Lakshmi Mata Mandir is situated in the sacred pilgrimage town of Dakor, in the Kheda district of Gujarat. Lakshmi Mata temple is very close to the famous Shree Ranchhodrai Temple, the main Vishnu shrine in Dakor.
The temple is believed to be several hundred years old, though not as ancient as the main Ranchhodrai temple. It was built to honour Goddess Lakshmi, who plays a vital role in the spiritual legends of Dakor.
In the lore of Dakor, Goddess Lakshmi holds an important place. According to tradition, when Lord Krishna (Ranchhodrai) left Dwarka and came to Dakor, Goddess Lakshmi also desired to be near him. As a result, this separate temple was built in her honor, symbolizing her eternal bond with the Lord.
The presiding deity is Goddess Mahalakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, compassion, and good fortune. She is considered the divine consort of Lord Ranchhodrai (Lord Krishna). The idol of Lakshmi is beautifully decorated with silk sarees, gold ornaments, and flower garlands. She is depicted seated on a lotus, holding lotuses and coins — symbols of wealth and divine grace.
The temple structure is simple yet elegant, built in traditional Gujarati style with a dome-like structure and arched doorways. The walls are decorated with floral motifs and divine symbols.
According to legend, when Lord Krishna left Dwarka and settled in Dakor, Goddess Mahalakshmi, his divine consort, became anxious. She had remained in Dwarka to bless the people there, but she missed being near her Lord. In her heart, she longed to be reunited with him and to continue granting wealth, peace, and well-being to his devotees.
Touched by her devotion and desire, Lord Ranchhodrai assured her that she too, would have a sacred place in Dakor. He told her,
“You are the goddess of prosperity, and without you, blessings are incomplete. Come to Dakor, and reside where devotees can worship you as they worship me.”
With divine grace, Lakshmi Mata’s presence was established in Dakor, and a shrine was dedicated to her, just a short distance from the main Ranchhodrai temple. Over time, this temple became known as the Lakshmi Mata Mandir, where the goddess lovingly listens to prayers and fulfills the needs of her devotees.
Even today, pilgrims believe that Ranchhodrai Darshan is incomplete without seeking the blessings of Lakshmi Mata. She represents compassion, household harmony, financial prosperity, and divine grace. Women especially consider her their protector and regularly offer bangles, turmeric, kumkum, and coins in her honor.
It is also believed that those who face obstacles in wealth, marriage, or business will see improvement if they visit Lakshmi Mata Mandir with full faith, especially on Fridays and during Shravan, Diwali, Dhanteras are celebrated with grandeur, with the temple beautifully decorated with lamps, and special Lakshmi pujas and aartis conducted for wealth and well-being.
