Khodiyar Mata Temple Rajpara

Dedicated primarily to Goddess Shakti (Amman), the temple complex also houses shrines for Lord Shiva, Durga, and Lord Hanuman, making it a significant spiritual destination for devotees seeking darshan and blessings from multiple deities.

This ancient temple, classified as a living heritage site, stands on a scenic hill by the riverbank, offering a tranquil atmosphere for worship and reflection.

The temple’s modern structure was built by Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji in 1911 CE, with the original shrine established by Maharaja Wakhatsinhji Gohil. Its unique location and spiritual ambiance draw pilgrims throughout the year, especially during festival seasons and weekends.

The temple is open daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, providing ample time for devotees to participate in rituals and seek darshan. Morning Aarti is performed at 5:30 AM from Monday to Saturday, and at 5:00 AM on Sundays and Purnima (full moon days), while the Evening Aarti takes place at 7:00 PM.

Routine daily poojas and havan are also conducted, with rituals performed in Gujarati and Sanskrit. Entry for darshan is free for all visitors.

Khodiyar Mata Temple is especially vibrant during major festivals such as Navratri (Sharad & Chaitra), Khodiyar Jayanti (Magh Shukla Ashtami), and every Purnima.

The best time to visit is during winter (November to February), early mornings, and festival periods when the temple is adorned with festive decorations and spiritual fervor.

The temple maintains a traditional dress code: men are expected to wear modest clothing such as long trousers, jeans, shirts, or kurtas, while women should opt for sarees, salwar kameez, or kurtis with covered shoulders and knees.

Large, free on-site parking is available, and the premises are equipped with wheelchair-accessible pathways, ramps, and restrooms.

Pilgrims can reach the temple by arriving in Bhavnagar city via rail, air, or road, then taking the Bhavnagar–Rajkot highway toward Shihor and following signboards to Rajpara village.

The nearest railway stations are Khodiyar Mandir (3 km) and Bhavnagar Terminus (14 km), while Bhavnagar Airport is 18 km away. Accommodation options are extensive in Bhavnagar city, ranging from luxury to budget hotels, with limited local stays near the temple.

Devotees are offered lapsi as prasadam, and free lunch (11:00 AM–3:00 PM) and dinner (7:00 PM–10:00 PM) are served to all pilgrims. While photography is prohibited inside the main sanctum, casual photography is allowed in the outer premises and lakeside areas.

For more information, visitors can refer to the official website or contact the temple directly.

Nearby attractions include Aksharwadi Temple, Takhteshwar Temple, Victoria Park, Velavadar Blackbuck National Park, and Palitana (Shatrunjaya Hills), making this a spiritually and culturally enriching destination.