Khodiyar Mandir History
180.00 ₹
Published date: 2025/07/09
- Location: Bhavnagar, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India
Name: KhodiyarMandir
Phone: 0957442xxxx
The Khodiyar Mandir is dedicated to Maa Khodiyar, a powerful and widely worshipped Hindu goddess, especially in the Gujarat and Rajasthan regions of India. Her temples can be found across western India, but the most prominent and historically significant is the Khodaldham in Kagvad and the Khodiyar Mandir in Bhavnagar, Gujarat.
Who is Maa Khodiyar?
Maa Khodiyar is regarded as a local deity and an incarnation of the divine feminine energy or Shakti. She is worshipped as a protective mother goddess, known for her miraculous powers and for fulfilling the wishes of her devotees.
Legend and Origin
The legend of Maa Khodiyar dates back to the 8th century CE, during the reign of the Maitraka dynasty in Gujarat. The most well-known story centers around a pious man named Mamadiya Gadhvi, a devotee of Lord Shiva. He and his wife were childless, so he performed severe penance to Lord Shiva. Shiva blessed him, and with divine intervention, seven daughters and one son were born — Khodiyar being one of them.
Maa Khodiyar is said to have had a divine origin and performed many miracles from a young age. According to lore, she rode a crocodile (magar) and appeared from a lake, symbolizing her connection to water. She became a divine protector of the people, particularly of lower castes and the oppressed.
Major Temples of Khodiyar Maa
1. Khodiyar Mandir, Bhavnagar (Gujarat)
One of the most famous temples, located near the Tataniya Dharo lake.
Built by Maharaja Bhavsinhji in the late 18th century, who was a great devotee of Maa Khodiyar.
Legend says the goddess protected Bhavnagar's rulers and is still regarded as the kuldevi (family deity) of the royal family and many communities.
2. Khodaldham, Kagvad (near Rajkot, Gujarat)
A grand and modern temple built by the Leuva Patel community, completed in .
Considered a spiritual and cultural hub.
The temple is dedicated to Khodiyar Maa and also aims to unite and uplift the Patidar community.
Symbolism and Worship
Crocodile: Her mount, symbolizing fearlessness and connection with water.
Sword and Trident: Often depicted carrying weapons to fight evil.
Devotees: Include Patel, Rajput, Ahir, and other communities in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Navratri and special fairs during her birthday (usually celebrated in the Hindu month of Magh) are major events.
Cultural Significance
Maa Khodiyar is not only a religious figure but also a symbol of faith, social justice, and empowerment of women and marginalized groups.
Her temples are places of pilgrimage and community gathering.
Devotees often visit to seek blessings for health, family, and prosperity.
Who is Maa Khodiyar?
Maa Khodiyar is regarded as a local deity and an incarnation of the divine feminine energy or Shakti. She is worshipped as a protective mother goddess, known for her miraculous powers and for fulfilling the wishes of her devotees.
Legend and Origin
The legend of Maa Khodiyar dates back to the 8th century CE, during the reign of the Maitraka dynasty in Gujarat. The most well-known story centers around a pious man named Mamadiya Gadhvi, a devotee of Lord Shiva. He and his wife were childless, so he performed severe penance to Lord Shiva. Shiva blessed him, and with divine intervention, seven daughters and one son were born — Khodiyar being one of them.
Maa Khodiyar is said to have had a divine origin and performed many miracles from a young age. According to lore, she rode a crocodile (magar) and appeared from a lake, symbolizing her connection to water. She became a divine protector of the people, particularly of lower castes and the oppressed.
Major Temples of Khodiyar Maa
1. Khodiyar Mandir, Bhavnagar (Gujarat)
One of the most famous temples, located near the Tataniya Dharo lake.
Built by Maharaja Bhavsinhji in the late 18th century, who was a great devotee of Maa Khodiyar.
Legend says the goddess protected Bhavnagar's rulers and is still regarded as the kuldevi (family deity) of the royal family and many communities.
2. Khodaldham, Kagvad (near Rajkot, Gujarat)
A grand and modern temple built by the Leuva Patel community, completed in .
Considered a spiritual and cultural hub.
The temple is dedicated to Khodiyar Maa and also aims to unite and uplift the Patidar community.
Symbolism and Worship
Crocodile: Her mount, symbolizing fearlessness and connection with water.
Sword and Trident: Often depicted carrying weapons to fight evil.
Devotees: Include Patel, Rajput, Ahir, and other communities in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Navratri and special fairs during her birthday (usually celebrated in the Hindu month of Magh) are major events.
Cultural Significance
Maa Khodiyar is not only a religious figure but also a symbol of faith, social justice, and empowerment of women and marginalized groups.
Her temples are places of pilgrimage and community gathering.
Devotees often visit to seek blessings for health, family, and prosperity.
