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Danknath temple
- Dakor,Gujarat
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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
Danknath temple,
Dakor, Kheda district,
Gujarat, India.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Salvation
- Wealth
- Relief from diseases
- Purchase of vehicles
- Gain Knowledge
Shlokas
Balam Balavatam Caham Kamaragavivarjitam Dharmaviruddho Bhutesu Kamo'smi Bharatarsabha
Meaning -According to this sloka, God is the isolated and aloof strength of the controlling and virtuous craving in men.
Ye Caiva Sattvika Bhava Rajasastamasasca Ye Matta Everti Tanviddhi Na Tvaham Tesu Temayi
Meaning -According to this sloka, though the only source of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obsessive and dark) elements is God, they are not present within the God or the deity.
Tribhirgunamayairbhavairebhih Sarvamidam Jagat Mohitam Nabhijanati Mamebhyah Paramavyayam
Meaning -According to this sloka, the entire world doesn't recognize the eternal God beyond them, because they are consumed by the elements of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obssessive and dark).
Daivi Hyesa Gunamayi Mama Maya Duratyaya Mameva Ye Prapadyante Mayametam Taranti Te
Meaning -According to this sloka, the heavenly maya of God is very complicated, but those who worship God will be able to overcome it.
Timings
The temple is open from 06:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 04:00 pm to 07:00 pm.