Harshid Mata Temple

Brief History

Krishna is claimed to have constructed the original temple on top of the hill. Krishna prayed to Amba Mata for power in order to defeat the asuras and Jarasandha. Krishna was able to overcome the Asuras owing to the goddess's graces.
He thus erected the temple as a gratitude towards the goddess. Jarasandha's death was celebrated by the Jadavas, and they were over joyed (harshit) with their accomplishment. Hence the name Harshad Mata or Harsiddhi Mata. Since then, she has been revered as Jadejas' kuldevi.

Jagdusha, a 13th-century Kutch trader, is credited with constructing the goddess shrine on the Koyal hills near the historic port town of Miyani near Porbandar. In the shrine, his statue is similarly installed on the right side of the deity. The story goes: The goddess's temple stood on a ridge overlooking the waterway. It was thought that if the goddess's sights landed on the boat, it would be burned or sunk at sea. Jagadu's fleet of ships was sunk as a result, but he survived. To appease the deity, Jagadu went to the shrine and fasted for three days. Jagadu urged her to descend the hill so her gaze would not be drawn to the ships. She consented to his plea if he promised to sacrifice a buffalo for each step down the hill. As a Jain, Jagadu was bewildered because he believed in nonviolence.
Jagadu brought buffaloes and sacrificed them to honour his pledge, but the number was insufficient, and the goddess was still a few steps away from current temple location. As a result, he made the decision to sacrifice himself as well as his family. His family was brought to life by the goddess, who was satisfied with his dedication.
She also gave him the blessing that his lineage would not die out.