Jalaram Bapa Temple

Jalaram Bapa Temple in Virpur, Rajkot district, Gujarat, is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage shrine dedicated to 19th-century saint Jalaram Bapa. Located in his birthplace town of Virpur on the Rajkot-Junagadh highway, the temple complex houses his samadhi, original residence and prayer hall. Revered for its tradition of continuous free food service (sadavrat) and charitable ethos, it attracts devotees year-round and is especially crowded during Jalaram Jayanti celebrations.

Visitors can expect a busy yet orderly temple complex centered on the main shrine with the idol of Jalaram Bapa and his samadhi. The premises include the saint's original house (Jholi House), darshan halls, a large bhojanalaya where free meals are served daily, and donation and prasad counters. The environment is devotional with queues for darshan, aarti gatherings, and pilgrims from across Gujarat. The complex is flat and accessible on foot with open courtyards and covered halls.

The temple is dedicated to Jalaram Bapa (1799-1881), a revered Hindu saint from Virpur known for his devotion to Lord Rama and his lifelong service to humanity. Born in Virpur, he established the tradition of feeding sadhus, saints and the needy. After his samadhi in 1881, his shrine and residence were developed into the present temple complex, which continues his legacy of selfless service.

The temple is a major pilgrimage centre in Saurashtra, symbolizing seva (service), hospitality and charity. Its Sadavrat (free kitchen) has served free meals to all visitors daily for decades without accepting donations, reflecting Jalaram Bapa's teachings. Jalaram Jayanti, observed on Kartik Shukla Saptami, is the most important festival with special prayers and community gatherings.