EME Temple, Vadodara - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About EME Temple

At a distance of 5 Km from Vadodara Railway Station, EME Temple is prominent Hindu temple located in the EME School's campus in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Also known as Dakshinamurthy Temple, EME Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is maintained by the Indian Army. It is one of its kind in India and among the must visit places as part of the Vadodara leisure packages. The EME Temples is a symbol of the secularity practiced in the Indian Army.

History of EME Temple

The EME Temple was built in 1966 by the Electronics & Mechanical Engineers (EME) School of Indian Army and is maintained by the Army in Vadodara. The temple was designed and built under the leadership of Brig A.F. Eugene, a Christian commandant of the EME School. Notably, this temple, which features a distinctive aluminum sheet exterior, holds the distinction of being the first military temple globally.

Architecture of EME Temple

The EME Temple in Vadodara showcases a contemporary geodesic dome design, setting it apart from conventional temple architecture, and integrates features from all principal religions in India. Its structure includes a dome reminiscent of a mosque, while the 'Kalash' atop the dome signifies Hinduism. Additionally, a tower symbolizes Christianity, a golden structure atop the tower represents Buddhism, and the entranceways reflect Jain architectural styles, illustrating the rich tapestry of India's religious heritage. The dome, clad in aluminum, along with its distinctive framework, enhances its modern appearance.

The temple prominently displays a large idol of Lord Shiva, oriented southward, representing his incarnation as Lord Dakshinamoorthy, who took on the role of a teacher to share his wisdom with the world. Other significant features include idols of Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya, the sons of Shiva, which were brought from Mahabalipuram, and a pure silver arch behind Lord Shiva's idol, intricately engraved with the sacred mantra Om Namah Shivaya. Surrounding the temple is a garden that boasts a remarkable collection of 106 ancient statues dating from the 7th to the 12th century, along with a replica of the Amarnath Shivalinga, one of the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, located within the temple grounds.

In 2023, Major General Neeraj Varshney designed and constructed the Navgraha Temple, a scaled replica of the main Dakshinamoorthy Temple. This temple features idols representing the nine Vedic astrological planets, positioned on a raised marble platform, along with a Shani Shila, a sacred stone symbolizing Saturn, upon which devotees can pour oil and sesame seeds in accordance with Hindu customs.

Festivals of EME Temple

The EME Temple, also known as the Dakshinamurthy Temple is known for its commitment to religious inclusivity. Although it does not concentrate solely on particular religious celebrations, it facilitates a range of events and encourages interfaith discussions, establishing itself as a sanctuary for peace and contemplation. Significant festivals such as Maha Shivratri and Janmashtami are observed here, attracting substantial attendance.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of EME Temple

The EME Temple in Vadodara does not enforce a strict dress code; nonetheless, it is recommended to wear modest clothing that adequately covers the upper arms and legs as a sign of respect. Men are advised to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with a suitable upper garment, or to opt for formal trousers and shirts. Women may select a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is suggested to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, shorts, and sleeveless tops when visiting the temple.

Non-Hindus are typically permitted to enter the EME Temple in Vadodara. The temple is recognized for its inclusive nature and features symbols from various faiths in its architecture. However, visitors are required to present a valid photo ID for security reasons.

EME Temple Timings

Monday: 6:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 6:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 6:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Thursday: 6:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Friday: 6:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Saturday: 6:30 AM - 8:30 PM
Sunday: Closed

EME Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit EME Temple

The ideal period to visit EME Temple in Vadodara 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 Maha Shivratri is highly recommended. These revered festivals are 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 EME Temple

Vadodara International Airport is the nearest airport which is about 7 Km from Vadodara Railway Station. It has well-connected flights from Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. Vadodara Railway Station is well connected by trains with Bhuj, Surat, Trivandrum, Delhi, Rameshwaram, Bangalore, Mumbai, Okha, Veraval, Pune, Indore, Bhavnagar, Kota, Darbhanga, Puri, Varanasi, Vishakapatnam, Lucknow, Jaipur, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Dehradun, Sawai Madhopur, Goa, Amritsar, Cochin, Kolkata, Udaipur, Jabalpur, Porbandar, and Jamnagar. Vadodara is well connected by road with all the major cities of Gujarat along with Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Surat, Udaipur, Jaipur, Delhi, Indore, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. Travelers can reach EME Temple by taking a bus or hiring an auto-rickshaw or cab from all parts of the city.