Devni Mori, in Aravalli district of northern Gujarat, is one of western India’s most important early Buddhist sites: a 3rd–4th century CE monastery and stupa that once held an inscribed relic casket. Today the ruins lie under a reservoir, so a visit is really a trip to the water’s edge near Shamlaji and to the museums that now hold the finds. This guide explains what was discovered here, what remains to see, and how to plan the journey.
Devni Mori is a submerged Buddhist archaeological site about 2 km from Shamlaji in Aravalli district, Gujarat, dated to roughly the 3rd–4th century CE. Its stupa yielded a stone casket inscribed as holding bodily relics of the Buddha, now kept in Vadodara.
Key takeaways
- Devni Mori, about 2 km from Shamlaji in Aravalli district, Gujarat, is a 3rd–4th century CE Buddhist monastery-and-stupa site, according to Gujarat Tourism.
- The site is submerged under the Meshwo reservoir (Shyam Sarovar); there is no ticketed monument to tour, and visitors today see the reservoir and a marker pole rather than ruins.
- The green-schist relic casket, excavated by the M.S. University of Baroda team between 1960 and 1963, carries a Brahmi inscription naming the Buddha and is held at the university’s archaeology department in Vadodara.
- The nearest airport is Ahmedabad (about 125 km); Shamlaji sits on the Ahmedabad–Udaipur highway corridor (old NH8), so most visitors arrive by road.
- No entry fee, permit or fixed timing applies to the submerged site itself; related sculptures are displayed at the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery in Vadodara.
- In February 2026 these relics travelled abroad for the first time, for a public exposition in Colombo, Sri Lanka, per multiple news reports.
About Devni Mori and quick facts
Devni Mori (also written Devnimori) is a Buddhist archaeological site about 2 km from Shamlaji in Aravalli district, northern Gujarat. According to Gujarat Tourism, the remains of a Buddhist monastery here belong to the 3rd–4th century CE. It is not a village attraction or a walk-in monument today, because the ruins lie under the Meshwo reservoir.
The name should not be confused with Shamlaji, the nearby Hindu pilgrimage town, or with Vadnagar, another Gujarat site with early Buddhist links. Devni Mori specifically refers to the excavated mound once known locally as “Bhoja Raja no Tekro” (Bhoja Raja’s mound), near Shamlaji.
| Location | About 2 km from Shamlaji, Aravalli district, Gujarat |
|---|---|
| What it is | Buddhist monastery, stupa and relic site, c. 3rd–4th century CE |
| Excavated | M.S. University of Baroda, c. 1960–1963 (salvage dig) |
| Current status | Submerged under the Meshwo reservoir (Shyam Sarovar) |
| Nearest town | Shamlaji; nearest city Ahmedabad (about 125 km) |
| Entry | No ticketed monument; no published fee or timing for the site |
What was found at Devni Mori
Devni Mori produced a complete early Buddhist monastic complex: a large brick stupa, two viharas (residential monasteries), an apsidal chaitya (prayer hall) and smaller votive stupas. The Department of Archaeology and Ancient History of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda led the excavation, with R.N. Mehta, S.N. Chowdhary and B. Subbarao named as directors. Press and encyclopaedic accounts place the main work between 1960 and 1963, with some describing salvage work continuing to about 1965.
The central Mahastupa stood about 37 ft (roughly 11 m) high on tiered platforms, and is often described as the only known free-standing stupa of its kind in Gujarat. Its second tier once held niches with terracotta seated Buddha images; roughly 24 to 26 such images and fragments were recovered, showing a Gandhara-influenced style adapted locally.
The best-known find is a relic casket of green schist, carrying inscriptions in Brahmi script. According to The Print’s account of the excavation, the body inscription is in Sanskrit and the lid inscription in Prakrit, and the text refers to the Buddha as “Dashabala.” Inside the stone casket, archaeologists found a copper box holding organic remains wrapped in silk, which the excavators treated as probable bodily relics of the Buddha.
The inscription dates the stupa to year 127 of the “Kathika” kings, in the reign of Rudrasena of the Western Kshatrapa (Kardamaka) line. Scholars differ on the era used: readings place this at about 204 CE or about 375–400 CE, which is why the site is given the broad 3rd–4th century CE range. A pot of Western Kshatrapa silver coins, including an issue of Vishvasena (who ruled around 294–305 CE), was found below the casket, supporting a date no earlier than about the 4th century CE.
Is Devni Mori submerged? What you can see today
Yes, the Devni Mori ruins are submerged under the Meshwo reservoir, also called Shyam Sarovar, so there is no standing monument to walk around. The reservoir project on the Meshwo River began in 1959 and the dam was completed in the early 1970s, which flooded the valley and the excavated mound. The excavation was itself a salvage effort carried out before the waters rose.
What a visitor sees today is the reservoir near Shamlaji. Reports describe a tall pole standing in the water over the spot where the stupa was found, with Buddhist flags tied to it by pilgrims. If you come expecting a ticketed heritage park, you will be disappointed; the reward here is the setting, the story, and the museums that hold the finds. For context on where this fits in the wider state, see our Gujarat travel guide.
Best time to visit Devni Mori
The best time to visit Devni Mori and Shamlaji is the cooler, drier window from about November to February. Summers in interior Gujarat are hot, and the monsoon (roughly June–September) can make reservoir edges muddy, though it also fills the Meshwo and greens the surrounding Aravalli foothills.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Nov–Feb | Most comfortable for sightseeing; pleasant days, cool nights. Best overall. |
| Summer | Mar–May | Hot and dry; carry water and avoid midday. Reservoir levels lower. |
| Monsoon | Jun–Sep | Green hills, fuller reservoir; slippery banks and occasional heavy rain. |
| Post-monsoon | Oct | Transition; the Shamlaji fair usually falls around Kartik Purnima. |
The Shamlaji fair is held around Kartik Purnima (usually November), drawing large crowds to the Shamlaji temple a short distance from the Devni Mori site. Confirm fair dates for your year, as they follow the Hindu calendar.
How to reach Devni Mori and Shamlaji
Most visitors reach Devni Mori by road via Shamlaji, which sits on the Ahmedabad–Udaipur highway corridor (the old NH8). Ahmedabad, about 125 km away, is the practical gateway for flights and long-distance trains. Our Ahmedabad travel guide covers getting into and around that city.
- By air: The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, about 125–130 km away, with domestic and some international connections.
- By road: Shamlaji lies on the busy Ahmedabad–Udaipur highway; state buses and taxis run from Ahmedabad and from Himmatnagar. From Shamlaji, the reservoir and former site are a short local hop.
- By train: Himmatnagar is the nearest convenient railhead, listed by Gujarat Tourism as about 47 km from Shamlaji. A smaller station, Shamlaji Road (code SJS), is closer but has very limited services; check current trains before relying on it.
| From | Distance | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Shamlaji town | About 2 km | Local taxi/auto to the reservoir |
| Himmatnagar railway station | About 47 km (from Shamlaji) | Bus/taxi |
| Ahmedabad (airport/city) | About 125 km | Highway drive, around 2.5–3 hours |
| Udaipur (Rajasthan) | About 110–120 km | Highway drive (indicative; reconfirm) |
Things to see around Devni Mori
Because the site itself is underwater, the visit works best combined with Shamlaji and its temple. The main points of interest form a compact cluster you can cover in a half to full day.
| Place | What it is | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Meshwo reservoir viewpoint | Water body over the submerged stupa; marker pole with Buddhist flags | 30–45 min |
| Shamlaji temple | Vaishnava pilgrimage temple near the site, an old and active shrine | 45–60 min |
| Local riverside and ghats | Meshwo riverfront and bathing ghats near the temple | 30 min |
| Baroda Museum, Vadodara | Holds Devni Mori sculptures and material (a separate day trip) | 1.5–2 hr |
Timings and any entry fees for the Shamlaji temple and local facilities are not published uniformly online; treat the temple as an active place of worship and dress modestly. There is no fee to view the reservoir.
Where to see the Devni Mori relics and sculptures
The finest Devni Mori finds are no longer at the site; they are held in Vadodara. The green-schist relic casket and reliquary are kept by the Department of Archaeology and Ancient History at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, where they are generally not on open public display. Sculptures and related material from the site are part of the collections of the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery in Vadodara, which is the best place to see Devni Mori’s Buddhist art in person.
This custody is why Devni Mori made national news in February 2026: the relics travelled outside India for the first time, for a public exposition in Colombo, Sri Lanka, reported to run in early February 2026. If seeing the relics or sculptures matters to you, plan a Vadodara museum visit and check current access, because the reliquary’s display status can change.
Suggested itinerary
Devni Mori suits a day trip or an add-on to an Ahmedabad–Udaipur drive rather than a standalone multi-day stay.
- Half-day from Shamlaji: Reservoir viewpoint and the marker, then the Shamlaji temple and riverside; lunch in Shamlaji.
- Day trip from Ahmedabad: Early drive up the highway, reservoir and Shamlaji temple by late morning, lunch, and return by evening.
- Heritage pairing (2 days): Day 1 Devni Mori and Shamlaji; Day 2 travel to Vadodara to see the Buddhist sculptures at the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery.
- En route to Udaipur: Break the Ahmedabad–Udaipur journey at Shamlaji for the site and temple before continuing into Rajasthan.
Where to stay
There is no major hotel cluster at Devni Mori itself; most travellers stay in Shamlaji, Himmatnagar, or back in Ahmedabad. The ranges below are indicative planning estimates and should be reconfirmed when you book.
- Budget (about ₹800–₹1,800 a night): Simple lodges and guesthouses in Shamlaji and Himmatnagar, plus dharamshala-style pilgrim accommodation near the temple.
- Mid-range (about ₹2,000–₹4,500 a night): Highway hotels and better rooms in Himmatnagar or on the Ahmedabad–Udaipur route.
- Comfort/luxury (₹5,000 and up): Found mainly in Ahmedabad or Udaipur rather than near the site.
Around the Shamlaji fair (usually November), rooms fill quickly and prices rise, so book well ahead if you travel then.
Food to try
Food near Devni Mori is everyday North Gujarat fare rather than a dining scene, so keep expectations simple and carry water on day trips.
- Gujarati thali (a platter of rotli, dal, kadhi, shaak or vegetable curries, rice and sweets) at highway restaurants and Ahmedabad eateries.
- Fafda-jalebi and dhokla (gram-flour snacks and steamed savoury cake), common breakfast and snack items in the region.
- Chaas (spiced buttermilk), useful in the hotter months.
- Near the temple you will mostly find simple vegetarian meals and snack stalls; plan a proper meal in Shamlaji or Himmatnagar.
Budget breakdown
The figures below are indicative planning estimates for one person on a day trip, as of October 2026, and should be reconfirmed. They assume a shared car from Ahmedabad and simple meals; the reservoir site has no entry fee.
| Item | Estimate (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Road transport (shared) | ₹600–₹1,200 | Taxi share or bus, round trip |
| Meals | ₹200–₹500 | Thali plus snacks |
| Site entry | ₹0 | No ticketed monument |
| Temple/parking/incidentals | ₹100–₹300 | Offerings, parking, water |
| Rough day total | ₹900–₹2,000 | Excludes a private car or overnight stay |
Permits, rules and practical tips
No special permit is needed to visit Devni Mori or Shamlaji: there is no Inner Line Permit or protected-area requirement here, and the submerged site has no ticket gate. The practical points below cover an ordinary day visit.
- Safety at the water: The reservoir banks can be uneven and the water deep. Keep clear of the edge, especially in and after the monsoon, and supervise children.
- Dress and conduct: At the Shamlaji temple, dress modestly and follow the shrine’s customs; it is an active place of worship, not a monument.
- Connectivity and cash: Mobile coverage is generally available along the highway; carry some cash, as small lodges and stalls may not take cards, and keep UPI as a backup.
- Health: The nearest larger hospitals are in Himmatnagar and Ahmedabad; carry basic medicines and sun protection for summer visits.
- Solo and women travellers: The Shamlaji highway stretch is well used; standard precautions apply, and daytime visits are easiest since there is little to do after dark.
- Drones and photography: Photography of the reservoir and landscape is generally fine, but drone use in India needs compliance with DGCA rules; do not assume you can fly without checking current regulations.
Nearby places
Devni Mori pairs naturally with Shamlaji and makes a useful stop on longer routes between Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Udaipur.
| Place | Distance (approx.) | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Shamlaji | About 2 km | Pilgrimage temple and the base for visiting the site |
| Himmatnagar | About 47 km (from Shamlaji) | Nearest railhead and a town for stays and supplies |
| Ahmedabad | About 125 km | Airport, trains, and the wider Gujarat itinerary |
| Vadodara (Baroda) | About 180 km (indicative; reconfirm) | Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery, holding Devni Mori sculptures |
| Udaipur, Rajasthan | About 110–120 km | Lakeside city, easy continuation north |
Frequently asked questions
Is Devni Mori worth visiting if the site is submerged?
Devni Mori is worth it mainly for its history and setting rather than standing ruins, since the stupa lies under the Meshwo reservoir. You see the water, a marker pole and the nearby Shamlaji temple. To see the excavated Buddhist sculptures, plan a separate visit to the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery in Vadodara.
What is the Devni Mori relic casket?
The Devni Mori relic casket is a green-schist box found in the stupa, inscribed in Brahmi script and recording that it held bodily relics of the Buddha. Inside was a copper box with organic remains wrapped in silk. It is kept by the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda’s archaeology department in Vadodara.
How old is Devni Mori?
Devni Mori’s monastery and stupa are generally dated to the 3rd–4th century CE, in the Western Kshatrapa period. The casket inscription records year 127 of the Kathika kings under Rudrasena, which scholars read as either about 204 CE or about 375–400 CE, depending on the era applied.
How do I reach Devni Mori from Ahmedabad?
Reach Devni Mori from Ahmedabad by road, about 125 km on the Ahmedabad–Udaipur highway via Shamlaji, roughly a 2.5–3 hour drive by taxi or bus. The nearest airport is Ahmedabad, and the nearest convenient railhead is Himmatnagar, listed as about 47 km from Shamlaji.
Is there an entry fee or permit for Devni Mori?
No entry fee or permit applies to the Devni Mori site, because it is submerged and has no ticketed monument or gate. Viewing the reservoir is free. If you visit the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery in Vadodara to see the sculptures, check that museum’s own timings and ticket separately.
Where are the Devni Mori Buddha relics now?
The Devni Mori Buddha relics and reliquary are held by the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in Vadodara, Gujarat, and are generally not on open display. In February 2026 these relics were taken abroad for the first time, for a public exposition in Colombo, Sri Lanka, according to news reports.
Last updated and sources
Devni Mori suits history-minded travellers and those building a Gujarat Buddhist-heritage route, best visited in the cool months of November to February and paired with Shamlaji and a Vadodara museum stop. Treat it as a place to understand, not a monument to tour.
Last updated: 30 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Gujarat Tourism — Dev Ni Mori; Wikipedia — Devni Mori (used to locate the R.N. Mehta and S.N. Chowdhary excavation report and related scholarship); The Print — Devnimori excavation; Live History India — Devnimori; Daily FT (Sri Lanka) — 2026 relic exposition. Accessed September 2026.
