Jun 08, 2021 — CANADA (SUN) —
Ranchhodraiji Temple at Dakor
The town of Dakor is situated in Northern Gujarat, about 60 kilometres from Ahmedabad, in the Kheda district. Dakor is home to the glorious Ranchhodji temple, a famous pilgrimage spot. Devotees come on padyatra or on pilgrimage by foot to reach the tirtha.
Lord Krishna's name Ranchhod refers to His pastime of departing from the battlefield at Mathura in order to avoid Jarasandha. His appearance in Dakor as Sri Ranchodrai is said to have occurred on Sharad Poornima.
The Lord resides here in his Deity form with conch, discus, lotus and mace in his four hands. His lower right arm is held in abhaya mudra. Worship here is focused on Sri Krsna's younger form – more so than the more mature residing at Dwarkadheesh. Ranchhodraiji is often found holding his flute.
The current temple complex is set in a large square, with four gates in the outer walls at the cardinal points. Devotees also enjoy visiting the temple's small tank, feeding the resident fishes and tortoises. There are large festivals for Sri Ranchhod at Janmashtami, Nand Mahotsav and Annakut.
During the Mahabharata era, the area surrounding Dakor was thick junble, knowns as Hidamba van. Many sages established their hermitages here, engaging in tapas. Dank Rishi performed penance here, and was given a boon by Lord Shiva, who honoured his request that he remain in this place. Lord Shiva agreed, and remained in his form as Ban (ling), which is known as Danknath Mahadev. Dakor was thus known as 'Dankor', following Shiva's name of Dankanth Mahadev.
