Nestled on the serene banks of Lake Tataliya, just off the Bhavnagar–Rajkot highway near Rajpara village, the Shri Khodiyar Mandir stands as a spiritual beacon for the devotees of Maa Khodiyar. Originally established by Maharaja Wakhatsinhji and later completed under Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji, the temple is managed with devotion and care by the Shri Khodiyar Mandir Trust
With its tranquil ambiance, expansive facilities, and regular ritual schedule, the temple offers a rich and immersive devotional experience.
📅 Pooja & Event Schedule (News & Updates)
The latest events organized by the Trust include:
Lok Dayro: 5 February 2025
Chaitra Navratri Aatham Havan: 5 April 2025
Previous events (for reference/history):
Aso Sud Aatham – 22 October 2023
Shri Khodiyar Mandir Shop opening – 10 November 2023
Gyan Yagna – 24 December 2023
Lok Dayro – 29 January 2024 khodiyarmandirtrust.com
These signature events highlight the Trust’s traditions: vibrant devotional gatherings like Lok Dayro and special community rituals during Navratri. The upcoming Chaitra Navratri Aatham Havan on 5 April 2025 promises a spiritually charged environment filled with traditional rites and community harmony.
🕉️ Daily Aarti & Darshan Timings
According to local temple guides, daily Aarti and darshan happen as follows :
| Day | Morning Aarti | Evening Aarti | Darshan Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday–Saturday | 5:30 AM | 7:00 PM | 5:00 AM–10:00 PM |
| Sunday & Purnima | 5:00 AM | 7:00 PM | 5:00 AM–10:00 PM |
Devotees can attend Mangala Aarti early on Sunday mornings, beginning at 5 AM—a popular ritual time marked by heightened devotion. The temple remains open till 10 PM to accommodate evening seekers, ensuring both early birds and late-hour visitors are well served.
🗓️ Key Annual & Community Gatherings
Lok Dayro: A cultural‑spiritual event featuring devotional singing, storytelling, and collective prayer. The next Lok Dayro is scheduled for 5 February 2025 khodiyarmandirtrust.com.
Navratri Aatham Havan: A powerful homa rite conducted on the eighth day of Navratri. The upcoming session is on 5 April 2025 khodiyarmandirtrust.com.
Aso Sud Aatham (AGo or ritual): Held on 22 October 2023, marking a traditional lunar celebration khodiyarmandirtrust.com.
Gyan Yagna: A collective wisdom ritual that took place on 24 December 2023 khodiyarmandirtrust.com.
By regularly conducting these diverse spiritual programs—from lightning‑fast daily rituals to grand annual ceremonies—the Khodiyar Mandir Trust fosters both devotion and community belonging.
🕰️ Temple Hours & Timings
General access timings are:
Opening: 5 AM
Closing: 10 PM
- On Sundays and special full-moon (Purnima) days, morning darshan begins at 5:00 AM, aligning with the early Aarti schedule. During festivals like Navratri or Lok Dayro, the Trust may extend hours or add sessions—devotees should check current notices or with the temple office.
🏛️ Facilities & Offerings
Managed by the Shri Khodiyar Mandir Trust, the temple complex extends beyond worship:
Dharamshala with two Yatrik Bhawans offering AC and non-AC accommodation, 100 beds across 50 rooms
Bhojanalaya feeding up to 3,000 visitors free daily during morning and evening sessions
Medical aid, ambulance service, and wheelchair access
Ropeway, a garden, and lakefront – thoughtfully built for elderly/disabled pilgrims and children’s recreation .
A diverse Temple Shop offers prasad, handicrafts (like Lapsi), and devotional items
Online offerings such as live darshan, donations, and purchase of prasad and puja items khodiyarmandirtrust.com.
🕉️ Spiritual Essence & Temple History
The temple honors Khodiyar Maa, an incarnation of Adi Shakti with a dramatic history dating to around 700 CE. Born Janbai in Roishala, Saurashtra, she gained renown for saving her brother’s life through bravery—emerging from Naglok on a crocodile and walking with a limp, which led to her name “Khodiyar” (derived from “khod” meaning limp)
King Wakhatsinhji of Bhavnagar invited her divine presence to Shihor—but when he broke his word not to look back, the goddess halted at Rajpara, marking this spot as her settled site. The temple’s construction by Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji in 1911 reflects its historical and royal significance
This legacy resonates every day with ritual sounds, lakefront prayers, and participating congregations, creating a blend of royal history, community bonding, and spiritual serenity.
🙏 Visiting the Temple
Best Time to Visit: Early morning (especially Sunday Mangala Aarti at 5 AM) or any day before 10 PM.
Festivals: Navratri (especially Aatham Havan) and Lok Dayros pack vibrant energy—plan ahead for crowd management.
Nearby Attractions:
Sihor (7 km): Historic sites like the 12th-century Brahma Kund and Vijay Vilas Palace
Palitana (39 km): Renowned Jain pilgrimage hill.
Bhavnagar: Features such as Victoria Park, Nilambag Palace, and the prominent Akshardham Temple Travel & Access:
Bhavnagar airport (22 km), local railway (3 km), and frequent rickshaws from Bhavnagar bus station
📌 Summary
Morning Aarti: 5:00 AM (Sunday/Purnima) or 5:30 AM (other days)
Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM daily
Darshan: 5 AM–10 PM
Major Events: Lok Dayro (5 Feb 2025), Navratri Aatham Havan (5 Apr 2025)
Facilities: Free bhojanalaya, medical aid, accommodations, ropeway, temple shop
This harmonious blend of daily devotion, community rituals, historical depth, and generous facilities makes the Khodiyar Mandir a rich devotional sanctuary.
