About the Khodiyar Mataji Temple, Katargam
Located in the Katargam suburb of Surat, near Dairy Faliya Road and Vishal Nagar (PIN 395004), this temple dedicated to Maa Khodiyar Mataji serves locals with regular darshan hours and spiritual ambiance. While official records for this exact location are limited, the temple’s proximity to landmarks like the Kantareshwar Mahadev Temple and its presence within Khodiyar Krupa Society are confirmed by local mapping sources.

🙏 Who Is Maa Khodiyar Mata?
Maa Khodiyar is a revered Hindu folk goddess worshiped across South Gujarat and Saurashtra, known as a protective guardian deity. According to legend, she emerged in the 7th–8th century to bless her devotees—most notably riding a crocodile to save her brother from a snakebite—and was honored thereafter as a powerful Shakti figure.

She is particularly revered by communities such as the Leuva Patels and Cadurams, and temples dedicated to her have become vital spiritual sites across Gujarat.

🕉️ Temple History (General Context)
While the Katargam temple is a contemporary neighborhood shrine, the broader worship of Khodiyar Mata traces back centuries. Her earliest temples were built in Bhavnagar and Junagadh, following her legendary intervention in wars and her role as a fertility and protection deity.

In Surat, such temples were established by Kathiyawadi migrants who brought their spiritual traditions to the city during the 20th century, creating many local temples dedicated to Maa Khodiyar among their communities.

⛪ Worship & Rituals

Darshan: The temple typically opens early morning, with a mid-day break, and reopens in the evening—though exact timings vary by temple.
Rituals: Devotees offer prasad, perform aartis, and often participate in bhajans or katha sessions. Khodiyar Jayanti and Navratri are major festivals marked with flag hoisting, devotional singing, and community meals.
Visiting & Nearby Offerings

📌 Temple Experience:

• Expect a modest yet serene environment with features like marble floors, deity statues, a small sabha hall, and space for shoe storage.

• Though not extensively documented online, similar temples (e.g., Adajan’s Khodiyar Mataji Mandir) offer amenities such as clean restrooms, prasad counters, and wheelchair access.

🚗 Getting There:

Katargam Area: Easily reachable via city bus, auto-rickshaw, and local roads.

Katargam Suburb: Known as a well-developed residential and commercial zone, home to Surat’s diamond industry and a diverse local population.

🛎️ Nearby Attractions:

• Kantareshwar Mahadev Temple

• Jewish Cemetery and Bazaar Streets of Katargam

• Other Community Temples and Local Food Stalls

📝 Summary
The Khodiyar Mataji Temple in Katargam is a neighborhood shrine serving the spiritual needs of local devotees, especially those of Kathiyawadi origin. Though not as ancient as temples in Bhavnagar or Junagadh, it carries forward the devotional legacy of Maa Khodiyar—offering protection, blessings, and cultural continuity in Surat’s dynamic urban landscape.