Tulsishyam Temple

Revered for its spiritual ambiance, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, with Goddess Rukmini Devi and Lord Krishna (as Shyam) also worshipped here.

The temple’s heritage is traditionally attributed to the Solanki era or local Kotila rulers of Dedan, with the current structure believed to be around 700 years old, making it a living heritage site managed by a panchayat or local trust.

Pilgrims visiting Tulsishyam Temple can enjoy free darshan, with the temple open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00/9:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the winter months from November to February, especially in the mornings between 8 AM and 12 PM, when the serene forest surroundings are most inviting.

The temple observes a traditional dress code: men are encouraged to wear dhoti or mundu for sanctum entry, removing shirts or vests during rituals, while women should wear a saree or long skirt with blouse, or wrap a traditional cloth around the waist if wearing jeans, pants, or salwar kameez.

Daily poojas at Tulsishyam Temple include the Morning Aarti around 7:00 AM, Noon/Bhog Aarti at 12:00 PM, and Evening/Sandhya Aarti at 7:00 PM, along with special Sankalpa/Archana offerings. Rituals are conducted in Gujarati, Sanskrit, and Hindi.

Major festivals celebrated here include Tulsivivah in October-November (Kartik), Jal-Jhilni Ekadashi (Tulsishyam Fair) in August-September (Bhadrapada), and Janmashtami during August-September (Shravana/Bhadrapada).

Reaching Tulsishyam Temple is convenient from major transit hubs in Saurashtra, such as Una, Veraval, or Rajkot.

Pilgrims can travel to Una town, then proceed by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or GSRTC bus via the Dhari-Una Road through the Gir forest, passing a sanctuary check-post before arriving at the temple complex.

The nearest railway stations are Una (30 km), Delwada (35 km), Veraval Junction (85 km), and Junagadh Junction (90 km). Diu Airport is 55 km away, with Rajkot Airport at 150 km and Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 300 km.

Pilgrims can stay at the Tulsishyam Vishranti Gruh (guesthouse/dharamshala) near the temple, or choose eco-resorts and wildlife resorts 23–30 km away on the forest outskirts. Ample parking is available near the temple base, with about 100 steep steps leading up to the shrine.

Partial wheelchair access is provided to the outer complex. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the inner sanctum and main prayer halls, though permitted in the outer complex and surrounding nature areas.

Free lunch and dinner prasad are served daily, with sweets or dry prasad distributed after aartis.

Nearby attractions include the Tulsishyam Hot Sulphur Springs (Taptodak), Rukmani Devi Mandir, the unique Anti-Gravity Hill, Gir National Park/Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, and Droneshwar Mahadev Tirth Dham. For more information, visit the official website or contact the temple directly.