EME Temple

Located at the premises of Electrical Mechanical Engineering (EME), Dakshinamurthy Temple popularly known as EME temple is one of the famous religious center of the city. The temple dedicated to Lord Dakshinamurthy, an incarnation of Lord Shiva as Jagadguru, is situated in betwen five Banyan trees that are known as Panchvati. The idol of the lord faces south.

Built in 1966, the temple has a unique concept and geodesic structure covered with aluminium sheets which is considered as the only one of its kind in the state. Its architecture symbolizes five religions. The Kalash on the top of the dome stand for Hinduism and the dome represents Islam, while the tower is for Christianity, the golden structure on the top of the tower for Buddhism and with the shapes the entrance represents Jainism.

The temple compound houses many magnificent idols that are beautifully arranged along the pathway and some of them dates back to the 6th century. Run entirely by the army authorities, this temple is a major attraction for both tourist and devotees.

Kirti Mandir:
Literally means temple of fame, Kirti Mandir is one of the major attraction of the city, located at the north of Prince Fatehsinhrao Gaekwad’s statue near the Viswamitri bridge. This e-shaped building was constructed in 1936 by Sir Sayajirao Gaikwad in a vast area of 8acres with the cluster of Shiva temples to perpetuate the glorious memory of his beloved ancestors. Designed by the famous French architect Dea haun, this unique structure was built at an expenditure of around one lakh at that period.

Kirti Mandir is a glorious stone building with domes, terraces and balconies has a central sikhara rising to a height of about 33 metres and the interior is fully polished with marble. The sun, the moon and the earth in bronze with the undivided map of India adorn the sikhara. The walls of the cental hall is beautifully decorated with murals of Gangavataran, battle of Mahabharat, Life of Meera and Natir Pooja done by the well-known Bengali artist Nandalal Bose. It also houses a picture gallery that exhibits pricelss photographs and statues of the royal family members of Gaekwad and also the coins, weapons, cloths and day-to-day items used by them. The gallery is opened to visit free of cost between 9 and 12 in the morning and 2.30 and 5.30 in the evening every day except Sundays. On the occasion of Diwali, a Rangoli exhibition is held here.

Dabhoi
Located around 30kms south-east of Vadodara, Dabhoi also known as Darbhavati is known for its Jain and Hindu temples. This ancient town which was founded and fortified by Siddhraj Jaisinh (1093-1143 AD) is one of the favorite picnic spot of tourists. Built in the early 12th century, the dabhoi fort located here is a fine example of Hindu military architecture and is renowned for its stone carvings. Apart from the fort, Dabhoi has a three-storied temple named Kalika Mata temple dedicated to Goddess Kali.