About Khodiyar Mata Temple, Rajpara
The Khodiyar Mata Temple stands on the bank of Tataliya lake near Rajpara village in Sihor taluka, about 15 km from Bhavnagar on the road to Rajkot. Goddess Khodiyar is one of the most popular folk goddesses of Gujarat and is honoured as the guiding goddess of the Gohil Rajputs, the former rulers of Bhavnagar. She is usually shown as a young woman with a trident, riding a crocodile. Devotees from across Gujarat visit throughout the year, and Sundays, Tuesdays and full-moon days are the busiest; many walk from Bhavnagar overnight to attend the dawn aarti.
According to tradition, Khodiyar was the youngest of seven daughters born to the bard Mamadiya Gadhvi near the old capital of Vallabhi, granted to him by the blessing of Lord Shiva. Folk memory links her worship with the Gohil ruler Ranji Gohil in the 13th century, when she was already a local goddess. At Rajpara a modest shrine was first set up by Maharaja Wakhatsinhji of Bhavnagar. In the early 20th century Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji rebuilt it as the present temple, laid a proper road, provided drinking water and arranged a railway halt, and in 1953 he created the Shri Khodiyar Mandir Trust to look after the shrine.
The temple is set at the edge of the lake, and its white spires and courtyard are framed by water and low hills. Inside, the image of the goddess receives offerings of coconuts, chunris and sweets, and the main prasad is lapsi, a sweet dish of broken wheat. The trust runs two pilgrim guest houses, a dining hall, a havan area and free medical services. Behind the temple a ropeway carries visitors from the base up to a small shrine on the hilltop, which gives views over Tataliya lake and the surrounding countryside.
Khodiyar Mata Temple, Rajpara timings & aarti
Usually open from about 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Mangla aarti | At dawn (approx.) |
| Sandhya aarti | At sunset |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Khodiyar Mata Temple, Rajpara
By air
Bhavnagar airport is about 20 km away.
By train
Khodiyar Mandir station on the Bhavnagar–Dhola line is next to the temple; Bhavnagar station has trains to Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
By road
The temple is on the Bhavnagar–Rajkot highway just before Rajpara, about 15 km from Bhavnagar; buses and taxis are easy to find.
Festivals at Khodiyar Mata Temple, Rajpara
- Sharad NavratriSep/Oct
- Chaitra NavratriMar/Apr
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended.
- Entry
- Free. Ropeway rides to the hilltop shrine are ticketed.
- Taste the lapsi prasad, the temple's signature offering.
- Visit on a weekday to avoid the Sunday and Tuesday crowds.
- Take the ropeway to the hilltop shrine for views over the lake.
- Use only the official trust website or counters for donations and puja bookings.
Places to visit near Khodiyar Mata Temple, Rajpara
- Hilltop shrineSmall shrine reached by ropeway, just behind the temple
- BhavnagarFormer princely capital with palaces and temples, about 15 km away
- Palitana (Shatrunjaya)Famous Jain hill of temples, about two hours by road
Frequently asked questions
Where is Khodiyar Mata temple Rajpara?
It is on the bank of Tataliya lake near Rajpara village, about 15 km from Bhavnagar on the Bhavnagar–Rajkot highway.
What are the Khodiyar Mandir Rajpara timings?
It is usually open from about 4 AM to 10 PM. Times may vary; check locally.
What is the prasad at Khodiyar temple?
Lapsi, a sweet made from broken wheat, is the main prasad.
Who built the Rajpara Khodiyar temple?
Maharaja Wakhatsinhji first set up a shrine, and Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji of Bhavnagar built the present temple in the early 20th century.
What is the aarti time at Khodiyar Mata Temple, Rajpara?
Mangla aarti: At dawn (approx.); Sandhya aarti: At sunset. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Khodiyar Mata Temple, Rajpara?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended.
How to reach Khodiyar Mata Temple, Rajpara?
By air: Bhavnagar airport is about 20 km away. By train: Khodiyar Mandir station on the Bhavnagar–Dhola line is next to the temple; Bhavnagar station has trains to Ahmedabad and Mumbai. By road: The temple is on the Bhavnagar–Rajkot highway just before Rajpara, about 15 km from Bhavnagar; buses and taxis are easy to find.
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