Shamlaji(Lord Vishnu) Temple in Shamlaji Gujarat India

Shamlaji Temple is Very oldest Lord Vishnu Temple on Udaipur Highway Near Rajasthan Border.The temple is popularly known as Dholi Dhajawala due to the presence of white silk flag on top of the temple.Shamlaji is well known for Lord Vishnu.Here is Some Fact about Lord Vishnu(Shamlaji)Temple in Shamlaji .

Location: Bank of Meshwo River ,Shamlaji Village, Sabarkantha District , Gujarat

Pincode: 383355
Built in: 11th Century
Built By: Modhari Rao Saheb
Dedicated to: Lord Vishnu
Entry: Free
Photography: Temple out side Allow, Inside Not Allow
Significance: One of the very oldest temple of Lord Vishnu
Visiting timing: 1 hour

Architectural style : Chaulukyas
Best time to visit: Oct to Feb and During shamlaji fair festival (November)
Phone: 07359169531

Festivals: Kartik Purnima Fair, Janmashtami
Main Attraction: Stone carvings of temple, Attractive idols of lords and beautiful domed temple ceilings and a towering spire
Nearest Railway station: Shamlaji Road Station(14 Km)
Nearest Airport: Ahmadabad Airport(133 KM)

More Information about Shamlaji(Lord Vishnu) Temple

Shamlaji or Lord Vishnu temple is located at Shamlaji village on bank of Meshwo River just 30Km far of Modasa in Sabarkantha district Gujarat.The temple was built in 11th Century and built by Modhari Rao Saheb.The complete temple is a two stories building that has episodes and teachings of Mahabharata engraved on the outer walls.The magnificence of the temple is enhanced by exquisite stone carvings, idols of gods, nymphs, musicians and celestial dancers, beautiful domed ceilings and a toweing spire.The Main Attraction is the stone carving is very beautiful on the wall of the temple.The site of the Shamlaji temple is full of natural beauty. The 'Gadadhar' image of the beautiful temple is very attractive.The two inscriptions suggest that the name of the deity seems to be Gadadharji, which is a well-known title of Lord Vishnu, Krishna, or Shamlaji.

Shamlaji temple houses a beautiful and attractive image of Gadadhar. Around the temple, huge bricks

can be found scattered along with other mounds and remains of big and small temples including temples of Ranchhodraiji, Trilokinath and Kashivishvanath.The cow idols are also worshipped depicting childhood of Krishna as a cowherd. It is one of the important pilgrimage sites of Vaishnavism.On the Kartik Purnima Day held a big Fair at this temple.Shamlaji Temple trast provide lunch and dinner pay very cheaf now a days.More info about Shamlaji fair Click Here.

Temple Timing and Aarti Timing of Shamlaji Temple

Temple Open- 6:00 AM
Mangala Aarti - 6:45 AM
Aarti decoration(Shangar Aarti)- 9:15 AM
The temple close (to be held raj bhog)- 11-30 AM to 12:15 PM
Temple will open (raj bhoga Aarti) - 12-15 PM
The temple close ( podhi Thakorji) - 12-30 PM
The temple open - 2:15 PM
Sandhya Aarti evening- 6:45 PM
Aarti night of sleeping(Shayan Aarti)-8:15 hours
Temple Close - 8-30 PM

History of Shamlaji(Lord Vishnu) Temple

Scenes from the epic stories "Mahabharata" and "Ramayana" grace the walls of this 11th- century temple.According to local lore, the temple originaed when surrounding tribes began worshipping an idol in a makeshift space at a riverside field. Soon they referred to the idol as Kaliyo Dev or 'Dark Divinity'.A local merchant built a more permanent structure to house the deity which was later beautified by the Idar rulers.The present temple was built probably in the 11th century. The temple is constructed according to Solanki architecture and it was renovated at least 500 years ago. The temple was claimed by Jains in the past. Years ago the rulers of Idar state gave the grant of Shamlaji temple to the Modhari Rao Saheb. He still holds trusteeship of Shamlaji Temple.

Architecture of Shamlaji(Lord Vishnu) Temple

The architectural style of the Chaulukyas has been maintained well.The temple is always been place of choice for archaeologist and art lovers for its artistic beauty in architecture and sculptures. The two levelled Shamlaji temple is surrounded by a wall with a gateway and it is constructed out of brick and white sandstone. The temple is supported on pillars and a canopy with arches on either side. The lower courses of richly carved stones are amazing. A fringe of elephant heads and forequarters carved in the stone can be seen around the temple building.

The elephant is a very frequent emblem. The outer walls of the temple display larger figures of semi-rampant elephants and a gigantic cement elephant can be seen in on either side of the doorway front of the entrance. A pyramid-based tower rises above the temple into a spire like a cone with flattened sides. The front part of the roof has small domes springing from a flat roof. The outer part of the roof is adorned with figures of animals and the gargoyles. The temple walls are decorated with some scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. The two inscriptions can be seen in the temple. The inscription on the upper level is written on the stone.

The Elephant Gate and its arch directly face the steps to the main temple; these lead to the entrance hall; and this also faces straight into the Garbha Griha with the Image of the God. Near the icon is a very beautiful image of Garuda. The temple is divided into three parts: Sabha Mandap, Antaraal and Garbha Griha. The inside walls and some pillars are not decorated with close sculptured reliefs, though some floors, panels that run all the way to top are decorated at certain levels with bands with designs of beautiful and artistic carvings.