A survey of the Saurashtra coastline has led to the discovery of a 6th-century temple foundation belonging to the Maitraka dynasty. Unlike common Shiva or Sun temples of the era, this shrine is dedicated to Vela, a personification of the sea-tide and a guardian of mariners. The temple was built using specialized porous coral-limestone blocks designed to withstand the harsh saline environment of the Arabian Sea.
Excavations revealed an unusual pentagonal ground plan and a collection of stone anchors offered as votives by ancient traders. This finding provides crucial evidence of the maritime religious traditions that flourished in Gujarat before the medieval period. The Gujarat State Archaeology Department has initiated a project to map the submerged portions of the temple precinct using underwater sonar technology.