Khodiyar Mata is traditionally honored in the region as a protector deity who manifests in the form of a crocodile.
The location serves as a pilgrimage site for specific clans who claim Khodiyar Mata as their ancestral guardian deity.
The temple is situated within the dry, semi-arid agricultural belt of the Amreli district.
Shakhpar Khodiyar Mataji Temple is a prominent rural religious site dedicated to the Hindu goddess Khodiyar, situated in the Amreli district of Gujarat. The temple serves as a central hub for followers of the Khodiyar lineage, a deity widely revered across the Saurashtra region. The site features traditional architectural elements characteristic of regional temple design, focusing on spiritual accessibility for pilgrims. It is maintained by a local trust that facilitates religious gatherings and festival celebrations. The temple grounds provide a quiet environment surrounded by the agricultural landscape typical of the Kathiawar peninsula. Pilgrims often visit to perform rituals associated with the goddess, who is traditionally depicted riding a crocodile.
The main entrance gate and the primary temple shikhar (spire) against the clear sky.
Visit during early morning hours to avoid the peak heat of the day.
Carry your own water, as local amenities in the immediate rural vicinity are limited.
Ensure your phone is charged for navigation, as rural signal strength can fluctuate.
Avoid visiting during the height of the summer afternoons, as the desert-like heat in this region becomes extreme.
Remove footwear before entering the temple complex, maintain a modest dress code covering shoulders and knees, and request permission before photographing worshippers.
