Modheshwari Mata Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in

Modhera Modhera is a village in Becharaji Taluka in Mehsana district, Gujarat, India. The town is well known for the Sun Temple of Chaulukya era. The town is located on the bank of Pushpavati river. History The town was known as Dharmaranya during Pu ...

village of Mehsana district in Gujarat, India. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu mother-goddess

Modheshwari Modheshwari Mata () is an aspect of the ''devi'' Parvati or Mahakali. She is the Kuladevata, clan deity of the Modh community of Gujarat. Mythological story It is believed that the demon Karnat was creating havoc in the region by disturbing the Br ...

Mata, an aspect of the divine feminine

Shakti Shakti (Devanagari: शक्ति, IAST: Śakti; 'energy, ability, strength, effort, power, might, capability') in Hinduism, is the "Universal Power" that underlies and sustains all existence. Conceived as feminine in essence, Shakti refer ...

. It was built around 1026-1027 CE during the reign of the Solanki dynasty king

Bhima I Bhima I (r. 1022–1064) was a Chaulukya king who ruled parts of present-day Gujarat, India. The early years of his reign saw an invasion from the Ghaznavid ruler Mahmud, who sacked the Somnath temple. Bhima left his capital and took shel ...

Legend

According to Hindu mythology, the temple is associated with the legend of the demon Karnat, who was causing havoc in the village. Seeking protection, the saints prayed to the goddess

Parvati Parvati (, , IPA: /Sanskrit phonology, pɑɾʋət̪iː/), also known as Uma (, , IPA: Sanskrit phonology, /ʊmɑː/) and Gauri (, , IPA: /Sanskrit phonology, gə͡ʊɾiː/), is one of the principal goddesses in Hinduism, revered as the Devi, ...

, who then manifested as Modheshwari Mata. With her eighteen arms wielding various weapons, she defeated the demon and protected the villagers.

Worship and rituals

The temple is revered as the clan deity of the Modh community, consisting of

Brahmin Brahmin (; ) is a ''Varna (Hinduism), varna'' (theoretical social classes) within Hindu society. The other three varnas are the ''Kshatriya'' (rulers and warriors), ''Vaishya'' (traders, merchants, and farmers), and ''Shudra'' (labourers). Th ...

Vaishya Vaishya (Sanskrit: वैश्य, ''vaiśya'') is one of the four varnas of the Vedic Hindu social order in India. Vaishyas are classed third in the order of Varna hierarchy. The occupation of Vaishyas consists mainly of agriculture, takin ...

Kshatriya Kshatriya () (from Sanskrit ''kṣatra'', "rule, authority"; also called Rajanya) is one of the four varnas (social orders) of Hindu society and is associated with the warrior aristocracy. The Sanskrit term ''kṣatriyaḥ'' is used in the con ...

, and

Patidar Patidar (Gujarati language, Gujarati: ), formerly known as Kunbi, Kanbi (Gujarati language, Gujarati: ), is an Indian land-owning and peasant Caste system in India, caste and community native to Gujarat. The community comprises at multiple sub ...

. Special poojas and rituals are organized during Chaitra Navaratri and on the Purnima of every month. The temple opens at 07:00 AM and closes at 07:30 PM.

Architecture and location

The temple complex features exquisite stone carvings and sculptures, showcasing the Solanki style of architecture. It is situated near the ruins of the famous Sun Temple in Modhera.

Tourism

The Modheshwari Mata Temple is a significant tourist attraction in Modhera and is located 25 km from Mehsana. Besides the temple in Modhera, there are notable temples dedicated to the deity in various cities across Gujarat.

Deities worshiped

Devi Modheshwari is depicted with eighteen arms, each holding various weapons symbolizing protection. The temple also houses an ancient temple dedicated to Bhagwan Surya (Sun God), now in ruins.

Facilities

The temple premises are well-maintained, offering a peaceful environment for worship. Ample parking facilities and a restaurant are available for visitors' convenience.

References

Hindu temples in Gujarat Modhera {{Hinduism-stub