The sacred town of Dakor in Gujarat is famous for the temple of Ranchhodrai (Lord Krishna). But behind this holy place lies a heart-touching story of a simple devotee named Sant Bodana, whose pure love for Krishna was so powerful that the Lord Himself chose to leave Dwarka and come with him.
Sant Bodana’s story is not about miracles alone — it is about unshakable faith, lifelong devotion, and the bond between God and a true bhakt.
Who Was Sant Bodana?
Sant Bodana was a humble devotee from Dakor, a small village in Gujarat. He lived a simple life with his wife Gangabai. They were not wealthy, learned, or powerful — but they had something rare:
- Pure, unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna
From a young age, Bodana was deeply attached to Krishna. He considered Krishna not as a distant God but as a beloved friend and family member.
The Pilgrimage to Dwarka
Every year, Sant Bodana would walk all the way from Dakor to Dwarka to have darshan of Lord Krishna. This journey was long, tiring, and difficult, especially as he grew older.
But Bodana never missed it.
He carried tulsi leaves as an offering — a symbol of his love. He did not bring gold, sweets, or expensive gifts. Just tulsi and tears of devotion.
His faith was simple:
“Krishna does not want wealth. He wants love.”
Old Age and a Painful Realization
As years passed, Bodana became old and weak. One year, after reaching Dwarka with great difficulty, he stood before Krishna and said with tears:
“My Lord, I don’t know if I will be able to come again next year.”
This was not a complaint — it was a heartfelt pain of a devotee who feared separation from his God.
That night, something extraordinary happened.
Krishna’s Divine Promise
Lord Krishna appeared in Bodana’s dream and said:
“Bodana, do not worry. Next time, I will come with you to Dakor.”
Bodana woke up overwhelmed with joy. He could not believe what he had seen, but his heart was filled with peace.
The next year, he again came to Dwarka — this time with a bullock cart.
The Miracle: Krishna Leaves Dwarka
According to devotional tradition, when Bodana prayed with deep love, the idol of Lord Krishna (Ranchhodrai) became light and allowed itself to be carried away.
Bodana placed the idol in his cart and began his journey back to Dakor.
However, the priests of Dwarka soon realized that the idol was missing. They chased Bodana to stop him.
The Divine Protection
As Bodana hurried toward Dakor, he prayed continuously. It is believed that Krishna protected him throughout the journey.
When the pursuers caught up, a divine event took place. Krishna instructed Bodana to hide the idol in a pond near Dakor, now known as Gomti Talav.
The priests demanded the idol back. But Krishna’s will was different.
The Idol Weighing Miracle
A condition was placed — Bodana must give gold equal to the weight of the idol.
Bodana and Gangabai were poor. They had no gold.
Gangabai removed her small nose ring and placed it on the weighing scale. Miraculously, the scale balanced.
This proved that devotion outweighs wealth.
The priests accepted the gold ornament, and the idol remained in Dakor.
Establishment of Ranchhodrai Temple in Dakor
The idol of Lord Krishna was installed in Dakor, and this became the famous Ranchhodrai Temple.
Dakor turned into one of the most important Krishna pilgrimage sites in Gujarat.
All because of one devotee’s love.
Teachings from Sant Bodana’s Life
Sant Bodana’s story gives timeless spiritual lessons.
Key Messages
- God values love, not luxury
- True devotion can move the divine
- Age and weakness cannot stop faith
- A devotee’s bond with God is personal
- Faith can create miracles
Why Sant Bodana’s Story Still Inspires
Even today, lakhs of devotees visit Dakor, especially on Purnima, to remember this divine story.
People believe:
“If devotion is true, God will come to you.”
Sant Bodana represents every common devotee who loves God without conditions.
Conclusion
Sant Bodana was not a scholar, saint, or king. He was an ordinary man with extraordinary devotion.
His life proves a beautiful truth:
“When love for God is pure, God Himself walks toward the devotee.”
The story of Dakor is not just history — it is a living example of bhakti.
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