Goddess Umiya, an embodiment of Goddess Shakti, serves as the revered deity and Kuldevi for the Kadva Patidar community in Gujarat. She is also known as Shri Umiya Mata Ji or Shree Ma Umiya, representing the omnipotent mother Goddess of the universe. Bestowing strength, peace, and prosperity, she is a source of divine power.
Umiya Mata Story
According to Kadva Patidar legend, Goddess Umiya, originally
Goddess Sati and Goddess Parvati, manifested during one of Shiva and Uma's
divine quests to vanquish demons. Resting on the banks of the Saraswati River,
Goddess Uma shaped 52 statues from the riverbank's mud, and Lord Shiva breathed
life into them. These 52 individuals went on to become the founding members of
the Kadva Patidar Community.
In the traditions of the Kadva Patidar community, Goddess Umiya is regarded as the cosmic mother who gave birth to the universe. Her incarnations include Goddess Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Kali. She takes various forms at different times to uphold righteousness and protect her devotees.
A significant temple dedicated to Goddess Umiya stands in
Unjha, Gujarat, and there are other temples scattered across regions with a
significant Kadva Patidar population, including the United States.