Dakor Shri Ranchhodraiji Temple

Shree Ranchhodraiji Temple is located in Dakor, Kheda district. This temple is also known as Dakor Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ranchhodrai in the form of Lord Krishna. Dakor Temple is a pilgrimage site where Lord Krishna is worshipped and attracts a large number of devotees. Devotees visit the temple to take blessings, offer prayers, and perform various religious rituals.

The temple was built in 1772 by Gopal Jagannath Tambweskar. The temple honours the legend story of Lord Krishna relocating from Dwarka to Dakor with the devotee, Bandana. The main impressive features of the temple are 8 domes, 24 turrets, and intricate gold and silver embellishments. The beautiful idol of Lord Ranchodhji attracts many visitors from various places. To get more details, check our latest blog on Dakor Shree Ranchhodraiji Temple Darshan and Aarti Timings. For more details Check our blog on Dakor Shri Ranchodraiji Temple Timing and Aarti.

Hidden Story Behind Shri Ranchhodraiji Temple in Dakor

Shree Ranchhodraiji Temple, also called Dakor Mandir, is in Dakor, Gujarat. It was built in 1772. The temple is famous for its big structure and beautiful sculptures. It is a popular place for Lord Krishna’s devotees. The temple’s history is linked to a devotee named Vijaysinh Bodana. To worship Lord Krishna, he used to walk to Dwarka.  on his dream as he got older, Lord Krishna requested that he transport the idol on a bullock cart from Dwarka to Dakor.  Krishna touched a neem tree part on route, and it turned flavourful and is still sweet today. Priests from Dwarka attempted to retrieve the idol when Bodana arrived in Dakor.  Bodana was asked by Lord Krishna to conceal it in Gomati Lake.  Bodana was killed in the battle, and the river became red.  Afterwards, Krishna instructed Gangabai, Bodana's wife, to give the priests gold according to the idol's weight.  The priests went back to Dwarka since her lone nose ring was more apparent than the idol.  Additionally, Krishna assured them that after six months, another idol will grow up in Dwarka. As Shree Ranchhodrai, also known as Dakor Na Thakor, Lord Krishna has been in Dakor ever since.  The statue was initially housed in Bodana's home and the Danknath Mahadev temple.  Pushtimarg ceremonies were later introduced by Harirayjee Maharaj, a grandson of Vallabhacharya, and are being practiced today.

History of Ranchhodraiji Temple

Dakor was a jungle known as Hidamba Van long ago, before the time of the Mahabharata. There were several lakes, streams, and trees. Many yogis came here for penance, and the location was serene. In this nature preserve was the ashram of a sage by the name of Dank Rishi. His penance delighted Lord Shiva, who then appeared. He was invited to make a request by Shiva. Dank Rishi asked Lord Shiva to remain in his solitary indefinitely. Lord Shiva concurred. After then, Shiva disappeared and stopped to exist as a Shivlinga. Danknath Mahadev was the name given to this Shivlinga. The location was given the name Dankor as a result. Because so many khakhra (palash) trees grew there, it was also known as Khakhariya.

Architecture of Ranchhodraiji Temple in Dakor

At a cost of one lakh rupees, Shri Gopalrao Jagannath Tambwekar constructed the current Shree Ranchhodraiji Temple in 1772.  The temple has a large courtyard. There are twelve steps on each side. It has eight domes and twenty-four turrets. The walls are made of brick and supported by stone pillars. It is the tallest temple in the area. The highest tower is 90 feet. The silver gates face Lake Gomati. They are decorated with carvings of Vedic gods. Tall light towers and a Nagarkhana (drum house) are features of the interior courtyard, where music is performed during aarti and darshan.  The largest audience hall, the Jagmohan, is reached by marble steps and has a dome decorated with paintings showing the life of Lord Krishna and mirror work. The sanctum is in a straight line from the entrance. Lord Ranchhodrai sits under a golden-pillared pavilion on a marble platform, with silver-covered doors and windows. Special rooms connect to the sanctum, including the priests’ bathing chamber and the Lord’s treasury of jewels and clothes. The doors remain open most of the day so devotees can have darshan.

Facts about Shree Ranchhodraiji Temple

• Shree Ranchhodraiji Temple is in Dakor, Kheda district.
• It is also called Dakor Temple.
• The temple is near Lake Gomti, in the centre of Dakor’s main bazaar.
• It is surrounded by a fort wall.
• The temple has 8 domes and 24 turrets.
• The height of the central dome is 27 meters.
• It is the district's highest temple.
• A golden kalash and a white silken flag crown the temple.
• “Ranchhodji” means “he who left the battlefield,” another name for Lord Krishna.
• Inspired by this, Gopal Jagannath Ambekar built the temple in 1772 AD.
• Ranchhodrai's idol stands one metre tall and forty-five centimetres broad.
• It is decorated with diamonds, gold, and elegant clothing.
• The throne, which was fashioned out of wood and coated in gold and silver, was a gift from the Gaekwad of Baroda.
• Dakor is both a pilgrimage site and a trading centre for puja items.
• The Government of Gujarat has chosen Dakor as one of six major pilgrimage sites under the “Yatradham Vikas Board.”
• Plans are being made to develop it for the millions of pilgrims who visit.

Best Time to Visit Dakor Temple

The temple can be visited from October to March, the winter months when the weather is convenient to visit, and the devotees can easily visit and have darshan at the temple.

How to Reach Dakor Temple

The temple is situated in an area that is well connected to the different cities of Gujarat by different modes of transport. Some ways to reach this temple are given below.

By Rail

Dakor has its own railway station situated 1 km from the temple. The station is connected with many trains from different cities.

By Road

The bus and taxi facilities are available to Dakor very easily, and the highways from different cities in Gujarat connect to Dakor, which helps one to easily reach the temple.

By Air

The nearest airport is Vadodara Harni Airport, 78 km. The nearest international airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport Ahmedabad, which is 91 km from the temple. Thus, from the airport, one can easily get the taxi or road transport to the temple.