Bahuchara Mata Mandir

Gujarat, Mehsana, Gandhinagar

In a small town of Bahucharaji in Mehsana district of Gujarat, stands the temple dedicated to the divinity of Bahuchara Mata,who is considered an incarnation of Goddess Shakthi. She is considered the patroness of the hijra community and also the Goddess of fertility. Parts of the temple are believed to have been built in year 1783 AD by Manajirav Gaiakwad Sarkar. Maratha Fadanvesh, Saint Kapildev, Kalari king Tejpal have also contributed to the construction and renovation of the temple.

Legend

There are many legends regarding the temple-

In one of them, the Goddess is believed to have been the daughter of a Charan, Bapal dan Detha. She and her sisters were on journey when a marauder named Bapiya attacked their caravan. When a attacked, the women cut their breasts in an act of defiance. Legend tells that Bapiya was cursed and became impotent. The curse was lifted only when he worshiped Bahuchara Mata by dressing and acting like a woman. Today Bahuchara Mata is considered patroness of the hijra community and worshipped by them and many other communities in Gujarat.
Bahuchraji Mata is also believed to have, in the form of young girl killed Dandasur, a demon who resided in the area.

The temple is also considered a Shaktipeeth where Sati's hands had fallen.

Architecture

Built in traditional North Indian style of architecture with white marble, tiered Shikara with gold tops, red flags of the Goddess fluttering on the temple tops, carved pillars, the shrine of Bahuchara Mata exudes beauty as well as serenity. The temple is beautifully decorated with ancient carvings and paintings on the wall. There is also havan mandap for yagna. There is a vast hall is also build by temple trust to organize meetings and other functions. Temple is constructed as per the principles of vastu Shastra.

Picture Courtesy :www.gujarattouristguide.com

Darsan Info

Timings:- 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Fairs are held here at every chaitra and ashadhi purnima, full moon day. On this day numbers of devotees visits the temple.

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire

Famous Festival

April - Chaitra Navrathri
October - Navrathri

Culture

Bahucharaji is a temple town in Mehsana district of Gujarat state. The town and the way of life of the people here are associated with Hindu goddess Bahuchara Mata. It is one of the three Shakti Peethas worshipped in Gujarat.