At present, there are many temples of Maa Modheshwari across Gujarat. However, the temple located at Modhera is considered the most ancient, as it is associated with the divine manifestation (pragatya) of Maa Modheshwari. It is on this very land that the Goddess appeared. Maa Modheshwari is the family deity (kuldevi) of the Modh Brahmin, Vaishya, and Kshatriya communities. She is also known as “Matangi Mata.”
The word “Modh” means one who is endowed with all virtues. The history behind the manifestation of Maa Modheshwari on the land of Modhera is truly noteworthy. Before that, it is important to understand the significance of Modhera itself.
Sacredness of Modhera
Since ancient times, Modhera has been renowned as an extremely sacred land.
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In the Satya Yuga, this land was known as “Satyamandir.”
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In the Dwapara Yuga, it was called “Ved Bhuvan.”
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In the early Kali Yuga, it came to be known as “Mohar Kapur,”
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and today it is famous as “Modhera.”
The region surrounding Mohar Kapur was known in ancient times as Dharmaranya (the forest of righteousness). Its importance can be understood from this example: once Maharshi Ved Vyasa told other sages that if one wishes to attain moksha (liberation), there are only two places in the world suitable for penance—one is Naimisharanya in Uttar Pradesh, and the other is Dharmaranya in Gujarat.
Lord Brahma performed penance on this land, and Dharmaraja (Yama) also undertook years of austerities here. In return, Dharmaraja received a boon that the place would be associated with his name, and thus it came to be known as Dharmaranya.
Lord Rama also performed worship here after defeating Ravana and returning to Ayodhya, on the advice of Maharshi Vashistha.
Story - Manifestation of Maa Modheshwari
In the Dharmaranya region of Modhera, a demon named Karnat once caused immense terror. He would loot wedding processions and kill people traveling through the area. Troubled by his atrocities, the Brahmins and merchants of Modhera approached the Goddess and prayed to be freed from the demon’s oppression.
Hearing the sorrow of her devotees, the Goddess assumed a terrifying and fierce form to destroy the demon. Flames began to emerge from her mouth, her eyes turned fiery red, and her eighteen arms held various divine weapons. A fearsome battle ensued between the Goddess and the demon. After an intense fight, the Goddess slew the demon and liberated the people from his terror.
The Brahmins and merchants of Modhera celebrated a grand victory festival. From that time onward, Matangi Devi has been worshipped as the kuldevi of the Modh community.
Later History and Protection of the Idol
Many other legends about Matangi Mata are also prevalent. The Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khilji attacked the village of Modhera, and later the Mughal army deceitfully looted the town. The Sun Temple was damaged, and its incomparable artworks were destroyed.
To protect the idol of Matangi Mata from being desecrated, it was hidden in a stepwell (vav), which is today known as Dharmavav. Later, the temple was restored. In Samvat 1966, on the day of Mahasud Teras, the pran-pratistha (ritual consecration) of the idol was performed at the Modhera temple. Since then, every year on this date, the Patotsav (temple anniversary festival) of the Goddess is celebrated.
On the auspicious day of the Patotsav, Matangi Maiya is worshipped with a saffron bath (kesar snan). In the evening, a Homatmak Navchandi Yagna is performed. An Annakut offering (mountain of food) is presented, and floral offerings and wishes (phoolo no manorath) are also fulfilled.