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TEMPLE · GODDESS KHODIYARKhodiyar Mata Mandir
A revered shrine of Khodiyar Mata, the warrior goddess who rides a crocodile — one of Saurashtra's most beloved deities, with a much-loved temple in the Amreli countryside.
The crocodile-riding mother
Khodiyar Mata is among the most beloved goddesses of Saurashtra, worshipped across Gujarat as a fierce and protective mother deity, traditionally depicted riding a crocodile. Her devotees are legion, and her temples — found at several sites including Galdhara near Dhari in Amreli, Rajpara and Matel — draw great crowds, especially on her festival days.
The Amreli seat at Galdhara, set in the Shetrunji river country near the eastern Gir forest, is a peaceful and atmospheric shrine where pilgrims come for darshan and to seek the goddess’s blessings for protection and prosperity.
The legend of Khodiyar — a girl of humble birth who revealed her divine power — is woven deep into the folk faith of the region, and her temples blend popular devotion with the rhythms of rural Saurashtra life. (The image shown is a Khodiyar Mata temple.)
A Khodiyar Mata temple.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
A much-loved Saurashtra shrine.
Khodiyar, of humble birth, reveals her divine power.
She is venerated as the crocodile-riding mother goddess.
Temples rise at Galdhara, Rajpara, Matel and beyond.
One of Saurashtra's most popular deities.
Reasons to make the time
Beloved goddess
A revered Saurashtra deity.
Crocodile mount
Her distinctive iconography.
Popular devotion
Vast crowds of devotees.
Countryside shrine
Set in rural Amreli.
Festival fervour
Lively on her holy days.
Folk legend
Deep in regional faith.
What to look for inside
Khodiyar shrine
A Khodiyar Mata temple.
By the water
A peaceful riverside shrine.
How to spend an hour or two
Take darshan
Seek the goddess's blessings.
Learn the legend
Khodiyar's folk story.
Soak the setting
The Shetrunji countryside.
Time a festival
Her days bring great fervour.
Respect customs
Follow the temple's norms.
Pair with Dhari
Eastern Gir is nearby.
A Khodiyar Mata temple by the water.
A shrine in the river country
The Khodiyar Mata temples of Saurashtra are typically white-washed shrines crowned with a shikhara and fronted by a pillared mandapa, with the goddess enshrined within, often near water — fitting for a deity associated with the crocodile.
The Amreli seat at Galdhara sits in the Shetrunji river country near eastern Gir, a tranquil rural setting where the temple’s flags, bells and steady stream of pilgrims animate an otherwise quiet landscape. (The images here show a Khodiyar Mata temple.)
White shikhara & mandapa
Goddess enshrined within
Set near water
Rural Shetrunji setting
When to go
Cool and pleasant — the best season across Amreli.
Shravan brings peak Shiva worship; green country.
Hot; visit shrines early or late.
⏰ Visit in the cooler months; combine darshan with the Shetrunji reservoir, Dhari and the Ambardi safari.
Timings & entry
- Open daily for darshan
- Busiest on the goddess's festival days
- Remove footwear; dress modestly
- Allow about an hour
- No entry fee for darshan
- Expect crowds on festival days
- Photography norms vary — ask
- Combine with the Dhari area
Getting there
By Air
Rajkot and Diu are the nearest airports.
By Rail
Amreli and Dhari are the nearest stations.
By Road
At Galdhara near Dhari, reached via Amreli.
At the temple
SHRINE & RIVER
A beloved goddess in the countryside
What to shoot
The temple and its flags.
Setting
The river-country surrounds.
Be discreet
Respect worship and rules.
Best light
Soft morning light.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Where to eat around the ashram
Kathiawadi Thali
Rotla, kadhi, shaak and ghee-rich fare.
Ganthiya & fafda
Saurashtra's beloved fried snacks.
Local bites
Bhajiya, chevdo and chaat.
Pure-veg & prasad
Hearty Kathiawadi veg fare; temple prasad.
Khodiyar Mata Mandir FAQ
Who is Khodiyar Mata?
A beloved warrior mother-goddess of Saurashtra, traditionally shown riding a crocodile.
Where is the Amreli temple?
At Galdhara near Dhari, in the Shetrunji river country.
Are there other Khodiyar temples?
Yes — well-known seats include Rajpara and Matel, besides Galdhara.
Why the crocodile?
It is the goddess's traditional mount in her iconography.
Is there an entry fee?
No, darshan is free.
When is it busiest?
On the goddess's festival days, which draw great crowds.
When should I visit?
October to March, for pleasant weather.
What's nearby?
Dhari, the Ambardi safari and the Shetrunji reservoir.
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