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. Additionally, Balej has an Aditya torana, which is likely from 8th or 9th-century. The four temple and torana are also called Balej Maitraka group of temples. Like the Bhansara group of temples, the Balej Maitraka group is notable as early prototypes of stone-based temple architecture and designs, that ultimately evolved into major Nagara and Dravida styles of temples.

The Maitraka group of temples illustrate the sandhara-style, phamsana tiers with chandrasalas geometrically spaced (4:3:2), the use of lotus motifs in stone, early Vimana from the Vimanakara class, as well as valabhi and kapota mouldings.