History of Mata No Madh
Mata no Madh was constructed in the 14th century by Anagor and Ajo who were the ministers of Lakho Phulani belonging to the Bania caste. It was demolished due to an earthquake in 1819. In 1823, the temple was restored by Sunderji Shivji and Mehta Vallabhaji belonging to the Brahmakshatriyas. The temple suffered damage once again during the earthquake of 2001. However, it was once again repaired and opened up for believers.
It is said that there are two classes of people who are connected with the Mata no Madh, the Bhuvas and the Kapadis, who is believed to be the living generation of two brothers. The Bhuvas are not the devotees. However, the Kapadis are, and they follow a life of restrain from the worldly pleasures.
Ancient scripts have references to the temple and Maa Ashapura Rudrayamal Tantra and Puranas. According to a legend, Devchand, a Bania, was passing by the temple region to sell his manufactured items during Navratri. He decided to stay at Mata no Madh to celebrate Navratri as he was a devotee of the Goddess. He never wished for anything but a child because he had enough to live a decent life. One night, he dreamt about Maa Ashapura asking him to build a temple right where he was. She also stated that when he wakes up, he'll find a coconut and a red coloured cloth (Chunari) lying next to him. There was also a condition attached. The goddess told him that once the temple was constructed, its doors had to shut and no devotee should be allowed for six months. These were the months Maa Ashapura established herself in the temple. Devchand would hear music and celestial sounds coming from inside the temple. Once, he just couldn't contain his excitement and opened the temple doors. He saw a stone idol of the goddess in a pose that looks like she is attempting to stand up.
Facilities at Mata No Madh
Accommodation facilities:Accommodation is available on request. It is not mandatory to book rooms in advance although it is advisable to do so to ensure your accommodation is taken care of. The facility has 2 large halls, 4 smaller rooms shared accommodation, 23 general rooms and 33 Non-AC rooms with attached bathroom. In case this facility is full, do check for availability at Chachrakund, where they have 3 more large halls for shared accommodation and 12 separate rooms. The trust also provides mattresses, quilts, water and electricity at no cost to the pilgrims.
Food:The Mata no Madh Canteen provides food for all pilgrims free of cost every single day of the week. If informed about food preferences (for example Jain meals) well in advance, they also go an extra mile to prepare meals in accordance. They serve meals that are simple, nourishing and palatable and at completely free of cost to the pilgrims. There is provision for filtered and cool drinking water as well.
Prasad/ Bhojan:The trust can also make arrangements for Prasad/ Bhojan for Manta purposes or to celebrate a commitment observed by the pilgrims.
Navratri Festival at Mata No Madh
Navratri is the most important festival celebrated with grandiose and enthusiasm for nine days every single year between October and November in honour of Maa Ashapura. Darshan is available anytime from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM for those nine days. Special buses are arranged for devotees from the Bhuj State Transport Bus Depot which ply every 10 minutes from platform 1. The buses travelling back from Mata no Madh also take off every 10 minutes.
Since the number of devotees visiting the temple is tremendously high during the festival, the trust makes arrangements for a mega camp about 2 kilometres away from the temple complex. The camp can accommodate about 2500 pilgrims at a time. Some arrangement is also made at the Chachrakund where devotees can rest and clean up before offering their prayers to Maa Ashapura.
Mata No Madh Aarti Timings
Mangala Aarti - 5:00 AMIncense Paste Aarti - 9:00 AMSandhya Aarti - 6:00 PM
Best time to visit Mata no Madh
The best time to visit Mata no Madh is between October and February as the maximum temperature ranges from 27 degrees Celcius to 35 degrees Celcius and minimum from 10 degrees Celcius to 22 degrees Celcius, making it quite a pleasant weather to explore the temple. June to September are the monsoon months that receive an average rainfall of 90 mm and the summers from March to May have temperatures ranging from a maximum of 40 degrees Celcius to a minimum of 22 degrees Celcius.
How to Reach Mata no Madh
Travellers can hail busses from the Bhuj ST Bus stand or private bus services and reach the temple in about 2.5 hours via GJ SH 42.
The nearest Railway Station is the Bhuj Railway Station, which is about 101 kilometres from Mata no Madh. Travellers can take state transport buses, private buses or tourist cabs to reach the temple complex. The nearest airport is the Bhuj Airport which is also about 100 kilometres away. Travellers can rent cabs hail public transport to reach Mata no Madh.
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Tips
1. The crowd could be a little overwhelming during the Navratri Season.2. Although no instances of robbery have been reports, it is advisable that the devotees take care of their belongings and do not carry valuables.3. Follow the usual temple rules of dressing conservatively and removing your footwear outside.4. Padyatras are arranged by devotee groups during Navratri.5. Try to avoid visiting during the summers as the temperature gets very hot and dry.
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