Khodiyar Mata Temple Matel

Also known locally as Khodal, Trishuldhari, Maavdi, Matel Khodiyar Mata Mandir, and Matel Tirth Dham, this ancient village temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakti, with additional shrines for Shiva, Durga, Lakshmi, and Hanuman.

The temple is recognized as a living heritage site, managed by a local trust and panchayat, and has been supported by regional rulers and local patrons over centuries. Devotees can visit the temple daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

The best time to experience the spiritual atmosphere is during the winter months (November to February), early mornings between 5:00 and 8:00 AM, at evening aarti, or during the vibrant festival season. Morning aarti is performed at 5:00 or 5:30 AM, while the evening aarti takes place at 7:00 PM.

Special poojas and abhishek are also conducted, with rituals offered in Gujarati and Sanskrit. Darshan is free for all visitors.

The temple observes several significant festivals, including Khodiyar Jayanti in January-February (Magha Shukla Ashtami), Chaitra Navratri in March-April, Sharad Navratri (Aso Navratri) in September-October, and monthly Purnima celebrations.

During these times, community food service (annadanam) is organized, and lapsi, a sweet dish, is served as prasadam. Meals and snacks are available through the temple trust facilities.

Visitors are requested to adhere to the temple’s dress code: men should wear traditional or modest Indian attire such as dhoti-kurta or full-length trousers, while women are expected to wear sarees, salwar kameez, or lehengas. Shorts and sleeveless attire are discouraged inside the inner sanctum.

Reaching Khodiyar Mata Temple Matel is convenient via Morbi or Wankaner, accessible by highway or rail. From Morbi, state highways and rural roads lead southeast toward Dhuva and Matel, while from Wankaner, the route is north toward Matel village.

Local state transport buses, auto-rickshaws, and private cabs are available from both towns. The nearest railway stations are Wankaner Junction (17 km) and Morbi Railway Station (25 km), with Rajkot Hirasar Airport (55 km) and Ahmedabad Airport (200 km) serving as the closest airports.

For accommodation, the temple trust provides basic lodging and dharamshala facilities. Upscale hotels such as Sarovar Portico and Regenta Inn are available in Morbi, while local guest houses can be found in Matel and Wankaner.

Ample free parking is provided, with basic ramp and wheelchair-friendly pathways in the outer courtyard. Photography is allowed in the outer premises but strictly prohibited near the inner sanctum.

Nearby attractions include Wankaner Palace (17 km), Trimandir Morbi (22 km), Nagar Darwaja Morbi (25 km), and Jadeshwar Mahadev Temple (19 km). For more details, visit the official website or contact the temple at +917878988888.