About Jagannath Temple, Ahmedabad
The Jagannath Temple stands in the Jamalpur area of old Ahmedabad, close to the Sabarmati. Lord Jagannath is worshipped here with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, as at Puri. The temple is best known as the home of the Ahmedabad Rath Yatra, which leaves its gates every year on Ashadhi Bij, the second day of the bright half of Ashadha, the same day as the great car festival at Puri. It is widely described as one of the biggest Rath Yatras in India after Puri.
Temple tradition traces the shrine to a hermitage of sadhus founded around four centuries ago, which grew into a temple over time under a line of mahants. The Rath Yatra is said to have begun in the late 19th century and has since become a public festival for the whole of Gujarat. On the day, decorated elephants lead the procession, and the three deities ride in large wooden chariots through about 14 km of the old city. By custom the Chief Minister of Gujarat performs the pahind vidhi, sweeping the path before the chariots with a golden broom. At Saraspur, where the deities are said to visit their maternal home, the procession halts and devotees are served a large community meal. Before the Rath Yatra, the Jal Yatra on Jyeshtha Purnima brings sacred water from the river for the bathing of the deities.
The temple is a compact complex in the traditional Gujarati style, with a carved shikhara over the sanctum and a busy courtyard. The temple also keeps cows, and in the days before the yatra visitors can see the chariots being prepared. The rest of the year it is a calm neighbourhood shrine with regular aartis.
Jagannath Temple, Ahmedabad timings & aarti
Usually open from about 4:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Mangala aarti | Early morning, around 4:30 AM (approx.) |
| Shringar aarti | Morning (approx.) |
| Sandhya aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Jagannath Temple, Ahmedabad
By air
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is about 12 km away.
By train
Ahmedabad Junction (Kalupur) is about 3 km away.
By road
The temple is in the old city at Jamalpur; autos and city buses reach it easily. Parking nearby is limited.
Festivals at Jagannath Temple, Ahmedabad
- Rath Yatra (Ashadhi Bij)Jun/Jul
- Jal Yatra (Snana Purnima)May/Jun
- JanmashtamiAug/Sep
- Annakut after DiwaliOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before entering.
- Entry
- Free.
- On Rath Yatra day the route is crowded from before dawn; pick a viewing spot early and follow police instructions.
- Visit in the days before the Rath Yatra to see the decorated chariots in the temple.
- The old-city lanes are narrow; use an auto rather than a car.
- Summers are very hot; visit in the early morning or evening.
Places to visit near Jagannath Temple, Ahmedabad
- Bhadra Fort and Bhadrakali TempleHistoric fort with the city goddess's temple, about 2 km away
- Kankaria LakeLakefront park popular with families, about 3 km away
- Hutheesing Jain TempleFinely carved 19th-century Jain temple, about 4 km away
- Sabarmati AshramMahatma Gandhi's ashram on the river, about 8 km away
Frequently asked questions
When is the Ahmedabad Rath Yatra?
It is held on Ashadhi Bij, the second day of the bright half of Ashadha, usually in June or July, the same day as the Puri Rath Yatra.
What are the Jagannath Temple Ahmedabad timings?
It usually opens around 4:30 AM, closes for an afternoon break, and reopens until about 9:00 PM. Check locally before visiting.
Where is the Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad?
It is in Jamalpur in the old city, about 3 km from Ahmedabad Junction.
Which deities are worshipped here?
Lord Jagannath with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra.
What is the aarti time at Jagannath Temple, Ahmedabad?
Mangala aarti: Early morning, around 4:30 AM (approx.); Shringar aarti: Morning (approx.); Sandhya aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Jagannath Temple, Ahmedabad?
Modest clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before entering.
How to reach Jagannath Temple, Ahmedabad?
By air: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is about 12 km away. By train: Ahmedabad Junction (Kalupur) is about 3 km away. By road: The temple is in the old city at Jamalpur; autos and city buses reach it easily. Parking nearby is limited.
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