Ashapura Mata Temple is a 14th-century temple dedicated to Ashapura Mata, the chief deity of the Jadeja Rajputs located in Matanamadh, Lakhapat, Kutch, Gujarat. The temple was commissioned during the reign of the Jadeja dynasty and was built by two Karad Vanias, Ajo and Anagor. Ashapura Devi Maa, an incarnation of Annapoorna devi, is well-liked by her devotees because she grants the desires and wishes of those who pray to her in need. Many other communities in Gujarat worship her as a kuldevi.

The current temple structure was designed by two Brahmakshatriyas, Sundarji Shivji and Mehta Vallabhaji. A six-foot-tall red-painted stone statue of Ashapura Mata can be found inside the temple.

The story behind Ashapura Mata Temple

Ashapura Mata was a kuldevi of the Chauhan Dynasty, also known as Songara Chauhan of Shakambhari (Sambhar Lake City, Rajasthan), which Prithviraj Chauhan descended from the first Shakambhari Mata temple. Its origins can be traced back nearly 1300 years or more to Sambhar.

The shrine’s history can be traced back to antiquity. There are references to Ashapura Devi Maa in the Puranas, Rudrayamal Tantra, and other texts that are said to point to this shrine in Kutch. As a result, there are no ancient records that indicate the beginning of worship at this temple, but it is clear that the deity was present in the 9th century AD when the Samma clan, Rajputs of the Singh region, first entered the northwest Kutch. Later, other communities began to follow and eventually established themselves in the region.

History of Ashapura Mata Temple

The Ashapura Mata Temple was built in the 14th century at Mata no Madh by two Karad Vanias, Ajo and Anagor. She is the Kutchi Jadeja Rajputs, Bhanushali, Gosar, and Poladia community’s kuladevi. Ashapuri mata is also worshipped as kuldevi by the Patels of Charotar in Piplav.

Over the centuries, the temple has been severely damaged by earthquakes, the first in 1819 and the second in 2001. Sundarji Shivji and Mehta Vallabhaji, two Brahmakshatriyas, designed the current temple structure. A six-foot-tall red-painted stone statue of Ashapura Mata can be found inside the temple.

People from various communities flock to the temples for her ‘darshan’ all year, especially during the ‘chaitra’ and in greater numbers during the ‘ashvin’ Navratri. Puja is performed on a large scale during the festival, and everyone from former rulers to locals participates actively.

The architecture of Ashapura Mata Temple

Ashapura Mata Temple At Mata no Madh is an excellent example of traditional Indian architecture, complete with elaborate and intricate carvings. The shrine’s image of Ashapura Mata is a red-painted stone about six feet high and six feet wide at the base, narrowing to a point in a shape with some rough resemblance to a human form.

The idol of Ashapura Mata is notable for having seven pairs of eyes. She is, as the name implies, the Goddess who grants the wishes and desires of all those who trust and believe in her. On the temple grounds, one can also see a massive bell presented by Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro of Sindh, as well as a deepmala weighing 2 kg silver presented by Jamadar Fateh Muhammad.

Facts about Ashapura Mata Temple

• The Ashapura Devi Mata Temple, also known as Mata no Madh, is located in the Gujarat district of Kutch.
• The Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Ashapura Mata and is the Kuldevi of Jadeja’s Dynasty.
• This temple is located west of Kakkadbhit. The original 1200-year-old temple was damaged numerous times by earthquakes; the temple that stands today was built by Sunderji Saudagar, and its structure is being built with greater glory and better dimensions.
• Puranas, Rudrayamal Tantra, and other texts all refer to Ashapura Devi Maa and point to this temple in Kutch.
• As a result, there is no ancient record that indicates when worship in this temple began, but it strongly suggests that the deity was very popular in the 9th century AD when the Rajput Samma clan of the Singh region first entered the north.
• Ashapura Mata, as the name implies, is the Goddess who grants the wishes and desires of all those who trust and believe in her.
• The majority of Ashapura Mata’s idols are distinguished by the presence of seven pairs of eyes.
• Ashapura Mata is a kuldevi of the Kutch region and Many other communities in Gujarat.
• A six-foot-tall red-painted stone statue of Ashapura Mata can be found inside the temple.
• People from various communities flock to the temples for her ‘darshan’ all year, especially during the ‘chaitra’ and in greater numbers during the ‘ashvin’ Navratri. Puja is performed on a large scale during the festival.
• Apart from Nvaratri Many other religious festivals, such as Diwali and Holi, are also observed.

Famous Festivals In Ashapura Mata Temple

Millions of people visit this temple every year to celebrate all of the festivals that are held here. Some major festivals held here are

• Durga Puja. (Winter) – Devotees celebrate Navaratri at this temple in the month of Ashwin (Sep-Oct) and celebrate the triumph of the Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon (Mahishasura).
• Navaratri. (Summer) – They celebrate other Navaratri in the fortnight of the Chaitra (March-April). Every nine days they worship Navadurga (nine Durgas).
• Mahashivaratri is a fasting ritual that takes place in the last week of February. It is reminiscent of Lord Shiva bringing Goddess Parvati with him. A Grand Celebration is arranged by priests and the temple committee.

How To reach Ashapura Mata Temple

The Ashapura Mata Temple is easily accessible as it is situated in the Kutch region.

By Air: The nearest airport from Ashapura Mata Mandir is Bhuj Airport which is at a distance of 80 km from this temple.

By Rail: The nearest railway station from Ashapura Mata Mandir is Bhuj railway station which is at a distance of about a few km from this temple.

By Road: The roads to this temple are well connected with the other cities in the country, so you can easily reach it by car, public bus, or taxi from anywhere in the country.

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