Chandod Narmada Ghats

Chandod Narmada Ghats are sacred riverfront steps located in Chandod village, Dabhoi taluka, Vadodara district, Gujarat, at the confluence of the Narmada and Orsang rivers. Known as Malhar Rao Ghat, the site is a major Hindu pilgrimage centre for asthi visarjan and pind daan rituals. The ghats feature historic stone steps, temples including Kapileshwar Mahadev, and scenic river views, attracting pilgrims and visitors year-round.

Visitors can expect broad stone-stepped ghats along the Narmada River at its sangam with the Orsang River. The setting includes the historic Malhar Rao Ghat, small shrines and the Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple nearby, priests performing pind daan and asthi visarjan rituals, pilgrims taking holy dips, and open river views. The area has bathing platforms, seating areas, shops for puja materials, and boat access near the confluence.

The main ghat is known as Malhar Rao Ghat, developed during the 18th century under Maratha Holkar patronage associated with Malhar Rao Holkar and Ahilyabai Holkar. The Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple at Chandod is an ancient Shiva shrine traditionally linked to sage Kapil. The ghats have long served as a pilgrimage centre on the Narmada riverbank.

Chandod is considered a highly sacred site for Hindus, especially for post-cremation rituals including asthi visarjan, pind daan and shradh ceremonies at the Narmada-Orsang sangam. The confluence is revered as a purifying tirtha, often compared to Prayag and Kashi for ancestral rites, and draws pilgrims throughout the year, particularly during Pitru Paksha and Kartik month.