Visit Shri Ranchhodraiji Maharaj Temple: The Temple in Dakor Where Lord Krishna Stood Up For A Devotee (2024)

The Shri Ranchhodraiji Maharaj Temple is in the Kheda district of Gujarat in Dakor. The temple is a popular one, and you will see people coming to pay their respects all through the year. Read on to know what to expect at Shri Ranchhodraiji Maharaj Temple if you plan to visit it.

The Rannchhodraiji Maharaj Temple Experience

The Sanctum Sanctorum has the image of Lord Vishnu with four arms, and the arms bear the lotus, the conch, the mace, and the discus. Experts concede that the temple originates from the 1700s.

The Shri Ranchhodraiji Maharaj Temple is in dedication to Lord Krishna. The temple premises are huge, and there is a water body nearby. The color all around the temple is white, and the pillars are dark pink. The Shri Ranchhodraiji Maharaj Temple is one of the more colorful and vibrant looking Hindu temples. 

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Another unique aspect of the Ranchhodraiji Maharaj temple is that it is in the middle of the main bazaar, something that we rarely see, and only in places like Mumbai, which is evolving every second anyway.

At every temple in Gujarat, you also get a glimpse of contemporary and ancient Gujarat style of art, like the small sculptures of the white bird at the top arch.

The Shri Rannchhodraiji Maharaj Temple Legend

The Shri Ranchhodraiji Maharaj Temple has its place in Hindu mythology as well. According to experts, Lord Krishna came here with the Sage Bodana from Dwarka.

The legend of the Ranchhodrai Maharaj temple goes thus. There was once a man, Vijayanad, who was too proud to pray to Lord Krishna and stayed at home when his colleagues would pray to the Lord. Seeing this, Lord Krishna came to meet him and befriended him.

On the occasion of Holi, they played in the water, and that is when Lord Krishna took his real avatar. Vijayanad was overwhelmed and begged for forgiveness. At that time, Lord Krishna gave him a boon that for his next birth, Vijayanad will be born a devotee of Lord Krishna.

In the next birth, Vijayanad prayed to Lord Krishna in the temple for 72 years. Seeing that it was difficult for Vijayanand to come to Dwarika any longer, Lord Krishna promised him that he would accompany Vijayanand to his abode. When the priests of the Dwarika temple found this, they closed and locked the sanctum sanctorum for the night. However, Lord Krishna broke open the door and left with his devotee. The story ends with the death of Vijayanad and the return of Lord Krishna to the Dwarika temple.

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This myth is one of the few that are complicated and has various versions, depending on who you ask. However, the fact stands that this is one of the more popular Hindu temples in the region.

Devotees still visit the place related to this legend, and there is a temple of Vijayanand Bodana nearby, which you can visit.

The idol is dark and is routinely dressed in decorative attire, ranging from red to blue to gold. The idol is placed in a gold structure.

You will be able to spend around an hour at the Shri Ranchhodraiji Maharaj Temple, taking in the calmness and serenity that surrounds the temple.

There are some vendors of local food around, so you can buy water and some snacks if you plan to spend an extended amount of time here. The number of vendors has increased, so it has become a veritable market, you can buy snacks and beverages. You can spend some time in these streets, getting a knack for the lifestyle of the locals here.

The shops here sell everything from snacks, beverages to mementos of your temple visit. It’s a bazaar, so you will also see shops selling other objects like utensils, clothes. All this makes it a complete outing that has something for everyone – from those who want to taste local cuisine to those who like to take meaningful mementos back home.

There are a lot of activities and destinations near the Shri Ranchhodraiji Maharaj temple, and you can spend the whole day or even the weekend making these trips.

Places to Visit Near Shri Rannchhodraiji Maharaj Temple

To begin with, you can visit the Statue of Unity and the Somnath Temple. If you are up for travel up to five hours, you can look to visit places like the Tirupati National Park. Nearby the temple, you have the Gomti lake, which is a picnic spot as there are some picnic activities, like boat rides available. The Gomti lake is also home to aquatic life, you can catch a glimpse of the turtles, fishes, and others. 

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Nearby, you will also see some ancient Havelis, a dharmsala, and other such places of tourist interest. There’s also a lodge that offers affordable accommodation. 

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The temple authorities have taken complete care of the devotees. It runs a trust that runs an affordable hotel as well as a rest house for devotees, making the entire experience great for the mind and less on the pocket. 

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Shri Ranchhodraiji temple is a two-hour drive from Ahmedabad. So, you could check out the hotels in and around Ahmedabad if you intend to stay overnight. Several hotels offer accommodation at a range of prices. If you are looking to book the hotels online, make sure that you read the rules and regulations and fine print.

How To Reach Shri Rannchhodraiji Maharaj Temple?

Address: Kapad Bazar Laxmiji Rd, Dakor, Gujarat 388225

Rannchoddraiji Temple is in Dakor, which is about an hour away from Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad is well connected to the cities and states in India.

So, you have flights from Mumbai, Delhi, as well as trains and buses. From Ahmedabad, you can travel to Dakor via bus or train or private vehicle. Rannchhodraiji temple is about a 100 km away from Ahmedabad, which makes it a two hour drive.