Madhavraiji Mandir- Madhavpur Ghed Temples

Madhavraiji Mandir is located at a village Madhavpur Ghed which lies on the seashore, close to Porbandar in Gujarat. Madhavraiji is in the form of Lord Krishna in this temple.

According to folklore, Krishna married Rukmini at Madhavpur after first kidnapping her. This event is memorialised with a temple dedicated to lord Madhavrai and by an annual fair held in the village.

Madhavpur is the site of a 13th century temple of Madhavraiji who is a form of Lord Krishna. It is believed that by mid 14th century there was an earthquake in the sea due to which the sea level raised and the temple got submerged in sea, in the beginning of 15th century the sea level dropped and the temple was rediscovered. The Locals since then believed that the temple is not made by humans and it was created by the the Gods.

The original temple has been badly damaged by attacks by invaders, however a ruined structure is still present and gives idea of original undamaged temple. A newly constructed temple is used for worship now adjacent to the old one.

Madhavrai Temple at Madhavpur is the only Temple in India where you will find idols of Krishna and his Brother Balram together.The original idols are now placed inside new temple after Government Of India declared the original temple as unsafe due to its conditions.

Legend
As per the legend, Lord Krishna kidnapped princess Rukmini (Rukmini haran) on wish of Rukmini to prevent her with unwanted marriage with Shishupala. Rukmini was the daughter of King Bhishmaka of Vidarbh state. Princess Rukmini was in love with Lord Shri Krishna due to his greatness, charm and character. Rukmini’s parents agreed to get her married to Krishna but her brother Rukmi had opposed it and arranged marriage of Rukmini with his friend Shishupala who was associated with Magadh king Jarasandha. To avoid this marriage Rukmini sent a letter to Shri Krishna through her trusted Panditji. Lord Shri Krishna understood the situation and agreed for Rukmini Haran to avoid war between Dwarka and Vidarbh. It is believed that Lord Krishna married princess Rukmini at this village while returning to Dwarka. Rukmini was the first and the most prominent queen of Krishna. It is also believed that Rukmini is the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.

Every year, for five days from day of Ram Navami, a cultural fair is organized mainly on the background of religious belief of Krishna marrying Rukmini. A colorful chariot is decorated and idol of Krishna is placed in the chariot and a procession proceeds through the village as a part of celebrating the event of Krishna’s marriage. Village people throws colors at each other as part of celebration and also involves joyful dancing.