Khodiyar Mandir Bhavnagar

Even though the Khodiyar temple, on the outskirts of Bhavnagar (15km), was built only as recent as early 20th century, it has a staunch following amongst devotees of Janbai (Khodiyar Ma). The temple lies on the edge of the Tataliya Wali Lake and has a ropeway at the back that connects the base to a shrine on the top of a hill. Lapsi (broken wheat dessert) is the main prasad of the temple.

Brief History: 

On the bank of Lake Tataliya, along the Bhavnagar–Rajkot highway just before Rajpara village, is Khodiyar Mataji Mandir. This revered temple, devoted to Aai Shri Khodiyar Mata, draws countless devotees who come seeking the blessings of the goddess whose divine presence continues to inspire faith, strength, and devotion across generations.

The temple was initially established by Maharaja Wakhatsinhji, whose devotion to the goddess led him to set up a humble shrine in Rajpara. Though modest in form, this early shrine became a site of deep reverence, attracting pilgrims from near and far. It was Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji of Bhavnagar who, with immense dedication, transformed the simple shrine into the magnificent temple that stands today. Recognising the need for safe and dignified access for the growing number of devotees, he ensured the construction of a proper road, arranged drinking water facilities, and even commissioned the building of the Khodiyar Mandir Railway Station along the Bhavnagar–Dhola line.

The temple sees a steady flow of devotees throughout the year, with Sundays, Tuesdays, and full moon nights (Poonam) being especially significant. On these auspicious days, pilgrims often journey on foot to the temple, arriving in time to witness the aarti performed at the break of dawn.

Shri Khodiyar Mata is venerated here as the Sahayak Devi, the guiding goddess of the Gohil Rajputs. Her legend, kept alive through countless folktales and oral traditions, traces back to the 13th century, when Maharaja Ranji Gohil came to rule the village of Vana. At that time, Khodiyar Mata was already worshipped as a Lokdevi, a goddess of the people. The Gohil rulers’ steadfast devotion laid the foundation for a spiritual legacy that continues to this day.

To ensure that the temple's growth and service to the community would continue for generations, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji founded the Shri Khodiyar Mandir Trust in 1953. The Trust provides various facilities to serve the needs of pilgrims and visitors.

The trustees of Shri Khodiyar Mandir Trust today, are H H Maharaja Saheb Vijayrajsinghji Gohil, H H Maharani Samyukta Kumari Gohil, Yuvrajsaheb Jaiveerraj Singh Gohil, Maharajkumari Shri Brijeshwari Kumari Gohil, and Shri Punitaba Raghvendrasinh Gohil.

Best time to visit: November–February is the best period to visit.

For more details: https://www.khodiyarmandirtrust.com/