Modheshwari Mata Temple

Brief History

Modheshwari Mata Temple is located in Modhera Village of Mehsana District. It is less than 2 Km away from the world famous and known Modhera Sun Temple. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Modheshwari, a form of Goddess Parvati or Durga. As per a legend Goddess was worshiped by the great saint Matanga Muni so it is also called Matangi Modheshwari Temple. During Chaitra Navaratri and on the Purnima of every month, special Pooja – rituals and religious activities are organized in the temple. This temple is very famous amongst the Modh clan of Gujarat as Goddess Modheshwari is considered as the Chief deity of the Modh clan. The Modh clan consists of Patel Modh Patidar Brahmin, Modh Brahmin, Modh Vaishya, and Modh Kshatriya.

As per a legend demon Karnat used to torture the Brahmans during their prayers in this region. Thus for protection, all the saints worshiped Shri Mata Modheshwari. Goddess blessed with prayers and started throwing fire from her mouth and from this goddess Matangi appears. This incarnation of the goddess has eighteen arms, each having a weapon. Goddess Matangi killed the demon and released saints and people from the demon’s pain. Due to this legend, the Modh clan believed that Goddess Modheshwari is the clan deity and would protect them from danger; and built the Shree Modheshwari Mata Temple in honor of the goddess.