English: Balej is an historic town along the Saurashtra coastline between Porbandar and Somnath Patan. Archaeological evidence and ruins found here suggest a continued human settlement here since at least the 2nd-century CE. It is important to both the Hindu and Jain communities. The Jains have a historic Svetambara Parshwanatha pilgrimage center, one rebuilt from marble in late 20th and early 21st-century. It is beautifully carved with Jaina motifs. To the north of the Parshwanath tirtha are ruins of four historic Hindu temples – Shakti temple, Kotha temple, Shiva temple, and another which is now called the Pithad Mata temple. These are from 6th to 7th century Maitraka era. This group is also called Balej Maitraka group of temples. They are notable