Danknath temple

Overview

Dakor, in its earlier phases as pilgrimage center in Gujaraat, was famous for the Danknath temple, a place of Shiv worship. In the later phases it developed into a Vaishnavite center with the growing fame of Ranchhodraiji temple, which was built in 1772 AD.

Legend and Stories

Dakor owes its splendor to Bodanaa, a great devotee of Lord Krishn. In his previous birth, he is supposed to have lived in Gokul and been a cowherd called Vijayaanand. On one "Holee" day, all the cowherds except Vijayaanand worshipped Lord Krishn. His wife too worshipped Lord Krishn. But Vijayaanand was proud and stayed at home. Lord Krishn came to his house in disguise of his friend and sent him to perform Holee Poojaa. Coming back, he realized that his friend was none else but Lord Krishna.

Next day they played with colors. Lord Krishn got lost and fell into the river. Vijayaanand went after him where Lord Krishn revealed his true self. Vijayaanand begged forgiveness. Lord Krishn took pity on him and solaced him with a boon that he would be born in Gujaraat again in Kali Yug after 4,200 years as Vijayaanand Bodanaa in the house of a Kshatriya and his present wife Sudhaa would again be his wife, called Gangaabaaee, when He will give them a glimpse (Darshan) and relieve them by giving them emancipation (Moksh).

History of the Temple

In the Mahabharata, the surrounding area of Dakor constituted the 'Hidamba' van (jungle). It was a very dense jungle. It was pleasant and rich with streams and lakes. It had become an attraction for the sages to establish their hermitage for penance. Likewise, Dank Rishi had his hermitage (ashram) in this area. During penance Lord Shiva was pleased with him and asked him to demand something. Thereupon, Dank Rishi requested Lord Shiva to remain permanently in his hermitage. Lord Shiva agreed to his request. He disappeared and left behind him His replica in the form of Ban (Ling), which is known as DanknathMahadev. Thus in ancient times, Dakor was known as 'Dankor' after the name of DankanthMahadev. It was also known as khakhariya because of many khakhra (palash) trees in the vicinity.

Festivals

The full moon days of Kartik, Falgun, Chaitra and Also months have special importance at Dakor. One will find an ocean of pilgrims of these full moon days. The festivals like Janmashtami, Nanda Mahotsava, Hindolastva, Rathyatra, Holi, Dashera and Annukut are also celebrated with great zeal and will.

Accessibility

The nearest airport is in Vadodara- 78 km south, but the Ahmedabad airport- 90 km to the northwest, is not much further and has far more flights. Nadiad and Anand are the nearest major railway stations. There is also a slow-train branch line terminus at Umreth, 7 km away. Dakor is in Thasra taluka of Kheda District, 43 km northeast of Anand, and 35 km east of Nadiad. Private and ST buses are available from Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Anand. 

Temple Address