Dakor is a temple town dedicated to Lord Krishna, about 50 kms. from Vadodara. The temple with a striking image of Lord Krishna is the temple of Ranchodare, belonging to the golden period of Dwarks. The temple houses a tank containing several species of turtles regularly fed by the pilgrims. Originally known as DankaPur, it is here that the Lord Shri Dwarkadhishji migrated to get away from the increasingly decadent temple priests of Dwarka. It is said that a devotee brought the image from Dwarka and installed it in Dakor. On the silvery night of the full moon in October-November, a fair is held in the temple compound attracting thousands of pilgrims.

Ranchor is the name given to Lord Krishna when he fled from the battlefield in Mathura while fighting against Jarasandha and his army. Ranchor means “one who gives up the battlefield.” This Deity was installed and worshiped in Dwarka up to 800 years. This present temple was built in 1772. The Deity of Sri Ranchorji is similar to the Deity of Dwarkadish in Dwarka, both being made from black stone. This is Gujarat’s most beloved Krishna Deity. After the death of Kamsa, the soldiers of Kalayavana and Jarasandha besieged Mathura. At that time, Krishna fled from the city and thus the name Ranchor. In order to prevent a further massacre of soldiers and to attend to other business, Lord Krishna left the battlefield. He had to attend to another task mentioned in a confidential letter sent by Rukmini, his future wife.

In its earlier phases as pilgrimage center in Gujarat, Dakor, was famous for the Danknath temple, a place of shiva worship. In the later phases it developed into a Vaishnavite center with the growing fame of Ranchorji temple. Today this place is known not only as a pilgrimage center but also a trading center where one can get the articles related to puja, and other rituals. The small shrine of the original temple is now encased in a large temple complex, which has grown up around it. The actual temple is set on a high platform in a complex, set in the style of medieval temples from the region. The form of Lord Ranchorji is that of the Lord Vishnu with four arms. He bears the conch, lotus, discus and the mace in his hands. Every morning at 6:45 am Mangala-arati is held, and Ranchorji is dressed and decorated in public. The temple is closed in the early afternoon. Ranchorji is fond of moga laddus. Saffron-flavored milk is offered in the morning.

Visit Dakor on Sharad Purnima night (full moon night in the month of November), to enjoy the grandeur of the festivals.

Dakor is 47 kms. from Vadodara and 90 kms. from Ahmedabad. It is situated on the banks of river Shedhi in Thasra Taluka of Gujarath District.