Khodiyar Mata Temple - Rajpara, Bhavnagar, Gujarat - Gujarat places

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 Khodiyar Mata Temple - Rajpara, Bhavnagar, Gujarat - Gujarat places




The Khodiyar Temple, located on the outskirts of Bhavnagar, approximately 15 kilometers away from the city, holds a special place among devotees of Khodiyar Ma (Khodiyar Mata), despite being constructed relatively recently in the mid-twentieth century. The temple is situated on the banks of Tataniya Wali Lake and features a ropeway that connects the base of the hill to a shrine at the hill's summit. Lapsi (broken wheat dessert) is the primary prasad (offering) at the temple.

**Brief History of Khodiyar Mata**:
Khodiyar Mata is revered as a prominent Hindu goddess, believed to have been born into the Charan community around 700 AD. She is considered to be the daughter of Mamad Ji Charan, who was blessed by Lord Shiva and Nagdev with seven daughters and a son. Khodiyar Mata has temples dedicated to her in various locations across Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Mumbai.

The legend surrounding the goddess and the construction of this temple is as follows:

Maharaja Wakhatsinghji Gohil, who ruled the Bhavnagar region from 1748 to 1816, was a devoted follower of Khodiyar Mata. Once, he fervently prayed to the goddess to manifest herself in her true form in Sihor, the capital of Bhavnagar. Khodiyar Mata appeared before him and instructed him to lead the way, with the condition that he should not turn around to see if she was following him. Wakhatsinghji walked for a long distance until he stopped just short of Sihor, in Rajpara, to verify if she was still present. The Goddess indeed remained there but stayed true to her promise and did not move an inch forward. She and her sisters decided to stay at that spot, leading to the construction of the Khodiyar Temple.

**Best Time to Visit**:
The best time to visit the Khodiyar Temple is from November to February. During this period, the weather in Bhavnagar is relatively pleasant, making it an ideal time for devotees and tourists to explore the temple and its surroundings.

The Khodiyar Temple not only holds religious significance but also offers a peaceful and scenic location for visitors to experience the culture and traditions associated with Khodiyar Mata worship.