Photo spot in Vadodara
EME Temple (Dakshinamurthy)
Vadodara, Gujarat
A striking, futuristic geodesic-dome temple clad in shimmering aluminium, maintained by the Army's EME Corps, blending all major faiths.
Best time
Morning, when the silver dome shines in soft sunlight and the garden is quiet, if photos are allowed that day.
Best angle
Ask at the gate first, and if photos are allowed, stand at the edge of the garden and take a low, straight-on shot of the silver dome against the sky.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Crowd level
Low
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit EME Temple (Dakshinamurthy)
Morning, when the silver dome shines in soft sunlight and the garden is quiet, if photos are allowed that day. Crowds here are typically low. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for EME Temple (Dakshinamurthy)
Ask at the gate first, and if photos are allowed, stand at the edge of the garden and take a low, straight-on shot of the silver dome against the sky. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
Before the silver dome
In the manicured grounds
Outfit guide
What to wear at EME Temple (Dakshinamurthy)
For photos at EME Temple (Dakshinamurthy), white, silver-grey and blue work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Vadodara.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Vadodara.
Eat nearby
Food near EME Temple (Dakshinamurthy)
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for lilva kachori nearby.
Special dishes to try
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Good to know
Local tips
Carry a photo ID, as there is a security check at the entrance.
Ask at the gate about photography before you take out your phone or camera.
Never photograph Army buildings, gates or guards in the cantonment.
Wear modest clothing and avoid shorts.
Wear slip-on shoes, as you remove them before entering the temple.
Walk around the garden to see the old stone sculptures.
Check the day's timings before you go, as the temple may close for part of the day.
About the EME Temple
The EME Temple, also called the Dakshinamurthy Temple, was built in 1966 by the Indian Army's EME (Electronics and Mechanical Engineers) School and is still looked after by the Army. It stands inside the cantonment in Vadodara. Its geodesic dome, a dome built from a frame of triangles, is covered in aluminium sheets and shines silver in the sun.
The temple is dedicated to Dakshinamurthy, a form of Shiva as a teacher. Its design brings together symbols of several religions: the pot-shaped kalash on top for Hinduism, the dome for Islam, the tower for Christianity, the golden top of the tower for Buddhism and the entrance for Jainism. The garden around it holds more than a hundred old stone sculptures. Because it is in an Army area, visitors need a photo ID, and photography rules are strict.
Questions
EME Temple (Dakshinamurthy) — FAQ
What is the best time to visit EME Temple (Dakshinamurthy)?
Morning, when the silver dome shines in soft sunlight and the garden is quiet, if photos are allowed that day. Ask at the gate first, and if photos are allowed, stand at the edge of the garden and take a low, straight-on shot of the silver dome against the sky.
Is there an entry fee at EME Temple (Dakshinamurthy)?
Entry to EME Temple (Dakshinamurthy) is free.
What are the opening hours of EME Temple (Dakshinamurthy)?
EME Temple (Dakshinamurthy) is open 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
What should I wear at EME Temple (Dakshinamurthy)?
White, silver-grey and blue photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does EME Temple (Dakshinamurthy) get?
Crowd levels are typically low. To miss the busiest window: morning, when the silver dome shines in soft sunlight and the garden is quiet, if photos are allowed that day.
What food should I try near EME Temple (Dakshinamurthy)?
Try lilva kachori at spots close by.
What is the EME Temple famous for?
The EME Temple is famous for its silver geodesic dome, covered in aluminium sheets, and for being built and run by the Indian Army. It also brings together symbols of several religions in one building.
Can I take photos at the EME Temple?
Photography rules are strict, as the temple is inside an Army cantonment, and photos inside the premises are often not allowed. Ask at the gate before taking any photos, and never photograph Army buildings or guards.
Which religions are represented at the EME Temple?
The design includes symbols of Hinduism (the kalash on top), Islam (the dome), Christianity (the tower), Buddhism (the golden top of the tower) and Jainism (the entrance). The main idol is of Dakshinamurthy, a form of Shiva.
How much time do I need at the EME Temple?
Around 30–45 minutes is enough to see the temple and walk around the garden. Allow a little extra time for the security check at the gate.