Meldi Mata, a revered Hindu goddess, holds a significant place in the hearts of the farming communities, particularly in the western state of Gujarat, India. As a household deity, she is believed to be a guardian and protector of farmland, ensuring the prosperity and well-being of agricultural activities. The story of origin of Goddess Meldi Ma is associated with Mahadeva Shiva.
One of the captivating aspects of Meldi Mata is the legend
surrounding her ability to grant any wish. Devotees hold strong faith in her
divine power and turn to her with their desires, seeking blessings and
assistance in various aspects of life. This belief has contributed to her
widespread popularity and the establishment of numerous temples dedicated to
her worship across Gujarat.
Meldi Mata is especially cherished by the farming Hindus and
the people of Chunvalia Koli, who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods.
Farmers often pray to her for a bountiful harvest, protection from natural
calamities, and overall agricultural prosperity. Her association with farmland
symbolizes the connection between spirituality and the agricultural way of
life.
The goddess is often depicted with her vahana, a goat, signifying her close connection with rural and pastoral settings. The goat, as her divine vehicle, further emphasizes her role as a protector and nurturer of the land and its resources.
In iconography, Meldi Mata is represented with eight hands,
each holding a variety of weapons – she holds chakra, sword, trishul, conch,
mace and dagger. Two of her hands are in Abhaya and Varada mudra. These weapons
symbolize her formidable power and capability to defend against any threats.
The multiple arms also suggest her ability to multitask and provide support on
various fronts, emphasizing her role as a versatile and protective deity.
Overall, Meldi Mata's worship is deeply ingrained in the
cultural and religious practices of the Gujarati farming community, embodying
the intertwining of spirituality, agriculture, and the well-being of the
people. Her benevolence and protective nature make her a cherished figure in
the hearts of those who depend on the land for their sustenance and prosperity.
Story Of Goddess Meldi Ma
In the ancient times, a malevolent demon, cunningly
disguised as a human, embarked on a journey of intense meditation with a single
purpose in mind – to invoke the powerful deity, Shiva. Millennia passed as the
demon dedicated himself to this quest, the intensity of his meditation drawing
the attention of the divine realms.
Finally, Shiva, the benevolent yet discerning deity,
appeared before the demon. With a tone of generosity, Shiva granted the demon a
boon, allowing him to make a single wish. Seizing the opportunity, the demon
cunningly asked for immortality and protection from death at the hands of any
human.
Little did Shiva realize the deceitful nature of the demon's
wish. As soon as the boon was granted, the demon discarded his human facade,
revealing his true demonic form. Unleashing havoc upon the earth, the demon,
now empowered and virtually invincible, began a reign of terror, causing
suffering and misery to all living beings.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, a group of five powerful goddesses, divine beings with a deep connection to Parvati, also known as Kali, sought her intervention. They narrated the tale of the demon's malevolence and the chaos he had unleashed upon the world.
Responding to the call, Kali and the five goddesses set out
to confront the demon. A fierce battle ensued, with the goddesses relentlessly
pursuing the demon. However, the demon managed to elude them and sought refuge
within the lifeless shell of a dead cow.
Undeterred, the goddesses, determined to vanquish the demon,
purified themselves by removing dirt and dead skin from their bodies. With
these sacred offerings, they created a new, divine avatar – a powerful goddess
ready to confront the malevolent force.
Entering the carcass of the dead cow, the newly formed
goddess engaged in a ferocious battle with the demon, ultimately ending his
reign of terror and freeing the world from his malevolence.
After the victorious battle, the goddess, seeking the
blessings of the five goddesses, was met with rejection. They deemed her impure
due to the proximity to the dead animal. Undeterred, she approached Lord Shiva
with her concerns, questioning the consequences of her actions.
In response, Lord Shiva bestowed his blessings upon her and
named her Meldi Maa. He prophesied that she would be revered and worshipped in
the Kali Yuga era, assuring her that those who prayed to her would receive
blessings. Thus, Meldi Maa became a symbol of divine intervention and
protection, providing solace and blessings to those who sought her grace in the
midst of challenges and darkness.