Here is a look at the history of Dakor Temple:
Ancient Times and Dank Rishi:
During the Mahabharata era, the area around Dakor was known as 'Hidamba Vana,' a dense and lush jungle with streams and lakes, attracting sages for penance. Dank Rishi established his hermitage here. Pleased with Dank Rishi's devotion, Lord Shiva appeared and agreed to remain permanently at the hermitage, leaving behind a Lingam, known as Danknath Mahadev. Thus, the place was initially called 'Dankor' after Danknath Mahadev and was also known as 'Khakhariya' due to the abundance of khakhra (palash) trees.
Legend of Bodana and Lord Krishna:
The modern significance
of Dakor is tied to Bodana, a devout follower of Lord Krishna. In a previous
life, Bodana was Vijayanand, a cowherd from Gokul who initially refused to
worship Krishna during Holi. After an encounter with Krishna in disguise, Vijayanand
repented, and Krishna promised him rebirth in Gujarat. Born as Vijayanand
Bodana, he became a staunch Krishna devotee, making biannual pilgrimages to
Dwarka with Tulsi leaves for worship.
At 72, finding the journey difficult, Krishna instructed
Bodana to bring a bullock-cart to Dwarka, promising to accompany him to Dakor.
Despite the skepticism of Dwarka's priests (Gugli Brahmins), Krishna broke out
of the temple at midnight and journeyed with Bodana. Near Dakor, Krishna
touched a neem tree, causing one branch to become sweet. The priests pursued
Bodana to Dakor, but he hid the idol in the Gomti tank. One priest threw a
spear at Bodana, killing him and causing the tank's water to turn red with
Krishna's blood. Even today, the earth of Gomti tank remains red at the spot. A
temple was built over the location where Krishna's footprints were hidden.
Establishment and Grants:
Following Bodana’s death, Krishna
instructed his widow, Gangabai, to offer gold equal to the idol’s weight to the
Gugli Brahmins. Miraculously, the idol became as light as a golden nose-ring.
The Brahmins were placated with a promise of finding a replica idol in Dwarka.
In 1769, Peshwa Madhavrao and Sayajirao Gaikwar granted villages, including
Dakor, for the temple’s maintenance. These grants formed Dakor Sansthan,
supporting the temple's expenses.
Modern Administration:
The Dakor Temple Trust was
established in 1879 to manage temple services and ceremonies. In 1916, the
Dakor Temple Scheme was approved by the Privy Council, and in 1952, the temple
was registered as a Public Religious Trust. Currently, a committee of Vaishnav
devotees oversees the temple's administration, guided by the provisions of the
Dakor Temple Scheme.