The story of Goddess Jeen Mata and Harshnath Bhairav at the Jeen Mata temple in Sikar, Rajasthan, is a captivating tale steeped in devotion, family bonds, and divine intervention. The story unfolds in the ancient Chauhan dynasty, in the village of Ghaghoo, where King Ghankh's family witnessed the extraordinary bond between siblings Jeen and Harsh.
Jeen Mata, a powerful manifestation of Mother Shakti, was
born into the royal household of King Ghankh. The love between Jeen and her
elder brother Harsh was exceptional, with people considering Jeen as the
embodiment of Goddess Shakti and Harsh as avatar of Mahadeva Shiva. This deep
familial connection endured even after Harsh's marriage.
A pivotal moment in their story occurred during a dispute at
a pond while Jeen and her sister-in-law were fetching water. The disagreement
led to a bet on who Harsh loved more. The terms were set – from whoever head
Harsh removed the water pitcher first would be considered his favorite. In an
unexpected turn, Harsh chose to remove the pitcher from his wife's head first,
leaving Jeen on the losing side of the bet.
In a fit of anger, Jeen retreated to the Kajal Shikhar in the Aravalli Mountains and began a profound meditation of Goddess Durga. Despite Harsh's attempts to reconcile, Jeen remained engrossed in her devotion to the goddess. Determined to bring back his sister, Harsh embarked on a penance dedicated to Bhairav, immersing himself in spiritual practices.
The sacred site where Jeen and Harsh performed their penance
is revered as Jeenmata Dham. It is believed that the goddess, pleased with
their devotion, manifested herself at this location. Additionally, Harshnath
Bhairav, the deity worshipped alongside Jeen Mata, emerged from Harsh's
penance, further enriching the spiritual significance of the temple.
The Jeen Mata temple stands as a testament to the unwavering love and devotion between Jeen and Harsh, symbolizing the profound connection between family ties and divine worship in the rich tapestry of Hindu religion. Pilgrims and devotees continue to visit this sacred site, seeking blessings and experiencing the divine energy that radiates from the Jeen Mata temple in Sikar, Rajasthan.