Hello everyone! My name is Archi, and I recently visited Dakor with my family. It was a wonderful trip filled with spiritual experiences, delicious food, and some fun activities. Let me share my journey with you.
Visiting the Ranchodray Temple
Our first stop was the famous Dakor Temple, also known as the Ranchodray Temple. The main temple, which is surrounded by a fort wall, is located near the bank of the holy lake Gomti, right in the heart of Dakor’s main bazaar. This magnificent temple is covered with 8 domes and 24 turrets, with the central dome standing 27 meters tall. The temple is crowned with a golden kalash and a white silken flag, making it the tallest temple in the district.
While the temple may not be very rich in carvings, the main cupola reflects the Maharashtrian style of temple architecture. Inside, the main hall features beautiful paintings that depict events from Lord Krishna’s life.
The story behind the temple is fascinating. It is believed that Ranchhodji, a name for Lord Krishna meaning “he who left the battlefield,” inspired Gopal Jagannath Ambekar, a shroff from a Peshwa’s court in Poona, through a dream to build this magnificent temple. The temple was completed in 1772 AD.
The main idol of Ranchhodrai is made of black touchstone, standing 1 meter tall and 45 centimeters wide. It is richly adorned with gold, jewels, and expensive clothes. The throne of the idol is a stunning piece of woodcarving plated in silver and gold, presented by the Gaekwad of Baroda.
On the upper floor of the gate, there is a tokorkhana (music room) where shehnai and drums are played every three hours. The descendants of the temple’s builder, Shri Bhalchandrarao and the Inamdar Tambekar family, still serve the temple today. Listening to the devotional songs sung by Champavatiben Tambekar was a very special experience for many visitors.
Exploring Gomti Ghat and Local Delicacies
After visiting the Ranchodray Temple, we went to Gomti Ghat. Here, you can enjoy water activities like boating. If you love being on the water, this is a fun activity to try.
We also tried some local delicacies. We had papdi no lot and the famous gota of Dakor, both of which were delicious. You can see more about these tasty treats in my video.
Visiting Mangal Mandir and Other Temples
Our next stop was the Mangal Mandir, which houses 12 Jyotirlingas. It was an amazing sight and a very peaceful experience. You can see more about Mangal Mandir and the other temples we visited in my video.
Exploring Dakor Market
Finally, we explored the Dakor market. The market is vibrant and offers a variety of items. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs and local products.
Conclusion
Our trip to Dakor was a mix of spirituality, fun, and delicious food. Visiting the Ranchodray Temple was a profound experience, and exploring the Gomti Ghat and local market added to the enjoyment of our trip. If you’re planning a trip to Dakor, I highly recommend it for a fulfilling experience.
Thank you for reading about my trip. To get a complete view of our visit to Dakor, you can watch my video where I share more details and moments from our trip.
Feel free to leave your comments and share your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you!