Ranchhodraiji Temple is situated at
Dakor in the
Kheda District of
Gujarat. Built in AD 1772 by Shri Gopalrao Jagannath Tambwekar, it is dedicated to Shree Ranchhodraiji (
Lord Krishna). The temple lies on a high plinth with twelve stone steps on each side and is surrounded by a spacious courtyard. It has eight domes and twenty four turrets.
The temple has a peculiar type of architecture. Deepmals (lamp towers) are present within the temple courtyard and on both the sides of the main entrance. The main gate of the temple overlooks the banks of the river Gomati. The domes of the temple are adorned with intricate inlay of mirror work, depicting flowers and trellis in a classical Rajput garden. Painted murals from Lord Krishna's life adorn the walls of the audience chamber in the temple.
The temple is open daily at 6:00 hrs in the morning and closes at 12:00 noon. In between there are five darshans named Mangalabhog, Balbhog, Srinagarbhog, Gwalbhog and Rajbhog during which Aartis are performed. In the afternoon, it reopens at 16:00 hrs and closes at 19:00 hrs. In between there are three darshans named Usthapanbhog, Shyanbhog and Shakhdibhog. Aartis are performed during Usthapanbhog and Shyanbhog.
The temple celebrates around 35 festivals annually. Kartik, Falgun, Chaitra and Ashwin Poornimas (full-moon days) are the main festivals celebrated here. Annakoot is held on the first day of the bright half of the month of Kartik. Holi, Amalki Ekadashi, Janmashtami, Nand Mahotsav, Rath Yatra, Dussehra, Hindola and Palna are also celebrated here.
