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TEMPLE · GODDESS KHODIYARKhodiyar Rajpara
One of the most thronged shrines of Khodiyar Mata near Bhavnagar — the Rajpara temple of the crocodile-riding warrior goddess, set by a lake and beloved across Saurashtra.
A thronged lakeside shrine
Among the most popular pilgrimage shrines around Bhavnagar is the Khodiyar Mandir at Rajpara, dedicated to Khodiyar Mata — the fierce, protective warrior-goddess of Saurashtra, traditionally depicted riding a crocodile. Set beside a lake on the Bhavnagar–Sihor road, the temple draws a constant stream of devotees and swells to enormous crowds on the goddess’s festival days, when the whole area fills with pilgrims, music and devotion.
Khodiyar is one of the most worshipped folk deities of the region, her blessing sought for protection, family welfare and prosperity, and her temples are woven deep into Saurashtra’s devotional life. The lakeside setting, the throngs of the faithful and the vivid energy of the worship make Rajpara one of the liveliest sacred spots near Bhavnagar.
Illustration — a Khodiyar Mata shrine.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
Illustration — the crocodile goddess.
Khodiyar is venerated across Saurashtra.
She is shown riding a crocodile.
A thronged lakeside temple near Bhavnagar.
Vast crowds gather on her festival days.
Reasons to make the time
Popular shrine
A thronged Khodiyar temple.
Crocodile goddess
Her distinctive form.
Lakeside setting
Beside the water.
Great festivals
Huge crowds on her days.
Folk faith
Deep Saurashtra devotion.
Near Bhavnagar
On the Sihor road.
What to look for inside
Khodiyar Mata
The lakeside temple.
Devotion
Pilgrims and festivals.
Lakeside setting
Water, ghats and gathering spaces.
Crocodile mount
Khodiyar's distinctive form.
Khodiyar Jayanti
Vast crowds on her days.
Saurashtra devotion
Beloved across the region.
How to spend an hour or two
Take darshan
Seek the goddess's blessings.
See the lake
The shrine's setting.
Feel the devotion
A lively sacred spot.
Time a festival
Khodiyar Jayanti crowds.
Respect customs
Follow temple norms.
Pair with Sihor
On the same road.
Illustration — a lakeside goddess temple.
A shrine by the water
The Rajpara Khodiyar temple is a popular folk shrine set beside a lake: the goddess enshrined within a mandapa and sanctum, with the water, ghats and gathering spaces that serve the great crowds of pilgrims on festival days. Its power is devotional and atmospheric rather than monumental — the lakeside setting, the colour and energy of the worship, and the deep place of Khodiyar Mata in Saurashtra’s folk faith.
Lakeside goddess shrine
Crocodile-riding deity
Festival gathering spaces
Beloved Saurashtra folk faith
When to go
Cool and clear — ideal for the visit and the lakeside setting.
Green and atmospheric; steps can be slippery.
Hot — visit very early to beat the heat.
⏰ Visit in the cooler months; expect great crowds on Khodiyar festival days, and combine it with Sihor.
Timings & entry
- Open daily for darshan
- Huge crowds on festival days
- Remove footwear; dress modestly
- Allow about an hour
- No entry fee for darshan
- Be patient in festival crowds
- Photography norms vary — ask
- Combine with Sihor nearby
Getting there
By Air
Bhavnagar airport is nearest.
By Rail
Bhavnagar and Sihor are nearby railheads.
By Road
At Rajpara on the Bhavnagar–Sihor road.
At the temple
SHRINE & LAKE
A beloved folk goddess by the water
What to shoot
The shrine and its setting.
Setting
The lakeside surrounds.
Be discreet
Respect worship and rules.
Best light
Soft morning light.
Know before you go
Where to eat around the ashram
Kathiawadi Thali
Rotla, kadhi, shaak and ghee-rich fare.
Bhavnagari ganthiya
The city's famous soft ganthiya.
Fafda & jalebi
Classic Saurashtra snacks.
Pure-veg & jain
Veg fare; strict Jain food around Palitana.
Khodiyar Rajpara FAQ
What is the Rajpara Khodiyar temple?
A popular lakeside shrine of Khodiyar Mata near Bhavnagar.
Who is Khodiyar Mata?
A fierce, protective warrior-goddess of Saurashtra, shown riding a crocodile.
Where is it?
At Rajpara, on the Bhavnagar–Sihor road.
When is it busiest?
On the goddess's festival days, which draw vast crowds.
Is there an entry fee?
No, darshan is free.
Why the crocodile?
It is the goddess's traditional mount.
When should I visit?
October to March, for pleasant weather.
What's nearby?
Sihor and Bhavnagar city.
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