Umiya Temple, Unjha

The Umiya Temple is a religious building in Unjha in the state of Gujarat and consists of several prayer halls clad in white marble. The walls and pillars display carved details and patterns, while the central shrine sits within the main structure and is surrounded by open courtyards.

The origins of this place of worship date back roughly twelve centuries and mark a long tradition of devotion at this site. In the early twentieth century, the building underwent extensive renovation to secure its fabric for future generations.

The temple is named after the goddess Umiya Mataji and draws believers from across the region, many of whom wear traditional garments during special festivals. Families often come here to mark important life events and seek the protection of the deity, as seen through the many offerings left throughout the courtyard.

Visitors will find storage for shoes near the entrance at Umiya Chowk and should be prepared to walk through the spaces barefoot. The administration organizes several separate queues for worshippers, which can help reduce waiting times on busy days.

During major celebrations, the building is adorned with a traditional cloth several kilometers long that drapes across the facades and through the courtyards. On such days, thousands of balloons filled with seeds also rise into the sky, a gesture meant to recall renewal and growth.