Khodiyar Mata – The Divine Mother

Khodiyar Mata is a revered Hindu goddess, worshipped mainly in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. She is considered a form of Maa Amba or Durga, known for protecting her devotees and blessing them with courage, prosperity, and well-being.

? Historical Background

Origin Legend:
Khodiyar Mata was born as one of the seven sisters and one brother (Mata and their brother Mehrak) in the Charan (or Charaniya) community.
According to legend, she appeared to bless a devotee named Mamadiya Gadhvi, who was childless. Through divine grace, she and her siblings were born as blessings from the goddess.

Miracle of Khodiyar:
The most famous story tells that Khodiyar Mata rode a crocodile (her vahan or vehicle) across a lake to help her devotees, symbolizing her control over nature and her protective power.

? Famous Khodiyar Mandirs in Gujarat

Khodiyar Mandir, Rajpara (Bhavnagar District)

One of the oldest and most sacred temples.

Built around the 7th–8th century by the Maharaja of Bhavnagar, who was a strong devotee of Khodiyar Mata.

The temple sits near a large pond (Khodiyar Talav), believed to be where Mata emerged on her crocodile.

The idol is carved in black stone, depicting the goddess with her crocodile mount.

Khodaldham, Kagvad (Near Jetpur, Rajkot)

A modern and grand temple complex, inaugurated in 2017.

Built by the Leuva Patel community to honor Khodiyar Mata.

It represents unity among Patidar Samaj and is one of the largest Hindu temples in Gujarat.

Khodiyar Mandir, Gadhada (Bhavnagar District)

Associated with Swaminarayan tradition.

Lord Swaminarayan himself was a devotee of Khodiyar Mata and often visited this temple.

? Significance

Khodiyar Mata is worshipped especially for protection, fertility, and prosperity.

Her devotees celebrate Khodiyar Jayanti with grand processions, bhajans, and aarti.

The crocodile symbol signifies strength, fearlessness, and the power to overcome obstacles.