Dakorji Temple also known as Shri Ranchhodraiji Maharaj Temple is is situated near the bank of the holy lake Gomti in the midst of the main bazaar of Dakor, Gujarat , India.
Sri Krishna Sri Ranchhodraiji One of The Panch Dwarka Temple in Gujarat or a pilgrimage to the 5 abodes of Lord Krishna .
The form of Lord Ranchhodrai is that of the Lord Vishnu with four arms. As is usual with Lord Vishnu, he bears the conch, lotus, discus and the mace in his hands. The lower right arm is held up in the abhaya mudra – giving protection to all those who come to Him.
There may be a lotus imprinted on the hand, but it is impossible to confirm that without getting really close to the Lord.
As the Lord here is worshipped more as Krishna than Dwarkadhish, i.e. younger and freer than the mature Lord of Dwaraka, His right hand is often shown to hold a flute – a favorite instrument of the Lord in His younger days.
The upper right hand holds the mace, the upper left hand holds the discus and the lower left hand holds the conch. Ordinarily, it is difficult to see these “ayudhas” of the Lord in His hands.
During festivals, the hands encased in gloves of gold studded with gems.Tourist places like Dunkanath Mahadev, Padukaji, Gangabai Tula, Sri Lakshmiji’s temple, Shardamatha, Radhakunda, Mangal Seewandham, Gomtighat, and naukavihar are located in Dakor.
History of Dakorji Temple
In times of Mahabharata, the surrounding area of Dakor constituted the ‘Hidamba’ van (jungle). It was a very dense jungle and was pleasant and rich with streams and lakes.
It had become an attraction for the sages to establish their hermitage for penance. Likewise, Dank Rishi had his hermitage (ashram) in this area.
During penance Lord Shiva was pleased with him and asked him to demand something. Thereupon, Dank Rishi requested Lord Shiva to remain permanently in his hermitage. Lord Shiva agreed to his request.
He disappeared and left behind him His replica in the form of Ban (Ling), which is known as Danknath Mahadev. Thus in ancient times, Dakor was known as ‘Dankor’ after the name of Dankanth Mahadev.
It was also known as khakhariya because of many khakhra(palash) trees in the vicinity.
Also Read: ABOUT SHRINATHJI TEMPLE, NATHDWARA
Architecture of Dakorji Temple
The present temple was constructed by Shri Gopalrao Jagannath Tambwekar in 1772 A.D. which was built with brick walls and stone pillars.
It is raised on a high plinth of 168 feet by 151 feet with twelve stone steps on each side and surrounded by a spacious courtyard.
It has eight domes and twenty-four turrets, the highest of them being 90 feet making it the tallest temple in the district.
The main gate of the temple overlooks the (now crowded) banks of the lake Gomati.
Silver gates are protected by the Vedic Gods – Lord Ganesha, Sun, Moon, etc beautifully carved in high relief. The gate leads into the main courtyard.
On entering the courtyard, one sees two tall structures. It is used to house the thousands of lamps that are lit during the festive season, on either side.
Back at the front gate, marble stairs lead to the main audience chamber of the temple – the Jagmohan – literally the place where the world is charmed by the beauty of the Lord.
Multi-storied and multi-tiered, this type of structure is very typical of medieval Gujarati temple architecture.
Till recently, the dome was painted with Shri Krishna’s rasa-Lila in the classical Bundi style. It has been replaced by an intricate inlay of mirror work, depicting flowers and trellis in a classical Rajput garden.
Quick Facts:-
- Address: Kapad Bazar Laxmiji Rd, Dakor, Gujarat 388225
- Affiliation: Hinduism
- Deity Worshiped: Lord Vishnu
- Entry Fees: Nil
- Photography: Inside temple premises not allowed
- Time For Darshan: 1- 2 hours hardly
- Temple Timings: 06:45 AM to 12:00 PM || 4:00 PM to 07:30 PM
- Festivals: Sharad Purnima, Janmasthami, Holi and Rathyatra
- Best Time To Visit: September to February
Also Read: ABOUT DWARKADHISH TEMPLE
Pooja Timings
| Timings | From | To |
| Mangla Darshan | 06:45 AM | 8:30 AM |
| Afternoon Closing | 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 04:00 PM | 07:30 PM |
| Temple Closing | 07:30 PM | 06:00 AM |
Interesting Facts about Dakorji Temple
- Lord Ranchhodrai’s form is of Lord Vishnu with four arms.
- Approximately 35 festivals are celebrated at Dakor temple.
- Over 1 lakh devotees visit the shrine. Annakoot is on the first day of the year. At this festival, there are largest amounts of sweets and food preparation offerings to Shri Ranchhodraiji.
- During these festivals, devotees take the idol of Krishna in procession on an elephant. Ardent devotees also play music along with the rhythm.
How to Reach Dakorji Temple ?
By Air
The nearest airport is in Vadodara- 78 km south. But the Ahmedabad airport- 90 km to the northwest, is not much further and has far more flights.
By Rail
Nadiad and Anand are the nearest major railway stations. There is also a slow-train branch line terminus at Umreth-8.4 km away.
By Road
Dakor is in Thasra taluka of Kheda District, 43 km northeast of Anand, and 35 km east of Nadiad. Private and ST buses are available from Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Anand.
Where To Stay?
Book from OYO Rooms
SPOT ON 69674 Hotel Royal Inn Guest House
Book from Booking.com
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