The Shri Khodiyar Mandir Trust (Founded 1953)
Hindu Temple In Gujarat - Khodiyar Mandir
Legacy & Deity
Goddess Khodiyar Mata or Janbai or Khodal also, is a powerful Lokdevi (folk goddess) and revered as a form of Durga/ Shakti. Her worship is believed to be traced back to about 700⋫2AD particularly in Charan and Gohil communities within Saurashtra
Official Website of Khodiyar Mandir - Hindu Temple In Gujarat
It is believed that she was born in Roishala located near Vallabhipur and her divine deeds and blessings led to the creation of shrines in her name
History and Foundation of Temple
Although the existing Khodiyar Mandir in Rajpara (currently on the Bhavnagar Rajkot highway) was erected in the early 20th Century during 19111912
Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji expanded it later to the great temple that we see now. He also enabled infrastructure- such as roads, drinking water and a special railway station called Khodiyar Mandir Railway Station
The Shri Khodiyar Mandir Trust (Founded 1953)
This school was started in 1953 by Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji to maintain the future of the temple and also the devotees
The people who form the trustees in this are the members of the Bhavnagar royal lineage: H H Maharaja Saheb Vijayrajsinghji Gohil, H H Maharani Samyukta Kumari Gohil, Yuvrajsaheb Jaiveerraj Singh, Maharajkumari Brijeshwari Kumari and Punitaba Raghvendrasinh Gohil
In contrast to this, the Shri Khodal Seva Charitable Trust was started in 2001/24 it works in the field of educational assistance, food donation (annadan), cow protection, medical camps, and environmental projects
Pilgrim Facilities And Community Services
The Trust provides a wholesome pilgrim experience:
🎉 Dharmashalas:
Khodiyar Bhavan: 2 hostels (15 beds),12 AC and 5 non-AC room.
Dr. Virbhadrasinhji Bhavan: 4 Dormitories (10 beds), 14 AC and 6 non ‑AC rooms
Bhojanalaya: Free meals to 3,000 at a time Bhojanalaya A place of Bhojan (food)
Ropeway & Leisure: Ropeway transport pilgrims up the hilltop shrine; children entertainment and gardens besides the lakes
Medical Services: Presence of dispensary, ambulance, wheelchair ramps and emergency doctors
Shops: The shop: At the temple precincts, you will find stalls with handicrafts, pooja items, toys and also the well-known lapsi (broken wheat sweet) prasad
Religious events and celebrations Religious events The religious events are the celebrations of holidays of many kinds. These are the holidays of both gods and saints, and also the celebrations of some feats, which are the subject of the next section.
Many of the religious events are celebrated so powerfully with center of attention on the temple:
Khodiyar Jayanti: It is an annual event which celebrated the birth of the goddess where religious processions, cultural events, aartis and mass feeding are held.
Navratri: Special rituals, aartis and garba sessions (devotional dance) are meted out every night, during the nine days of honoring the goddess.
Full Moon Festivals: Thousands of the faithful attend special aartis and spiritual congregations every Purnima (full moon night).
Such happenings do not only support religion but also encourage unity within the community and the region in terms of culture.
Other Gujarati Khodiyar Temples
Even though massively popular in the temple of Rajpara, Khodiyar Mata is also worshipped in numerous temples in other parts of Gujarat. The most prominent of them include:
Khodaldham Kagvad (Rajkot)
Matel, Gujarat near Morbi
Aiyavej, close to Palitana
Galdhara near Dhari
These temples have their local traditions and meaning, usually based on the local stories and beliefs of the people; each of them is an object having its own history and basis.
Social Impact and outreach
The temple, under the leadership of the Shri Khodiyar Mandir Trust has been integrated in a number of social welfare projects:
Free education and scholarships of poor childern
Free supply of food and clothes to the needy families
Health Care facilities and rural eye check-up camps
Animals like cow protect and shelter programs (Gaushala)
Flood and drought relief Disaster relief in floods and drought
Among the churches that work in India, the temple is the example of the model of service based on the faith.
Visiting Details
Rajpara, Bhavnagar District, Gujarat
Opening Hours: Open early in morning (around 5 AM) and late in evening (10 PM)
Visit Time: October to March
Closest Airport: Bhavnagar Airport
Close Railway Station: Bhavnagar Terminus and Khodiyar Mandir Station
Road: Well linked to the cities of Rajkot, Ahmedabad and Vadodara
