The short answer
Dankanath Mahadev Temples: what visitors should know first
Yes, if you want to see Dakor before Ranchhodrai. The Shiva temples are short, quiet stops near the lake and complete the town's religious picture. Allow half an hour and go before or after the main darshan.
History and context
The story behind Dankanath Mahadev Temples
Wikipedia identifies the oldest temple in Dakor as dedicated to Shiva as Dankanath, and notes that Dakor was earlier famed for the Danknath temple. Local tradition connects the name to the sage Dank and gives the town's earlier name, Dankpur.
Useful facts
Dankanath Mahadev Temples facts at a glance
- Location
- Gomti lake side, Dakor
- Faith
- Hindu (Shaiva)
- Deity/dedication
- Shiva as Dankanath; Rameshwar and Dakeshwar Mahadev
- Visitor note
- Small, quiet shrines; remove footwear
- Known for
- Dakor's oldest temple tradition and old name Dankpur
Why it matters
Why Dankanath Mahadev Temples is worth your time
Dakor was a Shiva pilgrim place before it was a Krishna one. Wikipedia notes that the town's oldest temple is dedicated to Dankanath, and that in its earlier phases it was famous for the Danknath temple. Devotional accounts say the Ranchhodrai image first sat in a Shiva temple for years.
Visiting the Dankanath temples gives the town depth. Instead of a single shrine, Dakor appears as layers of worship: the old Shiva place, the legend of the image, and the 18th-century temple that now dominates. It also shows the easy overlap between Shaiva and Vaishnava worship in Gujarat.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The older Dakor
These shrines predate the Krishna temple and explain the town's old name.
- 02
Quiet darshan
Far fewer visitors than the main complex.
- 03
Lakeside setting
They sit on the Gomti lake side, easy to combine with the walk.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Ask for the Dankanath or Rameshwar and Dakeshwar Mahadev temples near the lake. Local sources describe Dakor as originally Dankpur, a Shiva pilgrim place whose name comes from Dank Rishi's penance and the Dankanath Mahadev lingam. The Kheda district tourism page lists Dunkanath Mahadev on the Gomati coast.
Go in the morning when the lanes are quiet. The shrines are small, and the atmosphere is local and calm compared with the main temple. Pilgrims offer water and bilva leaves. Watch what others do and follow the pace.
This is a good stop to place before the main darshan, because it follows the town's own sequence: the Shiva temple first, then the later Krishna temple. Combine it with the lake promenade.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Dress modestly and remove footwear
- Ask locally for the temple closest to the lake
- Visit before the main darshan to follow the town's sequence
- Carry small change for offerings
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Gomti lake side, Dakor
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Best time
- Morning; Mondays and Mahashivratri for Shiva devotees
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The temples are small and mostly level with short approaches. Crowds are much lighter than at the main complex, which makes this a comfortable stop for elders.
- Tickets and access
- No entry fee is listed. Dress modestly and remove footwear at the entrance. Check locally for darshan times as they are not centrally published.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Dankanath Mahadev Temples
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The temples are small and mostly level with short approaches. Crowds are much lighter than at the main complex, which makes this a comfortable stop for elders.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
What is Dankanath Mahadev?
A Shiva shrine regarded as Dakor's oldest temple tradition. The town's earlier name, Dankpur, is linked to it.
Is it busy?
Much less than the main temple, except around Mahashivratri and Mondays.
Can I combine it with the main darshan?
Yes. It is near the lake and takes about half an hour.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
