A Journey to Khodiyar Ma at Kuntej, Khodal Dham, and Virpur
Some journeys are not planned by the mind; they are guided by something far deeper.
This visit—to our kuldevi, Khodiyar Ma at Kuntej, to Khodal Dham, and to Virpur Jalaram Bapa Temple—felt like a gentle reminder of the invisible forces that quietly shape our lives. I always believe kuldevi silently protects and blesses our family and we hardly pay gratitude.
And the trip was followed with kite flying at Ahmedabad.
Virpur: Where Faith Moves in Silence
What struck me most at Virpur was not grandeur, but discipline born out of devotion.
Thousands of people stood in long queues, yet there was an unexpected silence. Mobile phones were voluntarily set aside. Footwear was removed without instruction. People moved forward not in haste, but in surrender.
There were boards clearly stating no donations. Prasad was served freely to thousands, without cost, without condition.
This simplicity reflects the life of Jalaram Bapa himself—a saint who lived and taught through seva, humility, and unwavering faith. His presence reminds us that true spirituality does not ask, it gives.
It does not impress, it transforms. Even today, devotees believe his grace silently removes burdens and restores peace to restless hearts.
Khodal Dham: Strength Wrapped in Stillness
From Virpur, the journey continued to Khodal Dham—an expanse of serenity spread across acres of land. The architecture stands majestic yet grounded, powerful yet peaceful. It does not overwhelm; it holds you.
Though dedicated to Khodiyar Ma, the temple complex honors many Devi avatars—each representing a different shade of Shakti: protection, nourishment, courage, and compassion. Walking through the space feels like moving through layers of the divine feminine—each form reminding us that strength can be gentle, and power can be nurturing.
Khodal Dham inspires unity, faith, and inner courage. It gently urges devotees to stand firm in dharma while trusting the unseen support of the Divine Mother.
Khodiyar Ma and the Crocodile: Power Over Fear
Khodiyar Ma is uniquely depicted riding a crocodile (Magar)—a symbol that carries profound spiritual meaning.
The crocodile is a creature feared for its raw strength and primal instinct. Maa riding it signifies mastery over fear, chaos, and untamed emotions. It tells us that divine power does not destroy fear—it rises above it.
Living both in water and on land, the crocodile represents balance between emotional depth and material reality. Through this vahana, Khodiyar Ma teaches us how to remain grounded while navigating emotional currents.
The crocodile also symbolizes unseen dangers and subconscious threats. Maa’s presence assures protection—not just from visible harm, but from inner turbulence we may not even recognize.
At a deeper level, the crocodile reflects our lower instincts—fear, anger, survival patterns. Khodiyar Ma does not reject these human aspects; she rides them, guiding them with awareness. This is the essence of true strength: conscious mastery, not suppression.
The Invisible Role of the Kuldevi
A kuldevi does not appear daily in rituals or words. Her role is subtle. She works through intuition, protection, redirection, and timely pauses. Often, we only recognize her presence when we look back and realize how many unseen dangers were avoided, how many wrong turns quietly corrected.
This journey reaffirmed a simple truth:
We are never walking alone.
The kuldevi stands behind generations—holding, guarding, and guiding—whether we acknowledge her daily or remember her only during moments of surrender.
She protects us and our familys well being.
Faith does not always shout. Sometimes, it moves in silence—just like the queue at Virpur, just like the calm strength of Khodiyar Ma, and just like the unseen hand that continues to protect us, generation after generation.
This was just not possible without some cousins and relatives staying nearby who accompanied us and also guided us.
Followed by Kite flying uttarayan day at Ahmedabad with cousins was another joyful experience.
After years, we were looking forward for this day.
As we all know what Uttarayan is famous for.
Uttrayan reminds us —
A kite doesn’t rise by force.
It rises by balance, timing, and trust in the wind.
May you learn when to hold on
and when to let life lift you.
Til is hard. Jaggery is sweet.
Life is both.
Uttrayan gently whispers —
Stay warm in your heart,
soft in your words,
and sweet in your intentions.
As kites colour the sky,
remember this:
You don’t have to prove your worth by flying higher than others.
Rise only as much as your soul feels light.
Roop Lakhani
(110126 - 150126)
