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Shri Ranchhodraiji Maharaj Temple, Dakor

Dakor, Thasra taluka, Kheda district · Lord Ranchhodrai, a form of Krishna (Vishnu), worshipped as the young Krishna

Gujarat's Krishna temple of the Purnima padyatras, where the Lord is said to have come from Dwarka for one devotee.

The Ranchhodraiji Temple at Dakor in Kheda district is one of Gujarat's best-loved Vishnu and Krishna temples. Lord Ranchhodrai is worshipped here as the young Krishna, not as Dwarkadhish. According to the temple's own history, he came from Dwarka to Dakor to be with his devotee Bodana. The present temple was built in 1772. Every Purnima (full moon) lakhs of pilgrims, many on foot, come to Dakor, and the Phagni Purnima (Holi) fair and Sharad Purnima are the biggest days.

Timings

• Darshan, morning: Approx. 6:30 AM – 11:55 AM (listed by the government's Utsav portal and travel guides; the temple publishes daily timing notices on its site)
• Temple closed: Approx. 12:00 noon – 4:00 PM
• Darshan, evening: Approx. 4:00 – 7:30 PM
• Festival days: Timings change on Purnima and festivals. For example, in March 2025 Mangala aarti was at 5:00 AM on 13 March and 4:00 AM on 14 March (DeshGujarat). Check ranchhodraiji.org or phone the temple.

Daily rituals

• About 6:45 AM – Mangala aarti: The first aarti of the day, as listed by travel guides.
• About 11:30 AM – Rajbhog: The midday food offering.
• 12:00 – 4:00 PM – Rest: The temple's website says the main doors close in the afternoon and at night, when the Lord rests.
• About 4:15 PM – Utthapan: The Lord is awakened and darshan resumes.
• About 7:00 PM – Sandhya aarti: The evening aarti, as listed by travel guides.
• About 7:30 PM – Shayan aarti: The last aarti before the Lord rests.

Darshan types and costs

• General darshan – Free. Walk-in queue. Very crowded on Purnima, the Phagni Purnima fair and festival days.

Sevas and costs at Shri Ranchhodraiji Maharaj Temple, Dakor

Vastra Nodhni (clothing offering) – Morning vastra ₹5,000; evening vastra ₹2,500 (temple's site). Fabric and tailoring are extra.

When: On the date you book (morning or evening vastra)

The family offers the clothes worn by the deity on the booked day. The temple's site lists the seasonal fabric schedule and says a sari for Laxmiji (with morning clothes), a pitambar for Thakorji and Garudji's clothes must be submitted the day before.

How to book: Online on ranchhodraiji.org: log in with a Google account, choose morning or evening, pick a date and pay within 60 minutes. The site says dates up to 31 March 2027 were fully booked when we checked.

Persons allowed: Family or individual (one date per email account)

Certain fixed dates and the whole Dhanu month are not given to devotees. If the temple uses its own clothes on your date, you are given a different date (temple's terms).

How to book darshan

Darshan is free and walk-in. The only online booking we found on the temple's site is Vastra Nodhni (clothing offering) and online donations. Daily timings are posted on the site.

Vastra Nodhni steps (temple site)

1. For darshan, go in person. There is no ticket.
2. For a Vastra Nodhni, open the temple's site, log in with a Google account and follow the steps; pay within 60 minutes.
3. Submit the clothes at the temple the day before your date.
4. To donate online, use the Donation page on ranchhodraiji.org only.
5. Phone for questions: +91 2699 244492 (as listed on the temple site).

Booking safely

• The only online booking we found is Vastra Nodhni and donation, both on ranchhodraiji.org. Do not pay anyone else for special darshan or puja.
• Vastra Nodhni is paid only inside the temple's own booking page.

Check the temple's own site for the daily darshan timing notice and phone +91 2699 244492 if in doubt.

Prasadam and offerings

• Temple prasad – Check at the temple. The temple site lists daily materials and an offerings (nyochavar) list. We could not read the prices.

• Tulsi leaves: Tulsi is the traditional offering to Ranchhodrai, recalling Bodana's journeys to Dwarka with tulsi.
• Donation: The temple has a Donation page and an FCRA registration page on its site.

Dress code

Modest clothing. Remove footwear before entering.

Temple etiquette

• Follow the barricades and police instructions on Purnima, when crowds are very large.
• Do not carry large bags; security checks may be done on busy days.
• Do not offer money to anyone who claims to arrange special darshan.
• Check the photography rule at the gate.

Why it matters

The temple's website says Dakor was once a centre of Shiva worship around the Danknath temple, and became a Vaishnava centre after the Ranchhodraiji temple was built in 1772.

Devotees believe the Lord moved from Dwarka to Dakor at the request of a devoted Rajput named Bodana, who used to walk to Dwarka every six months with tulsi leaves. Dakor is therefore a place where the Lord is said to have come to his devotee.

Purnima (full moon) days are the most important. Many pilgrims walk to Dakor on foot, especially for Phagni Purnima, the Holi full moon.

Legends

Bodana and the journey from Dwarka

The temple's history page tells it this way. In a past life, Vijayanand was a cowherd in Gokul who skipped the Holi worship of Krishna. Krishna granted him a boon, and he was reborn in Gujarat as Bodana, a Rajput of Dakor, with his wife reborn as Gangabai. Bodana walked to Dwarka every six months with tulsi leaves. When he grew old, Krishna told him to bring a bullock cart to Dwarka, and the Lord travelled to Dakor with him. The Gugli priests of Dwarka chased them. Bodana hid the image in the Gomti tank.

The idol weighed in gold

The same page says the Gugli priests demanded the image back. Krishna told Gangabai to offer gold equal to its weight. The image became as light as her gold nose-ring, which was all she had, and the priests were told they would find another image in Dwarka. The temple's page says the red soil near the Gomti tank is linked to this story.

History

1769: Land grants to the temple servants

The temple's history page says Gopal Jagannath Tambwekar petitioned the Peshwa and the Gaikwad for land to support the deity. Peshwa Madhavrao Ballal gave the village of Dakor and Sayajirao Gaikwad gave Kanjari, as the Dakor Sansthan.

1772: Present temple built

The temple's about page says the present temple was built in 1772 by Shri Gopalrao Jagannath Tambwekar, at a cost of one lakh rupees.

1879 – 1916: Scheme and committee

A Sansthan Scheme was framed in 1879; the Temple Committee took over management in 1905; and the Privy Council approved the Dakor Temple Scheme in 1916 (temple's history page).

1952: Public Religious Trust

The temple was registered as a Public Religious Trust in 1952 (temple's history page).

2026: Large crowds

The Phagni Purnima fair of 27 February to 4 March 2026 was planned for over 8 lakh devotees. On Adhik Maas Purnima (June 2026), about 3–4 lakh pilgrims came, according to DeshGujarat.

Architecture

The temple's website says the original shrine is now enclosed in a large complex set in a square with four gates at the cardinal points, and offices and storerooms along the outer perimeter.

It stands on a raised plinth of 168 by 151 feet with twelve steps on each side. It has eight domes and twenty-four turrets, and the tallest is about 90 feet (temple's about page). The audience hall (Jagmohan) is topped by a dome that was recently decorated with mirror work. Silver gates show Vedic deities.

The main gate overlooks Lake Gomati (Gomti). Two tall lamp towers in the courtyard are lit in the festive season.

What to see

• Ranchhodrai's image: A four-armed image holding conch, lotus, discus and mace. The website says the right hand is often shown with a flute, because he is worshipped as the young Krishna. Gold gloves are placed on the hands during festivals.
• Silver gates: Silver gates carry carvings of Ganesha, the Sun, the Moon and other Vedic deities.
• Nagarkhana drums: Drummers play from a balcony above the main gate during main darshans and aarti.
• Gomti lake: The lake beside the main gate, linked to the Bodana legend.
• Friday procession to Lakshmiji's temple: Each Friday a procession goes from the main temple to Lakshmiji's temple, where the Lord is believed to visit his wife (temple's about page).

How to cover the temple

The usual route: park, walk to the Gomti lake and the main gate, climb the twelve steps into the courtyard, have darshan of Ranchhodrai, and see the silver gates and the Jagmohan hall. Aim for the morning darshan or the late afternoon darshan, and avoid Purnima.

1. Parking and lanes: On fair days follow police instructions for parking outside the town and walk or take a shuttle.
2. Beside the main gate: See the Gomti lake, linked to the legend of Bodana and the Lord's coming to Dakor.
3. The main gate and twelve steps: The temple stands on a raised plinth with twelve steps on each side (temple's about page).
4. Ranchhodrai: Darshan of the four-armed image, worshipped as the young Krishna.
5. Jagmohan and silver gates: See the dome with mirror work and the silver gates with the Vedic deities.
6. Prasad: Take prasad and leave before the afternoon closing (about 12 noon).

Customs and traditions

Purnima padyatra (walking pilgrimage)

Pilgrims walk to Dakor on full-moon days, especially for Phagni Purnima.

A vow of devotion to Ranchhodrai. DeshGujarat notes that many arrive on foot, causing heavy crowding on all roads.

Walk in daylight, in groups, and keep to the roadside.

Vastra Nodhni (clothing offering)

A family offers the clothes worn by the Lord on a booked day.

A form of seva to the deity.

Book on the temple's site: ₹5,000 for morning, ₹2,500 for evening. Fabric and tailoring are extra.

Friday procession to Lakshmiji's temple

A procession goes from the main temple through the town to the temple of Lakshmiji.

The Lord is believed to visit his wife there (temple's about page).

Watch from the roadside on a Friday.

Gold in return for the idol

The legend says Gangabai gave gold equal to the idol's weight to the Dwarka priests, and the idol became as light as her gold nose-ring.

The temple's history page recounts it as the reason the Lord stayed at Dakor.

It is a story to listen to; no ritual is required.

For elders and differently-abled visitors

Access: Moderate. The temple is in the town on flat ground, with twelve steps up to the plinth. On normal days the queue is manageable. On Purnima and the Phagni fair, crowds are very heavy and elders should stay away.

• No separate senior-citizen queue was found on the temple's site.
• No wheelchair information was found. The temple stands on a plinth with twelve steps on each side (temple's about page), so ask the staff at the gate.
• Twelve steps on each side up to the plinth.

Waiting time

Not published. Weekday mornings and late afternoons are usually quiet.

Purnima, the Phagni Purnima (Holi) fair and Sharad Purnima. The June 2026 Adhik Maas Purnima drew an estimated 3–4 lakh pilgrims (DeshGujarat).

Best time to visit

Weekday mornings are calm. Purnima days are very crowded. Phagni Purnima (Holi, February–March) and Sharad Purnima (October) are the biggest. October to February is the pleasant season.

Festivals

Phagni Purnima (Holi) fair (Phalguna Purnima (February–March))

A five-day mela in 2026 (27 February to 4 March) with over 8 lakh devotees expected, many on foot. The authorities planned 44 barricades from the town entrance to the temple, temporary bus stands and over 2,000 police (DeshGujarat, February 2026).

Sharad Purnima (Ashwin Purnima (October))

A major full-moon festival.

Purnima (every full moon) (Monthly)

The temple has a Purnima & Utsav section. Adhik Maas Purnima in June 2026 drew about 3–4 lakh pilgrims, with a special Mangal Seva darshan (DeshGujarat).

Janmashtami, Dol Yatra and Tulsi Vivah (Through the year)

Krishna festivals listed in travel sources.

How to reach Shri Ranchhodraiji Maharaj Temple, Dakor

• By air: Ahmedabad (about 90 km) and Vadodara (about 90 km) have the nearest airports (approx.).
• By rail: Dakor has its own railway station; Anand and Nadiad are the nearest large stations (approx.).
• By road: Dakor is reached by state roads from Nadiad, Anand, Thasra and Ahmedabad. ST buses run from Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Nadiad and Anand (DeshGujarat). For fairs, temporary bus stands and separate parking are set up.

Road safety

Dakor is a small town on the flat Kheda plains, so the roads are easy. The risk is Purnima: lakhs of pilgrims, many on foot, fill every road, and the authorities close and divert traffic.

The town lanes near the temple and the Gomti lake are narrow. On fair days barricades run from the town entrance to the temple gate and cars must use the parking areas set aside outside (DeshGujarat, February 2026).

Full road-safety guide

Where to stay

The temple's website does not publish a room-booking system in the pages we read. Dakor has dharamshalas and lodges, and larger hotels are in Anand, Nadiad and Ahmedabad.

• Dharamshalas and lodges in Dakor – Check on arrival. Walk in; book in advance for Purnima and the Phagni fair.
• Hotels in Anand, Nadiad or Ahmedabad – approx. ₹1,500 – ₹6,000/night. Book through known travel sites.

Suggested plan

A day from Ahmedabad

• Leave early; reach Dakor for the morning darshan.
• See the Gomti lake and the silver gates.
• Take prasad and return before the afternoon closing.
• On Purnima, plan an even earlier start and expect closed roads.

Tips

• Avoid Purnima if you have elders or small children.
• Check the temple's site for the day's darshan timing notice.
• For a Vastra Nodhni, book only on the temple's own site.
• On fair days, use the parking areas set aside by the authorities and walk in.

Frequently asked questions

What are the timings?

About 6:30 AM to 11:55 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM, with the temple closed in the afternoon. Timings change on Purnima and festivals; the temple posts daily notices.

Can I book a seva online?

The temple site offers online Vastra Nodhni (₹5,000 morning, ₹2,500 evening) and donations. Dates up to March 2027 were fully booked when we checked.

Who built the temple?

The temple's site says Gopalrao Jagannath Tambwekar built it in 1772.

What is the story of Dakor?

The Lord is said to have come from Dwarka to Dakor with his devotee Bodana.

Temples nearby

• Shri Kalika Mata (Mahakali) Temple, Pavagadh – Pavagadh Hill, near Champaner, Panchmahal district (about 73 km by road)
• Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Temple, Ambaji – Ambaji, Danta taluka, Banaskantha district (near the Rajasthan border) (about 247 km by road)
• Shrinathji Haveli, Nathdwara – Nathdwara, Rajsamand district (about 48 km north-east of Udaipur) (about 293 km by road)

More Krishna temples

• Sri Krishna Matha, Udupi – Car Street (Ratha Beedi), Udupi, Udupi district
• Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple – Guruvayur, Thrissur district
• Shri Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan – Vrindavan, Mathura district
• Shri Krishna Janmasthan, Mathura – Katra Keshav Dev, Mathura
• Shri Dwarkadhish Temple (Jagat Mandir), Dwarka – Dwarka, Devbhumi Dwarka district
• Shri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir, Pandharpur – Pandharpur, Solapur district, on the Chandrabhaga (Bhima) river

All Krishna temples

Official website: www.ranchhodraiji.org

Sources

• Shri Ranchhodraiji Maharaj Mandir, Dakor – official website
• Temple site – About the temple
• Temple site – History
• Temple site – Management
• Temple site – Vastra Nodhni steps
• Utsav (Ministry of Tourism) – Shri Ranchhodraiji live darshan
• DeshGujarat – Phagni Purnima fair arrangements at Dakor (Feb 2026)
• DeshGujarat – Lakhs throng Dakor on Adhik Maas Purnima (June 2026)
• DeshGujarat – Dakor gears up for Holi (Mar 2025)

Last checked: 2026-10. Timings and fees change – confirm with the temple before you travel.