Monday, 10 October 2009 09:41

Ranchhodraiji Dakor

About:

Dakor, in its earlier phases as pilgrimage center in Gujarat, was famous for the Danknath temple, a place of shiva worship. In the later phases it developed into a Vaishnavite center with the growing fame of Ranchhodraiji temple, which was built in 1772 A.D. Today this place is known not only as a pilgrimage center but also a trading center where one can get the articles related to puja, and other rituals.

The main door faces the Gomati River. There are three remaining doors leading also to the main shrine. The door facing the Lord opens in front of an audience chamber. The doors to the main Ranchhodraiji shrine remain open throughout the day, except in the afternoon. This is the time when the Lord is supposed to take rest. And for this purpose, a parate bedchamber is linked to the main chamber of the shrine. The bedspread of the Lord is plentifully decorated with fragrant garlands, soft mattress, blankets, gold and silver edsteads with soft cotton and silk. Lord Ranchhodraiji is actually is an incarnation of Lord Krishna. There is an interesting story behind the name Ranchhodraiji and the temple. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna fled from the battlefield during a war with an ally, Jarashand and since then he came to be known as Ranchhodraiji. Ranchhodraiji Temple, was however, established here as a result of the Lord`s mercy for his devotee.

In Dwarika, the Gugli brahmins finding the image missing, chased Bodana and came to Dakor in pursuit. Bodana was frightened but Lord Krishna told him to hide the idol of the Deity in the Gomti tank and meet the Guglis. Accordingly, Bodana hid the idol and went to meet the Guglis with a pot of curd to pacify them. They became angry and one of them threw a spear at him. He fell down dead. While hurting Bodana with a spear it also hurt the image of the Deity hidden in Gomti tank and the water turned red with Lord Krishna's (Ranchhodraiji's) blood. It is said that even today the earth of Gomti tank where the image lay is red, while rest of the tank is of brown mud. In the midst of Gomti tank, over the place where Lord Krishna was hidden, a small temple having the Lord's footprints is constructed and this temple is linked with the bank of Gomti Tank by a bridge.

Location info:

Address:Dakor,Gujrat,India
District: Kheda
Nearest City: Ahemdabad
Best time to visit: November to February

Climate/Weather:

Maximum40.C,Minimum 8.0.C

History:

The present Dakor owes its raison d’être not to Dank Rishi but to Bodana, a great devotee of Lord KrishnaLord Krishna took pity on him and solaced him with a boon that he would be born in Gujarat again in Kaliyug after 4200 years as Vijayanand Bodana in the house of a Krishatriya and his present wife Sudha would again be his wife, called Gangabai, when he will give them a glimpse (darshna) and relieve them by offering them emancipation (Moksha). So as the legend would have it, 'Vijayanand Bodana', a rajput of Dakor, becomes a staunch devotee of Lord Krishna. He used to let the basil plant (Tulsi) grow in an earthen pot with him on his palm and used to go every six months to Dwarika to worship Lord Krishna with the said Tulsi leaves

Interesting things to do:

worship:
In ancient times, Bholanath, a passionate devotee of Lord Krishna travailed from Dakor to Dwarka to worship Him. This was noticed by Krishna, and overwhelmed by his devotion, He decided to shift Himself to Dakor, in order to save his follower the troubles of traveling so far. In this manner, he accompanied Bholanath to Dakor. It is believed that the idol of Ranchhodraiji Temple is originally from Dwarka. This incident has made the Lord an all-time favorite with the devotees here in Dakor. A fair is organized every year, on Sharad Purnima

Interesting things to Visit:

Pavagadh:
Famous temple of Goddess Mahakali is located on the top of hill. Rope-way facility is available from Machi to reach Mahakali Mata's temple at the top. About 250 steps have to be climbed from there to reach the temple. On the roof of the temple is a adanshah Pir Dargah, visited by Muslim devotees.

Narmada:
Narmada River is one of the major sacred rivers in India. Legends say that it descended from the sky by the order of Lord Shiva. It is said that the Narmada forgives a man of all his sins, and makes him pure, by her mere divine sight.Gujarat before draining into the Gulf of Cambay, 50 km west of Bharuch.



Dandi:
Dandi a historical place located about 16 km from the district of Navsari is where the Saifee Villa Museum has been established to commemorate the Dandi Salt March. Built in 1961, the museum attracts attention to the pictures and artifacts of Gandhi's life and contribution to the independence of India.

Dastur Meherji-Rana Library:
Dastur Meherji-Rana Library is rich in literature of the earliest Parsi or Zoroastrian settlements in Navsari and has many pictures of the old town. It is located at the Tarota bazar. Another important library is the Sayaji Vaibhav Library. Ubhrat a sandy white beach 20 km away is a perfect picnic spot. The Vansda National park has a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:Dakor,Anand,Godhra,railway line
Nearest Airport: Ahmedabad, Airport
Road Transport:State Transport and Luxury buses are available from Ahmedabad and Vaodara.

Nearest Visiting places:

Aurobindo Ashram:
Maharshi Aurobindo Ghosh who one of the eminent freedom fighters and also a renouned philosopher resided in Vadodara from 1894 to 1906 as a private secretary to Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad. He also worked as vice principal and professor of English in Baroda college. His residence popularly known as Aurobindo Society is situated in Dandia Bazar area is the only national memorial. Yoga and meditation are taught here regularly. Surrounded by a nicely maincured garden this magnificent building provides an opportunity to pass a few minutes in solace. Various useful articles prepared at Pondichery are sold in an emporium on the ground floor. A nicely displayed small museum on the life of Shri Aurobindo's contribution can also be visited here.

Hazira Maqbara:
Constructed in the memory of Kutub-ud-din the general of Akbar's army, it is the only existing Mughal monument of the city. There is also a step well in its vicinity.

EME Temple:
Situated in the cantonment near Fatehgunj is the beautiful Shiva temple. Managed and maintained by the "Jawans" of E.M.E., this temple is made of alluminium and some alloys. Unlike all other temples, this beautiful Shiva temple is made of alluminium and it is a place of religious armony. A cultural centre has also been developed by the E.M.E. around the temple here good sculptures of Gujarat, pavilions etc. are nicely preserved. Idols of Gods and Godesses are beautifully placed on both the side walkways and they look very attractive when illuminated at night everyday. Visit to this temple is a must for everyone who visit Vadodara

Nazar Baug Palace:
Located in Gujarat, India, is of immense importance as the Nazar Bagh Palace happens to be very stylistically constructed. It happens to be a much sought after tourist destination in the expanse of Gujarat, India. Nazar Bagh Palace was constructed in the year 1721 A.D. and it is a privately owned royal property. Nazar Bagh Palace is home to exotic royal heirlooms which are a much sought after attraction of the Baroda province as the Nazar Bagh Palace is located in the city and the province of Baroda. Nazar Bagh Palace also houses in its middle, the exotic and much visited Sheesh Mahal.

Laxmi Vilas Palace:
Laxmi Vilas Palace is an architectural marvel, designed in Indo-Saracenic style and built by Maharaja Sayajirao III in 1890. It still serves as the residence of the Royal family. The palace contains several splendid chambers, which are examples of skilled craftsmanship. The Darbar Hall is embellished with Italian mosaic floor and walls with mosaic decorations. The palace even houses a remarkable collection of old armory and sculptures in bronze, marble & terracotta. The Royal Family's residence is an extravagant building in Indo- Saracenic style.

Sayaji Bagh:
Sayaji Baug (the famous park) is situated on river Vishwamitri and was built by Sayajirao III in 1879. Sprawling over 113 acres, it also includes an excellent zoo, the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery, the Museum of Health and Hygiene and the Sardar Patel Planetarium.A major attraction for children is the 3.5 kms joy ride through the park on the toy train.

Fateh Singh Museum:
Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum houses a remarkably huge number of art works of the royal family. Maharaja Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad III during his several visits abroad collected pieces of art and stored them here. The most fascinating collection of this museum however comprises of host of paintings by European and Indian artists. In this collection, paintings of Raja Ravi Varma who was specially deployed by the then Maharaja of Baroda catches the limelight. His collections essentially comprises of the portraits of the Royal family and paintings based on Hindu mythology. Hindu mythology was the forte of Raja Ravi Varma.

This apart, at Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum in Vadodara you will also get to see the striking collection of sculptures in marble and bronze. This collection comprises of the representation of great masters in bronze specially made to order by the Maharaja and also originals by famous artists. Besides, you will also come across works of an Italian artist called Fellicci who not only decorated the museum with his fine works but also the Lakshmi Vilas Palace.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Yogi Petrol Pump:Anand,Gujarat,India

GM Petrol Pump:Nadiad,Kheda,Gujarat,India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Surya Hotel:Vadodara,Gujarat,India

Revival Hotel:Sayaji Gardens Near Kalaghoda, Sayaji gunj,Vadodara,Gujarat,India

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:100
Nearest Hospital:
Civil Hospital:Nadiad,Kheda,Gujarat,India,
Shree Krishna Hospital:Anand,Gujarat,India
Society/Community Phone Number:
Links:

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Ranchhodraiji Temple
Dakor, in its earlier phases as pilgrimage center in Gujarat, was famous for the Danknath temple, a place of shiva worship. In the later phases it developed into a Vaishnavite center with the growing fame of Ranchhodraiji temple, which was built in 1772 A.D. Today this place is known not only as a pilgrimage center but also a trading center where one can get the articles related to puja, and other rituals.The main door faces the Gomati River. There are three remaining doors leading also to the main shrine. The door facing the Lord opens in front of an audience chamber. The doors to the main Ranchhodraiji shrine remain open throughout the day, except in the afternoon. This is the time when the Lord is supposed to take rest....more