi Temple Timings
Monday: 5 AM - 10 PM
Tuesday: 5 AM - 10 PM
Wednesday: 5 AM - 10 PM
Thursday: 5 AM - 10 PM
Friday: 5 AM - 10 PM
Saturday: 5 AM - 10 PM
Sunday: 5 AM - 10 PM
Vaishnodevi Temple Entry Fee
Entry is Free
Best Time to Visit Vaishnodevi Temple
The ideal period to visit Vaishnodevi Temple is from October to February, when the weather is mild, and suitable for exploring the temple. For those wishing to partake in the celebrations, planning a visit during Navratri is highly recommended. This festival is marked by vibrant celebrations, attracting a large number of devotees. However, visitors should be aware that this is also the peak season, resulting in larger crowds. Alternatively, for a more peaceful experience, the months of September and October, following the monsoon, offer a beautiful, verdant landscape. It is best to avoid visiting during the summer months due to the extreme heat.
How to Reach Vaishnodevi Temple
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is the nearest airport which is about 10 km from Ahmedabad. It has flights from New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Cochin, and Lucknow. Ahmedabad Junction is well connected by trains with Mumbai, Allahabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Puri, Chandigarh, Tirunelveli, Kutch, New Delhi, Okha, Kolkata, Bangalore, Jodhpur, Lucknow, Rameswaram, Ajmer, Jaipur, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Dwarka, Bhavnagar, Vishakhapatnam, Bikaner, Mysore, Trivandrum, Kochi, Surat, Vadodara, and Jaisalmer. Ahmedabad Bus Stand is well connected with buses from New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Agra, Jaipur, Gandhinagar, Gandhidham, Amreli, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Mount Abu, Udaipur, Surat, Jamnagar, Bhuj, Porbandar, Anand, and Vadodara. Travelers can reach the Vaishnodevi Temple by taking a bus or hiring an auto-rickshaw or cab from all parts of the city.