Shree Khodaldham Temple, Rajkot - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings
Photo Credit: Flickr
#17 of 20 Places to Visit in Rajkot
Distance (From Rajkot): 67 Kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 1 Hour
Place Location: Near Virpur
Transportation Options: Bus / Cab
Travel Tips: None
About Shree Khodaldham Temple
At a distance of 7 Km from Virpur, 47 Km from Junagadh and 67 Km from Rajkot, Shree Khodaldham Temple is a holy temple situated near Kagvad village in the Rajkot district of Gujarat. Located on Virpur-Jetpur road, the temple is dedicated to Maa Khodiyar. It is one of the popular religious places in Gujarat and among the must visit temples as part of the Rajkot pilgrimage packages. It serves as a cultural hub for the Leuva Patel community and hosts numerous religious and community events.
History of Shree Khodaldham Temple
The foundation stone for Shree Khodaldham Temple was laid in the year 2012 and was opened for the public in 2017. Built by Shri Khodaldham Trust of Leuva Patel community, Shree Khodaldham Temple is one of the largest comprehensive Hindu Temples, measures 299 feet long and 135 feet high.
Architecture of Shree Khodaldham Temple
Khodaldham Temple has a distinctive architecture that displays the tradition of Leuva Patel community. It is one of the largest temples in Gujarat dedicated to Goddess Khodiyar. The temple is a magnificent architectural marvel, with intricate carvings and grand structures, attracting both devotees and tourists. The events of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Gita have been inscribed on the walls, and pillars of the temple.
The idol of Maa Khodal, along with 20 other gods and goddesses, has been installed in Shri Khodaladham Temple. A total of 650 idols have been made from Mandovar to the peak of the temple. There is a big garden beside the temple maintained by the forest department, housed with many plants both medicinal, and flowering. The temple authorities also provide battery operated vehicles for senior citizens to reach sanctum sanctorum from the entrance. There are also facilities of satsang hall, amphitheatre, Bhojanalay, and party plot. Besides, refreshment stalls outside the temple provide snacks and local food items.
Festivals of Shree Khodaldham Temple
The main festival celebrated at the Khodaldham Temple is Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. Throughout this time, the temple is beautifully decorated and attracts large numbers of visitors. A foot procession is scheduled to take place on the first day of Navratri leading to the Khodaldham Temple. Annakot is presented to Maa Khodal annually on Maa Khodiyar Jayanti. Other festivals such as Janmashtami, Diwali, Holi, and Dhuleti are celebrated with great fervor.
Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Shree Khodaldham Temple
The main festival celebrated at the Khodaldham Temple is Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival honoring Goddess Durga. During this period, the temple is adorned with exquisite decorations and draws significant crowds. A foot march is being organized up to Khodaldham temple on first day of Navratri. Every year on Maa Khodiyar Jayanti, Annakot is offered to Maa Khodal. Festivals like Janmashtami, Diwali, Holi, Dhuleti etc. are being celebrated with high enthusiasm.
Non-Hindus are generally welcome at Shree Khodaldham Temple near Kagvad in Rajkot, Gujarat. However, access to the main sanctum, where the main deity is worshipped, may be restricted for non-Hindus.
Shree Khodaldham Temple Timings
Monday: 6 AM - 9 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 9 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 9 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 9 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 9 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 9 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 9 PM
Shree Khodaldham Temple Entry Fee
Entry is Free
Best Time to Visit Shree Khodaldham Temple
The ideal period to visit Shree Khodaldham Temple is from October to February, when the weather is mild, and suitable for exploring the temple. For those wishing to partake in the celebrations, planning a visit during Navratri is highly recommended. This festival is marked by vibrant celebrations, attracting a large number of devotees. However, visitors should be aware that this is also the peak season, resulting in larger crowds. Alternatively, for a more peaceful experience, the months of September and October, following the monsoon, offer a beautiful, verdant landscape. It is best to avoid visiting during the summer months due to the extreme heat.
How to Reach Shree Khodaldham Temple
About 91 Km from Shree Khodaldham Temple, Rajkot Airport is the nearest airport that has direct flights from Mumbai and New Delhi. Virpur Railway Station, about 9 KM away, is the nearest railhead to Shree Khodaldham Temple which has regular trains from Ahmedabad, Somnath, Veraval, Okha, Surat, Bhavnagar, Mumbai, Rajkot, Porbandar, and Jabalpur. Private vehicles and GSRTC Buses are available to reach the temple from Rajkot, Junagadh, Virpir, Jetpur, etc.