The short answer
Sudama Mandir: what visitors should know first
Yes, as a calm half-hour in the middle of town. It is level, shaded and close to Kirti Mandir, and it adds a devotional counterweight to the memorial visit. Go in the morning or late afternoon and remove your shoes at the entrance.
History and context
The story behind Sudama Mandir
The temple was built between 1902 and 1907, according to Gujarat Tourism, in the Jethwa period. The complex sits in green grounds with a small stepwell.
The grounds also include a memorial to Ram Devji Jethwa, which ties the temple to the local ruling dynasty. Beyond these details, detailed records are thin, so check on site for notice boards.
Useful facts
Sudama Mandir facts at a glance
- Location
- Central market area, Porbandar
- Faith
- Hindu
- Dedication
- Krishna and his friend Sudama
- Built
- 1902 to 1907, per Gujarat Tourism
- Visitor note
- Remove footwear; dress modestly
Why it matters
Why Sudama Mandir is worth your time
Porbandar is traditionally associated with Sudama, the childhood friend of Krishna, and the temple is the town's main expression of that link. The story of the poor Brahmin who visits his wealthy friend with a gift of beaten rice is a popular lesson in humility and loyalty.
For travellers, the temple shows another side of Porbandar. Alongside the Gandhi memorials, it reminds you that the town has long been a place of devotion, and that the two stories sit comfortably next to each other in daily life.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Pink shikhara and marble pillars
A simple pink temple with marble pillars and a finely carved spire.
- 02
The stepwell
A small stepwell sits within the complex, one of the details most visitors miss.
- 03
The shaded grounds
Trees make this a cool resting place in the middle of the market district.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Come in the morning when the temple grounds are quiet and shaded. Approach the pink shikhara and the marble pillars from the front, then step inside to see the shrine. The temple is dedicated to the friendship between Krishna and Sudama, a story many Indian families know from childhood, so the atmosphere is warm rather than formal.
Take a walk through the grounds. Besides the temple there is a small stepwell and a monument to Ram Devji Jethwa, a ruler of the Jethwa dynasty that once governed this region. The trees make this one of the cooler corners of the old town, and older visitors often sit here for a while.
Pair the visit with Kirti Mandir, which is a short ride away, and plan the two together as a single morning in the old part of Porbandar.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon
- Remove shoes and dress modestly
- Ask before photographing inside the shrine
- Confirm the day's opening hours
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Central market area, Porbandar
- Time needed
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon; winter months are most comfortable
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The grounds are level and shaded, with space to sit under the trees. There may be a few steps at the shrine entrance, and the floors are marble and can feel hot or slippery. Bring socks for the walk from the footwear stand.
- Tickets and access
- Entry is free to enter as a temple, but donation boxes are common. Remove footwear, dress modestly and ask before photographing inside the shrine. Official timings are listed as roughly 7 am to 6 pm; confirm on the day.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Sudama Mandir
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The grounds are level and shaded, with space to sit under the trees. There may be a few steps at the shrine entrance, and the floors are marble and can feel hot or slippery. Bring socks for the walk from the footwear stand.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
What is Sudama Mandir?
A temple dedicated to the friendship of Krishna and Sudama, in the middle of Porbandar.
When was it built?
Gujarat Tourism gives 1902 to 1907.
How long should I allow?
Thirty to forty-five minutes is enough for the temple and its grounds.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
