The revered Khodiyar Mandir, nestled in the city of Bhavnagar, Gujarat, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Khodiyar, a principal deity worshipped by the local populace and beyond. According to the local folklore, the origin of this temple is associated with the story of a devotee named Mamaniya Gadhvi who had a close relationship with the deity. Khodiyar Maa is believed to have appeared in the Gadhvi's dream and directed him to create a shrine in her honour at the location where the present-day temple stands.
This historic temple not only stands as a spiritual centre but is also a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat. Over the years, Khodiyar Mandir has become an eminent fixture in the religious and cultural landscape of Bhavnagar and attracts a large number of pilgrims every year, especially during the Khodiyar Maa Festival which is marked with grandeur and devotion.
The practice of visiting the Khodiyar Mandir cuts back generations. Traditionally, it has been a place of local pilgrimage, with families traveling from neighboring villages and towns to pay their respects. However, with the advancement of transport networks and tourism infrastructure, the temple has seen an uptick in visitors from different parts of India and even international devotees who are enchanted by the story of Khodiyar Maa.
Besides the regular inflow of pilgrims, the tourism around Khodiyar Mandir saw significant growth with the development of Bhavnagar as a cultural hub. The modern era has seen the temple become a part of religious tourism packages encompassing other noteworthy attractions in Gujarat.
In recent years, ecotourism and sustainable tourism practices have begun gaining traction in the region. Tourists are now more conscious about preserving the natural and cultural ethos of the sites they visit. The local tourism industry has responded by adopting measures that aim to minimize the environmental impact and improve the socio-economic benefits to the local communities.
Moreover, the use of digital platforms and social media for tourism promotion has increased awareness and accessibility of Khodiyar Mandir to a global audience. Virtual tours, online darshans, and digital storytelling have become popular, allowing those unable to travel the opportunity to experience the sanctity of the temple.
The government has also been proactive in developing heritage tourism, with the Khodiyar Mandir often being a highlight of this initiative. Efforts such as the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ campaign by the Indian government promote domestic tourism and have resulted in a renewed interest in visiting such spiritual and heritage sites among Indian citizens.
