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GODDESS TEMPLE · HOT SPRINGS · PILGRIMAGEUnai Mata Temple
The goddess of the warm springs — the Unai Mata temple, beside the sacred hot springs in the forested east of Navsari, draws pilgrims to a shrine where devotion to the Mother Goddess meets the wonder of natural geothermal waters and a Ramayana legend.
A goddess shrine by the sacred springs
The Unai Mata temple stands beside the sacred hot springs of Unai, in the forested eastern reaches of Navsari district near Vansda — a shrine to the Mother Goddess (Mata) that is inseparably linked to the natural geothermal springs and the pilgrimage they draw.
According to local tradition, the springs and the shrine are connected to the Ramayana — the warm waters said to have been created by Lord Rama’s arrow to provide hot water for Sita’s bath during the forest exile. This sacred association, combined with the natural wonder of the hot springs and the reputed healing properties of the waters, makes Unai a place of devotion and pilgrimage.
Pilgrims come to worship the goddess, to bathe in the sacred warm waters of the kunds, and to seek the blessings associated with the shrine. The setting — green forest country near Vansda National Park and the Dang frontier — adds natural beauty to the spiritual draw. For the visitor, the Unai Mata temple offers an unusual combination of goddess devotion, sacred hot springs and a beautiful forest setting — best experienced respectfully, and combined with the natural attractions of eastern Navsari.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
Illustration — Unai Mata.
Rama's arrow and the springs.
Devotion to the Mata.
Hot waters and healing.
Pilgrimage and devotion.
Reasons to make the time
Goddess
The Mother shrine.
Hot springs
Sacred warm waters.
Legend
A Ramayana link.
Healing
Reputed curative waters.
Forest
A green setting.
Eastern Navsari
Near Vansda.
What to look for inside
Goddess shrine
By the springs.
Sacred waters
Pilgrim bathing.
A Ramayana link
Rama's arrow.
Eastern Navsari
Near Vansda.
Curative waters
Reputed healing.
A place of devotion
Worship the Mata.
How to spend an hour or two
Worship the goddess
The Mata shrine.
See the hot springs
Sacred warm waters.
Learn the legend
The Ramayana link.
Respect the pilgrims
A sacred bathing site.
Combine with Vansda
The national park.
Enjoy the forest setting
Eastern Navsari.
A goddess temple of the springs
The Unai Mata temple is a shrine to the Mother Goddess beside the sacred hot springs of Unai — linked by local tradition to a Ramayana legend of Rama creating warm water for Sita.
A place of devotion, pilgrimage and reputed healing, it is set in the green forest country of eastern Navsari near Vansda National Park. (An active goddess temple and sacred springs; respect the religious context; combine with Vansda; best in the cooler months.)
A Mother Goddess shrine beside the sacred hot springs
Linked by legend to the Ramayana (Rama and Sita)
Pilgrimage, sacred bathing and reputed healing
Set in forest country near Vansda National Park
When to go
Cool and pleasant — ideal.
The most devotional times.
Warm and humid.
⏰ Festival and holy days are the most devotional times; winter is most comfortable.
Timings & entry
- Open daily for darshan and bathing
- Best visited in daylight hours
- Allow 30–45 minutes for a visit
- Quieter on weekday mornings
- No ticket required for the temple or springs
- Donations are welcome but never expected
- Dress modestly and behave respectfully
- Remove footwear before the shrine
Getting there
By Air
Surat airport sits about 40 km away, the nearest with regular flights — a road transfer onward to Unai.
By Rail
Navsari is the main-line station on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad route; continue by road to Unai in the forested east.
By Road
Reach via NH-48 and the Surat–Valsad corridor, then inland through Vansda; roads pass through green forest country.
Shooting Unai Mata
RESPECTFUL & DEVOTIONAL
A goddess shrine and sacred springs in green forest country
Be respectful
This is an active goddess temple and sacred bathing site — always ask before photographing pilgrims or the shrine.
What to shoot
The temple, the steaming sacred kunds and the surrounding forest country make the most evocative frames.
The setting
Step back for the green Vansda landscape that frames the springs — best in the cool, clear winter light.
Inside the shrine
Photography is often restricted within the sanctum; follow signs and the guidance of temple staff.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Vansda National Park
Dense teak forest alive with wildlife
Purna Riverbank
◐ Purna Riverbank
Vansda Forest Shrines
Quiet tribal temples in the woods
Ubharat & Dandi
Quiet, palm-lined beaches on the Arabian Sea
Dudheshwar Mahadev
An old Shiva temple by the town tank
Navsari Atash Behram
One of India's holiest Parsi fires
Where to eat around the ashram
Parsi food
Dhansak & patra-ni-machhi.
Locho & ponk
South Gujarat snacks.
Chikoo
Gandevi-Bilimora orchards.
Gujarati Thali
Comfort home cooking.
South Gujarat flavours
Eastern Navsari pairs Parsi classics, Surti snacks and the region's famous chikoo with a hearty Gujarati thali.
Unai Mata Temple FAQ
What is the Unai Mata temple?
A Mother Goddess shrine beside the sacred hot springs of Unai.
What is the legend?
Local tradition links the springs to Rama's arrow creating warm water for Sita.
Are the springs sacred?
Yes — pilgrims bathe in the warm waters.
What is nearby?
Vansda National Park and the forested east.
Best time to visit?
The cooler months.
Dress code?
Modest dress; respectful behaviour.
Related places across Gujarat
Forest Deities
Tribal shrines among the teak woods
Sahastralinga Talav
◐ Golden hour · the ruins
Vyara Mandirs
Town temples at the district heart
Trinetreshwar Mahadev
The Tarnetar temple of the great fair
Gulf Coast & Beaches
Quiet shores & flamingo-rich mudflats
Idar Rockscape
Surreal granite boulders crowning the town
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