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TEMPLE · GODDESS KHODIYARPaliyad Khodiyar
A revered Khodiyar Mata shrine at Paliyad — the Vihat dham of the crocodile-riding goddess, crowned by one of the region's tallest temple flagpoles, a beloved Botad pilgrimage.
The goddess of Paliyad
At Paliyad in Botad district lies a much-loved shrine of Khodiyar Mata — the fierce, protective crocodile-riding goddess so beloved across Saurashtra — set at the site known as the Vihat (Vihal) dham. Paliyad is one of the important seats of the Khodiyar faith, drawing streams of devotees who come to seek the goddess’s blessings for protection and prosperity, and swelling to huge crowds on her festival days.
In recent years the dham has become known for erecting one of the tallest temple flagpoles (dhwaja stambh) in the region, its great flag visible across the surrounding plains. With its fervent devotion, folk-goddess tradition and the soaring flag over the shrine, Paliyad rounds out Botad’s trio of great pilgrimages — Hanuman at Salangpur, Swaminarayan at Gadhada and the Mother Goddess at Paliyad.
The towering flagpole at Paliyad.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
The Vihat dham at Paliyad.
Khodiyar is venerated across Saurashtra.
Paliyad becomes an important Khodiyar seat.
A towering dhwaja stambh is raised.
A beloved Botad pilgrimage.
Reasons to make the time
Khodiyar dham
A revered goddess seat.
Crocodile goddess
Her distinctive form.
Towering flagpole
Visible for miles.
Festival fervour
Huge devotee crowds.
Folk faith
Deep Saurashtra devotion.
Botad trio
With Salangpur & Gadhada.
What to look for inside
Tall flagpole
Soaring over the dham.
Vihat dham
The Khodiyar temple.
How to spend an hour or two
Take darshan
Of Khodiyar Mata.
See the flagpole
The towering dhwaja.
Feel the devotion
A lively dham.
Time a festival
Khodiyar Jayanti.
Respect customs
Follow temple norms.
Complete the trio
With Salangpur & Gadhada.
The Paliyad flagpole and shrine.
A shrine and a soaring flag
The Paliyad Khodiyar dham is a thriving folk-goddess shrine: the crocodile-riding Khodiyar Mata enshrined within, with halls and gathering spaces for the great festival crowds, and — its modern signature — one of the tallest temple flagpoles (dhwaja stambh) in the region, its flag soaring over the plains.
Its character is devotional and energetic rather than monumental, completing Botad’s trio of great pilgrimages with the worship of the Mother Goddess.
Khodiyar Mata shrine (Vihat dham)
Crocodile-riding goddess
Very tall flagpole
Festival gathering spaces
When to go
Cool and pleasant — the best season for pilgrimage.
Green; festivals fill the temple calendar.
Hot — visit for early-morning darshan.
⏰ Visit in the cooler months; expect great crowds on Khodiyar festival days, and pair it with Salangpur and Gadhada.
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 the Botad temples
Getting there
By Air
Bhavnagar and Ahmedabad airports.
By Rail
Botad is the nearest railhead.
By Road
At Paliyad, near Botad.
At the dham
FLAG & FAITH
A soaring goddess shrine
What to shoot
The towering flagpole.
Detail
The shrine and its setting.
Be discreet
Respect worship and rules.
Best light
Soft daytime 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 fried snacks.
Temple bhojan
Free seva meals at the temples.
Veg & seva
Pure-veg fare; free annadan at the shrines.
Paliyad Khodiyar FAQ
What is Paliyad known for?
A revered Khodiyar Mata shrine (Vihat dham) and one of the region's tallest temple flagpoles.
Who is Khodiyar Mata?
A fierce, protective crocodile-riding goddess beloved across Saurashtra.
What's the flagpole?
A towering dhwaja stambh whose flag is visible across the plains.
When is it busiest?
On the goddess's festival days, which draw great crowds.
Is there an entry fee?
No, darshan is free.
Where is it?
At Paliyad, near Botad town.
What's the Botad trio?
Salangpur (Hanuman), Gadhada (Swaminarayan) and Paliyad (Khodiyar).
When should I visit?
October to March, in the cooler season.
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