Sri Ranchhodrai Temple locates in Dakor, Gujarat. Earlier famous for the worship of Shiva, it developed into a centre of Vaishnavism when another incarnation of Krishna, Ranchodariji, appeared. The Ranchhodrai Temple Timings are from 6 AM to 7:30 PM.
Sri Ranchhodrai Temple
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The state government has recently included Dakor in pilgrimages under the “Yatradham Vikas Board”. The main temple, surrounded by a fort wall, is on the banks of the sacred lake Gomti in the middle of the Dakor main bazaar.
The temple had eight towers and 24 towers, with the central dome reaching a height of 27 meters. The temple is the tallest in the district and had crowned with a golden urn and a white silk flag.
Although not very great at carving, the main Kapola temple architecture derives its influence from the Maharashtra style. It is one of the most ethnically important temples in Gujarat.
In the main hall are paintings depicting events in the life of Lord Krishna. Ranchodji, Lord Krishna, which means “one who left the battlefield”, is believed to have inspired Gopal Jagannath Ambekar of the Peshwa court in Poona with the dream of building a spacious and magnificent temple.
The temple had built in 1772 AD. The main Ranchodroy statue is 1m long and 45cm wide, in black touchstone, adorned with gold, ornaments and expensive clothing. The Gaikwad of Baroda presented a piece of wood adorned with its throne, silver and gold-plated wood. Upstairs at the gate is the Tokorkhana (music room), where music had played every three hours on shehnai and drums.
Sri Bhalachandra Rao and another temple builder Inamdar Tambekar still serve the temple today. Listening to devotional songs sung by Champawatiben Tambekar is a special experience for many people.
What is the Significance
The Ranchhodrai Temple is of great importance to the devotees of Dakor. The temple authorities help the devotees by keeping in view their facilities – Darshan times on different full moon days are different and are announced in advance by the temple authorities.
For the convenience of Vaishnavism, who wishes to offer additional bhogas to God apart from the scheduled ones, there is a condition in the Dakor temple scheme. Accordingly, Mahabhog, Rajbhog and additional bhogas had offered to God.
For all such extra bhogs, devotees can receive prasadam except Rajbhog through the Dakor Sansthan Trust, the oldest bhog in the temple founded by the goddess Sri Ranchhodrai.
Rituals with Darshan
The importance of each bhog and the ritual associated with the darshans are very important to the Sri Ranchhodarim temple.
Mangala Darshan:
Mangala Darshan is the first darshan of the day at dawn. While in Gokulam in this darshan, the emotion of waking up Ranchhodrai with the same affection and love his mother Yashoda had seen in this darshan. The name Mangala emphasizes the auspiciousness of starting the day with a vision of God.
Kesar Snan, Bal Bhog, Shringar Darshan:
The Shringar darshan is usually 45 minutes after the Mars darshan. According to the lunar calendar, his attire had based on the day and month. Ranchodrize had adorned with a wreath at the neck and a flute on his shoulder. Devotees will serve dry fruits and sweets.
Gwal Bhog Darshan:
After the romantic darshan, during the Gwal darshan, the Lord gives him his afternoon breakfast, yoghurt and light food during this darshan. Gwal Darshan depicts Lord Ranchhodrai taking his cows to the pasture and playing with his friends.
Rajbhog Darshan:
Ranchhodrai served as the day’s main meal during this darshan and is decorated with lotus flowers, garlands and a flute. The perfume of the season is chilled. After this, he flees for three hours, representing Siesta, who enjoys the meadows.
Utthapan Darshan:
During the noon uplift vision, Lord Ranchodrize wakes up lovingly from his afternoon nap.
Shayan Darshan:
Shayan Darshan is the last darshan of the day after Lord Ranchhodrai ‘s light meal. A fan-made peacock feather had swung to prevent the effects of any evil eye when it is in the public eye.
History
During the Mahabharata period, the surrounding area of Dakor had known as ‘Hidamba’ Van (forest). It is a very dense forest. Ranchhodrai temple was pleasant and abundant, with streams and lakes. It has become an attraction for sages to establish their ashram for penance.
Similarly, Dank Rishi has his ashram (ashram) in this area. While doing penance, Lord Shiva was pleased with him and asked him to ask for something. After that, Dank Rishi requested Lord Shiva stay in his ashram permanently.
Lord Shiva agreed to his request. He disappeared and left his replica in the form of a ban (ling) known as Dankanath Mahadev. So in ancient times, Dakor was known as ‘Dankor’ after Dankant Mahadev. It is also known as Khakharia, as there are many Khakhra (Palash) trees around.
Sri Ranchhodrai Temple Dakor Architecture
Sri Gopalarao Jagannatha Tambvekar built the present temple in 1772 AD at the cost of one lakh. It had been built with brick walls and stone pillars. Ranchhodrai Temple was built on a 168-foot by 151-foot-high foundation with twelve stone steps on each side and a spacious courtyard.
It has eight towers and twenty-four turrets, the tallest temple in the district, with a maximum height of 90 feet. The main entrance to the temple overlooks the (currently congested) shores of Lake Gomti.
The silver gates guarded by Vedic deities – Lord Ganesha, the sun, the moon, etc.- are beautifully carved. The gate leads into the main courtyard. Upon entering the courtyard, you will see two tall structures used to place thousands of lights on either side during the festivities.
At the back front door, the marble stairs lead to the main spectator room of the temple – Jagjamohan – a place where the world is captivated by the beauty of God. This type of structure is typical of the architectural style of the medieval Gujarati temple.
Until recently, the dome depicted Sri Krishna in the classical cart style with rasa-lilas and replaced it with intricate inlays of mirrored work depicting flowers and trellis in the traditional Rajput garden.
Festivals
Various festivals had celebrated at the Sri Ranchhodrai Temple Dakor. About 35 festivals had celebrated at the Dakor Temple. Starring Karthik Falgun, Chaitra and Ashwin Purnima. More than one lakh devotees visit the Lord.
Annakoot is the first day of the year. During this festival, they made the highest amount of sweets and food preparation offerings to Sri Ranchhodrai. Vaishnava festivals include Holi, Amalaki Ekadashi, Janmashtami, Nanda Mahotsav, Rath Yatra and Dashara.
During these festivals, devotees parade the idol of Lord Krishna on an elephant. Passionate devotees also play music along with the rhythm. Hindola and Palna festivals had also celebrated.
Where to stay
You can find accommodation near the Ranchhodrai Temple Dakor:
Hotel Arizona Inn, AnandS Road, opposite- S.R. Park, is famous for its luxurious rooms and good accommodation. It is a pure vegetarian hotel. Hotel Relax on the 3rd floor, Haribo Business Bhuvan, GPO Road, is a great place to check in.
Nearby places to visit
- DWARKADHISH TEMPLE
- MAHALAKSHMI TEMPLE
- GOMTI KUNDA
- DANKANATH MAHADEV
Ranchhodrai Temple Timings
Below are the Ranchhodrai Temple Timings:
| Ranchhodrai Temple 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 |
How to reach
Here is how to reach Ranchhodrai Temple Dakor:
By Air:
Several domestic flights are available from Ahmedabad to Delhi, Bombay, Daman and Pune.
By Rail:
It is on the Anand Godhra Broad-Gauge Railway and is connected to Nadiad and Godhra by a state highway.
By Road:
State transport bus services connect Dakor with Nadiad, Ahmedabad, Kapadwanj, Baroda, Bombay and other places.
Address
Ranchhodrai Temple
Kapad Bazar Laxmiji Rd, Dakor, Gujarat 388225