- LORD KRISHNA GLORIFIES THE FAME OF OUR KULDEVI HARSIDDHI MATAJI
- HARSIDDHI MATAJI AND DEMON KING SANKKHASUR
- KRISNA, MAHABHAARAT AND MAA BHAVANI AMBAMA
- HARSIDDHI MATAJI AND KING PRABHAATSEN
- PRABHAATSEN, HARSIDDHI MATAJI, AND PARDUKHBHANJAN KING VEER VIKRAM
- HARSIDDHI MATAJI AND BHAKT SHAILKUMAR
- HARSIDDHI MATAJI AND BHAKT JAGDUSHAH
- HARSIDDHI MATAJI AND BHAKT SUDASHAMAL
- HARSIDDHI MATAJI AND BHAKT BHIMGIRI
- HARSIDDHI MATAJI AND BHAKT SANO MADANLAL MEGHRAJ
- HARSIDHHI MATAJI AND BHAKT NARSANGDAS BRAMBHAAT
- HARSIDDHI MATAJI, SHREE CHHATRASALJI MAHARAJ AND HIS SON VERISALJI
- HARSIDDHI MATAJI, BHAKT SWARUPADEVI, AND SHAILKUMAR
- KING SHALIVAHAN AND MAHARAJA VEER VIKRAM
LORD KRISHNA GLORIFIES THE FAME OF OUR KULDEVI HARSIDDHI MATAJI
Lord Krishna was the incarnation ( avatar ) of God Vishnu. He was born in a Yaduvanshi Rajput clan, strong believers of Harsiddhi Mataji. Krishna was Mataji’s Gothi (devotee) by birth.
At that time, Kansa, the demon king, ruled at Mathura. He was a powerful, wicked, merciless tyrant. He terrorised people. The people lived in fear and sorrow in his kingdom. Anyone who disobeyed his orders was punished, imprisoned and even executed (killed).
Kansa imprisoned Devkiji, his sister, and Vasudev, his brother-in-law. He knew that he was destined to be killed by Devkiji’s eighth child. He killed Devkiji’s seven children at birth in prison. When she gave birth to Krishna, the eighth child, the cell brightened up miraculously. The guards fell asleep and prison doors opened automatically. Vasudev, Krishna’s father, escaped with Krisna secretly. He carried Krishna in a basket on a stormy night and walked across the rough waters of River Yamuna ( Jamana). The river gave way to help him to go across safely to the other bank. He went to the house of Nand Bawa, his friend, who was living at Gokul Nagri (village). He left Krisna in the custody of Nand Bawa and, his wife, Yashoda (Jamuna).
Krisna grew up a shepherd boy, looking after Nand Bawa’s herd of cattle. He enjoyed eating curd, even if he had to steal it. He played his flute melodiously. Gopi Radha ( village girl ) fell in love with him. Krisna and Radha are known and worshipped to-day as ‘Radhekrisna’. He used his divine powers during his childhood to kill many fierce demons sent by Kansa to kill him. Villagers worshipped him as their saviour. They called him Makhanchor, Radhekrisna, Kaaliya, Yasoda Nandan, Gopi Nandan and so on. He left Gokul Nagri at a young age forever and never returned. In fact, he had gone to kill ‘Kansa’. This was the last time Gopi Radha saw him. They never married but both had tied up in heavenly love. She is worshipped as the other half of Krisna.
Krisna had an elder brother, Balram. Both of them went to Mathura, Kansa’s kingdom, to free people from his tyranny. Krisna killed him and became the king of Mathura.
Many demon friends of Kansa troubled him. One of them was Kaalyavan, a powerful demon. He attacked Krisna frequently. Also, King Jarasang attacked him seventeen times. Krisna’s Yadav army became weak. He, with his weakened army, fled Mathura secretly to Dwarika. Thus he was named Ranchhodrai because he fled from the battlefield. Later, he became the king of Dwarika, a beautiful city on the sea coast in Gujarat. He built a fortress around the city for protection from his enemies. Dwarika Nagri is very famous for Krishna’s golden temple now known as Dwarikdhis Temple
Kalyavan attacked Krisna once more at Dwarika. Instead of confronting him, Krisna fled to the hills and hid in a cave. Kalyavan followed him. Krisna went to the spot where Moonchkund had been sleeping for many years. Gods had given him a boon that anybody who disturbed him during the sleep would be burnt alive. Krisna knew about this boon. Knowingly, he covered the sleeping saint with his orange robe. Then he hid in the cave for Kalyavan to follow him. Kalyavan entered the cave. He thought Krisna was resting. He lifted the orange clothes and disturbed Moonchkund who opened his fiery eyes and burnt Kalyavan to death instantly. Happy Krisna returned to Dwarika.
HARSIDDHI MATAJI AND DEMON KING SANKKHASUR
Another fraudulent ( Mayavi ) demon king Sankhasur ruled on the island of Sankhodwar in Ratnasagar Sea. It is about ten kilometres from Dwarika. This powerful giant terrorised the sailors. He looted and killed them mercilessly. He possessed mystical powers and attacked Dwarika several times secretly with his invincible skills. Krishna could not defend himself with his weakened army. Once again he took shelter on top of Koyala Dungar (mountain ) by the sea. He and his eight wives requested Jagdamba Mataji, the Adhya Shakti, to come to their rescue. He himself was a devout devotee of Mataji Jagdamba. He always worshipped her during Navaratri ( nine religious days and nights ). He bowed down humbly and prayed her to help him kill Sankhasur. Jagdamba reincarnated as Harsiddhi Mataji, agreed to help him kill Sankhasur. She told Krishna that when he attacked Sankhasur she would sit as Koyal ( cuckoo bird ) on the tip of his spear to make him aware of her presence. When he saw Mataji perched as a Koyal on his spear, he attacked Sankhasur. The sea gave way when Harshiddhi Mataji, with her superpower, led the way. Strengthened by her presence, Krisna’s confidence was boosted. He attacked and killed Sankhasur finally. He freed 16000 queens who were captured by Sankhasur. He gave them a safe shelter in Dwarika. In gratitude, Krishna built Harsiddhi Mataji’s temple in the dome above Dwarkadhis temple at Dwarika.
Because Harsiddhi Mataji had helped Krisna to kill Sankhasur, Krishna also built a famous, beautiful temple of Jagdamba Harsiddhi Maataji on top of Koyla Dungar at Miyani. He celebrated his victory over evil and incarnated her in the Koyla temple ceremoniously. The stone-built temple has survived intact and thousands of devotees come to pay their homage to Mataji, even to-day.
Krishna was Mataji’s Gothi. The Pankhania male members are proud to be her ‘Gothi ’ too. Mataji is our Kuldevi. We worship her faithfully. She protects our families and blesses us to be prosperous. Pankhania families gather every two years in the United Kingdom to offer ‘Naived’ to her. We celebrate this religious celebration joyfully and unitedly.
As promised to Harsiddhi Mataji, Krishna also built a famous temple ‘Bhidbhanjan Mahadev’ at the sea coast.
KRISNA, MAHABHAARAT AND MAA BHAVANI AMBAMA
Krisna played a leading role as an adviser to Pandav princes during the battle of Mahabharat. Mahabharat is the greatest epic of all times. The name ‘Mahabharat’ derived its name from the greatest battle fought at Kurukchetr between Pandav (five brothers) and Kaurav (one hundred brothers). It was a war between Dharma ( goodness ) and evil. Dhrutrastra, the father of Kaurav, had become the ruler of Hastinapur treacherously. He banished Pandav who were given a barren land to settle there. Duryodhan, the eldest brother of Kaurava, was crowned Prince of Hastinapur unfairly. Pandav hated Kaurav and wanted to get back Hastinapur. They fought a famous battle of Mahabharat. During this ruthless battle, Krishna had volunteered to become Arjuna’s Charioteer. Krishna performed a ‘Yagna’ for Jagatjanani Ambamaa Harshiddhi and requested her to protect the Pandav from the wicked Kaurav throughout the battle. Arjuna was the greatest archer but he laid down his weapons and refused to fight. Krishna taught him ‘Karma (duty) and Dharm’ and narrated the reasons to get ready for war. The accounts of his narration are written in Gita, one of the most famous religious and holiest books of the Hindus. Arjuna and Pandav warriors annihilated the enemy. Yudhistir(Dharmraj) became the king of Hastinapur and ruled wisely.
Devi Gandhaari, the mother of dead Kaurav, cursed Krishna that he would die the same way as her sons had lost their lives in the battle.
Krishna returned to Dwarika. As time went by, his Yadav subjects started drinking, quarrelling and fighting among themselves. As a result, the Yadav dynasty lost its fame and significance. This unfortunate happening disheartened and upset him. He abandoned the non-listening subjects and left Dwarika.
One day, weary Krishna was resting under a tree at Prabhaat Patan. He fell asleep in a position that resembled a deer to passing by a hunter. He shot an arrow at the sleeping Krishna. It pierced through his raised sole, then his knee, and finally stuck in his forehead. His human form died and his soul returned as Vishnu to Devlok, his heavenly abode. Prabhat Paatan is at the confluence of three holy rivers. Throngs of devotees and travellers come to this holy place of his death.
HARSHIDDHI MATAJI AND KING PRABHAATSEN
King Prabhatsen ruled at Milanpur, now known as Miyani. It is situated at the Arabian Sea coast near Koyla Dungar. He and His wife Prabhavanti, one of his seven wives, were Mataji’s devotees. Prabhavati worshipped Mataji the most. They celebrated nine days of “Navraatri” (Norta), performing religious chanting and rejoicing in honour of Mataji. Every night, Mataji was drawn to join the seven queens who were deeply engrossed in playing Garba(Hindu folk dance). She joined them in disguise and started reciting Garba with the queens. She looked beautiful in her colourful dress and ornaments. She was deeply enjoying Garba in the company of the queens.
Prabhatsen was sitting in the balcony and wondered who the beautiful eighth lady was. When Garba was over, Mataji was about to leave for her temple, Prabhatsen stopped her by gripping her saree. He pleaded her if she would marry him. Mataji, angered by his abnormal behaviour, replied harshly, “You fool! You are overridden with bad thoughts. You have made a grave mistake for which I am cursing you now.” She continued, “I would have burnt you alive, but because of your queen Prabhavati’s devotion, I will reduce the punishment.”
Prabhatsen realised his terrible mistake. He knelt down and asked for mercy and said, “Please forgive me, Devi Harshiddhi Maa. I feel really sorry to have misbehaved with you.”
But still, in a rage, Mataji cursed him angrily, ”You will come every morning before sunrise and sacrifice your body by frying in boiling oil. I will then bring you back to life so that you can return to your palace. This curse must be kept secret.” Then she vanished to Koyla Temple.
Prabhatsen could not reveal his problem to anybody, even to his wives. Worried Prabhatsen obeyed her curse every day. Soon he became frail.
PRABHAATSEN, HARSIDDHI MATAJI, AND PARDUKHBHANJAN KING VEER VIKRAM
Veer Vikram, King of Marwad, ruled his kingdom from Ujjain on the banks of Sacred River Shipra. One day, he went to Miyani to spend some time with Prabhaatsen, his cousin. He felt very unhappy when he saw Prabhatsen in a poor, worried state.
He asked, “What is worrying you, Prabhaatsen? “ He continued to ask more questions to Prabhaatsen.
Finally, he replied reluctantly.“ I feel ashamed of my bad behaviour with Harsidhhi Mataji. I am suffering from her curse every day,” He told the whole story in detail to Veer Vikram. He promised Prabhaatsen to help him sort out this curse.
Next early morning, Veer Vikram made deep cuts with his dagger on all over his body. He smeared (marinated) his body with spices and dipped into boiling oil. Mataji smelt the superb fragrance of spices in her Temple. She was extremely happy.
She took him out of the boiling pan. She said,” I am pleased. I am granting you two wishes.”
Veer Vikram requested, “Firstly, please set free Prabhaatsen from your curse and give back his health and happiness. Secondly, I am requesting you humbly to come with me to Ujjain. I will build a temple in Ujjain in your honour.”
Granting him his wishes, she said,” I will ride on my lion to follow behind you on your horse. I will refuse to go further at any time when you will look behind to check if I am following you. You will build my temple at the spot where I stop. “
Veer Vikram reached the banks of Holy River Sipra, not far from his palace in Ujjain. He looked back to see if she was following him. He saw her riding on her lion. She stood there and refused to move further. She liked this beautiful place and said, “Vikram you have broken your promise. I will not follow you anymore. As promised, you must build my temple where I am standing.”
Veer Vikram built a large, beautiful temple on the bank of Sacred River Sipra. He incarnated Harsiddhi Mataji in it. It is one of the most famous historical temples of Ujjain. At the entrance to the temple, he built two high spiral pillars He lit 108 divas ( small flame) on these pillars every evening. He was an ardent Bhakt of Mataji. He set an example to his subjects. The temple is still there and the pujari (priest) recites her Aarti daily.
Mataji said, “Veer Vikram, I must return to Miyani daily and then should be back to Ujjain as well. My Aarti and prayers must be done at both places every day without exception.” Vikram performed her late Sandhya Aarti(late evening Aarti) at Ujjain regularly. Since then she stays every night in Ujjain. After the early Mangala Aarti(early morning Aarti) at Ujjain, she returns to Miyani to be present for the late Magala Aarti at 9 am. Her pious devotees are able to see the footprints in kumkum(gulal) when the door opens. These Kumkum Pagalaa (footprints) gives a hint of her arrival to Miyani. The gentle sway of her swing (hindola) is noticeable. Her face is covered with sweat and her chakhadi (wooden slippers) covered in mud. All these proofs indicate her arrival from Ujjain. She spends the daytime in Miyani and then leaves for Ujjain to be present for the late “Sandhya Aarti.” Both temples have become famous for her devotees to offer their prayers, knowing that they will be blessed by Mataji.
Ujjain has many well known historic temples of different deities. Thousands of people travel to Ujjain to pay their homage. Devotees and tourists from all over the world come to study the cultural architecture of these holy temples.
PRABHATSEN AND THE TOWN NAMED BERA
Prabhaatsen bowed down and said,” Mataji, I could not recognise you. I had to go through your curse.” His belief in Mataji became stronger than ever before.
Mataji can destroy evil and also protect her devotee. She is generous too. She gifted Prabhatsen with a child to bring him up as her devotee. His name was Harsiddhgar and was guided to attain priesthood ( pujari ) of Koyla Dungar temple. Prabhatsen rewarded him with an abundance of wealth and gold coins. He also built a town for the Pujari, his family and Mataji’s devotees. Harsiddhgar named it Bera.
Nearby Bera, lived Gandhav, a demon king, in the town of Gandhes. He was a ferocious and powerful warrior. He did not like human beings living next to Gandhes. He ordered his demon subjects to destroy Bera and throw away its ruins into the sea. Bera became a barren mound. Harsiddhgar humbly requested Mataji to protect his people from the atrocities of the demons. She killed the king and his demons and gave Gandhes to Poojari Harsiddhgar. She named it Gandhavi which is existing even today.
HARSIDDHI MATAJI AND BHAKT SHAILKUMAR
In AD 537, Shailkumar was born of a Jethwa family. He became the king of Kashmir, ruling from Srinagar. His minister, Mohjitsinh, felt jealous of his popularity. He seized his kingdom and deposed him. He banished Shailkumar from Kashmir. Shailkumar roamed about with his queens and finally settled in Barda Dunger in Kathiawad ( Saurashtra ). He started a new life as an ordinary man there. He hid in a cave and devoted his life to worshipping Mataji. He chanted prayers to Mataji under a nearby banyan tree ( vadalo ).
Shailkumar did not know that ‘Babra Bhut’, King of the ghosts, lived in the same tree. Babra Bhut, overwhelmed with his daily devotion, appeared suddenly, dressed in white. Babra Bhut was a devout servant of Harsiddhi Mataji and carried out his duties as directed by her. Both of them climbed up to the top of the Koyla Dunger. Shailkumar prayed for days, chanting ‘Om Namah Harsiddhi Maa’.All of a sudden a ball of radiating light came from within the temple. It was Mataji. She had eight hands and her eyes sparkled in red. She gifted Shailkumar with seventeen hundred villages. She ordered Babra Bhutt and his servant ghosts to build a beautiful town enclosed by a fort. Shailkumar named it Dhumali which became the capital of his kingdom of Barda in Kathiawad. He was crowned the king of Jethwa clan. He lit a permanent flame (diva) in a silver holder to the south of Koyla Mandir. Jethwa clan became her followers (Gothi). It is said that this flame burns steadily even to-day. He worshipped Mataji daily till he died.
Maharaja Jaam Sahib lit a permanent Diva in the north of Mataji’s temple. He granted a legal responsibility to Pujari to perform Mataji’s aarti. The Maharaja’s decedents are looking after the temple now.
Babra Bhutt lives in Bhutwad, a town not far from Bhaanvad. It is believed that he helps people who follow him and frees them from evil spells.
HARSIDDHI MATAJI AND BHAKT JAGDUSHAH
Jagdushah was born during the fifteenth century in Kutch, north of the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat. He was a jain merchant who had a strong fleet of ships. He travelled far and wide by ships to trade and exchange of goods. Thus, he gained prestige as a renowned, wealthy trader. Once, when Kutch was plagued with famine, he donated plenty of supplies of grains, food and clothing to the whole of Kutch and Kathiawad in Gujarat. He earned his fame as a helper to the needy. People called him Jagatseth Jagdushah(Jagat means world).
He met misfortune whenever he sailed his ships in the stormy waters of Gandhavi harbour in the Arabian Sea. Harsiddhi Mataji also sank all ships that sailed in her territory as far as she could cast her fiery eyes. The sailors had given up hope to sail safely through the troublesome waters.
Jagdushah knew that the travellers had to offer shrifal(coconut) and Chundadi(comparatively a small multicolour head garment). But he continued to ignore offerings to her. He had to pay the price for his obstinacy. Mataji sank his six ships. He prayed to Mataji to save his seventh ship and begged of her to pardon him for his defiance. He anchored his ship at Miyani harbour and walked to Harsiddhi Mataji’s temple on the top of Koyla Dungar. He observed fast for three days and nights to propitiate the Goddess to give him Darshan. She was pleased with his prayers.
She appeared and said, ”Jagdushah, I will give you a boon.”
Jagdushah implored, “I wish to build a temple in your honour at the base of Koyla Dungar. Please come down and I will reincarnate you in it”
Mataji demanded, ”I agree to your request on one condition, Jagdusha. I will do so if you promise to offer a sacrifice to me at every step I climb down.”
Jagdusha replied, ”I am a follower of Jainism. I believe in ahimsa and I am unable to fulfil your desire.”
She emphasized,” I will not come down unless you offer the sacrifice! ”
However, a man of his words, he agreed to her demand eventually.
He offered a sacrifice at each step she climbed down. He ran short of the sacrifice for the last four steps. He was disappointed when Mataji refused to come down any further.
He said humbly,” Maa, I can’t find any more sacrifice. There aren’t any more animals!”
She said, ”You have failed to keep your promise. I shall not come down any further! ”
At that moment Manekchand, his son, felt that he should chop off his head as a sacrifice.
Manekchand said, ” Father, please do not worry. We will have to fulfil our promise. ” He continued, ” I will sacrifice my life first. “
He cut off his head at her feet. His mother also sacrificed herself and her unborn child. Finally, Jagdushah himself bowed down to chop off his head to fulfil his promise.
Dhan rahe na joban rahe, rahe na gaam ke dham, Tulsi Jagame jash rahe, kar ke kisika kam.
She was delighted to see Jagdushah’s determination to keep his vow. She gave darshan to him and stopped him from killing himself. He saw her sitting on her lion. He witnessed the blinding aura around her body with eight hands. She bestowed upon him two boons.
Firstly, she gave life to them and all the sacrificed animals. Secondly, she granted him immortality that this was his last life. He would not be re-borne.
Jagdushah renounced (gave up) his wealth and spent the remaining life in Mataji’s bhakti. He reincarnated her ceremoniously with all religious rituals in the beautiful temple he had built at the sea coast of Miyani. He appointed a pujari to perform morning and evening Aarti in the temple. On his death, his idol was laid to the right side of Harsiddhi Mataji’s shrine in his remembrance as her greatest bhakt ever. His idol is worshipped alongside hers at the temple
She let the sailors sail safely when they pass Koyla Dungar. They worship her as Vaanvati Mata.
She bestowed her blessings that she would accept Jain casts to become her devotees. Since then and even today, many Jain casts and sailors worship her for generations as their Kuldevi.
This temple at Miyani is very popular and throngs of devotees come to pay their homage. Miyani is also known as Harsad to-day. Many buses run daily to Harshad from Porbander, 40 kilometres away.
HARSIDDHI MATAJI AND BHAKT SUDASHAMAL
In AD Sudashamal was the king of the region in Marwad. Besides looking after his subjects, he worshipped Mataji daily. He was wise and carried out his duties to his subjects sincerely. He helped the poor. He always prayed to Mataji before engaging in any work. He believed that Mataji always blessed him.
Once other kings attacked him and took away his kingdom. He, with his queen Sunanda, hid in the forest and he thought of not returning to his kingdom.
He said wisely, “ Sampati hoy to ghar bhala, nahiter bhala pardesh.”
He with his queen, Sunanda, set out for pilgrimage in his ship towards Dwarika. Since they were not returning to his kingdom,
they thought of devoting their time in worshipping Mataji. It was hot. Very little food and drinking water were left on the ship.
He was worried about his exhausted sailors. They started praying to Mataji wholeheartedly and begged of her to come to their help. They anchored the ship at the sea coast and began to walk towards Koyla Dunga in search of food and water. Finally, they came across a well. But before they bailed out the water they were stopped by a ‘heavenly’ voice. They saw an old lady standing near the well.
She said,“ Sudashamal, nobody is allowed to drink water from this well.”
Sudashamal pleaded, “Maa, have mercy on us. We are dying of thirst.”
She said,” This well belongs to me.”
He requested, “ Please give us permission to drink water from the well.”
She demanded, ”First, fill this pot with your blood for me to drink it. Only then, you can have water.“
Sudamashal slashed his leg for blood but it did not come out. He made a second cut but he was unsuccessful. He started cutting parts of his body one by one but he was disappointed. Finally, he lifted his dagger to chop off his head to offer it as a sacrifice to her.
The old lady changed into a young girl sitting on a lion. She stopped him from killing himself and said,” Sudashamal, I am Harsiddhi and I am pleased with the bravery and determination of my that. I am rewarding you with a jar of amrut (nectar) .”
He looked up and saw Harsiddhi Mataji standing in front of him. She blessed him and awarded him immortality. She instructed him to dig a well nearby for freshwater. As per her wish, she named it ‘Sudashamal Well’. Even today it is filled with fresh water.
Sudashamal built dharmsalas at Miyani for pilgrims to rest when they came to pay their homage to Harsiddhi.
He gave up his worldly desires and spent his remaining life in worshipping Mataji. He died peacefully at Mataji’s feet.
HARSHIDDHI MATAJI AND BHAKT BHIMGIRI
Bhakt Bhimgiri lived in Miyani and was a dedicated Pujari of Harsiddhi Maa. He worshipped Mataji regularly and did her Puja (prayers) daily. He ate only after offering prasadam to Mataji every morning and evening. He always remembered Mataji before carrying out any task. He depended totally on her support and her blessings. He had great faith in her. He stood often on his one leg for days and prayed without eating or drinking water.
Mataji wanted to find out whether he was sincere in his devotion to her. She made him suffer from piles(a disease) which is very painful and affected his health badly. He became frail and feeble. Even then he continued worshipping her with greater determination. He prayed humbly to Mataji to cure him of the disease. But she continued to make him suffer more by inflicting even more pain to his body. He could not bear the pain any longer. Eventually, he raised his sword to chop off his head when she appeared suddenly dazzling him with her mystic power
She remarked, “What are your doing, son?”
He replied, ”Maa! I cannot bear the pain any longer,” and continued, ”I want to offer you my sacrifice because I am unable to offer prayers properly while I am suffering from this disease.”
She said,” I am very pleased with your devotion and prayers. I was testing you to find out how truly you worshipped me! Now I am able to honour you as my true bhakt,” and she said the blessing, “I am giving you with my two eyes for your praiseworthy devotion. “
He asked, “ Maa, what will I do with them?. It is better if I sacrifice myself to you.”
She said, ” Bhimgiri, make a ring with them and wear it on your index finger. Your piles will be cured.”
She advised him to wear the ring permanently and offer his prayers on a Tuesday or Sunday morning. She disappeared. The ring had healing power. He was cured completely and regained his health.
This event established that those suffering from piles can remedy the disease by wearing the ring permanently and offering prayers to her. Even today, people wear the ring made from her silver or gold eyes to eliminate piles.
Rest of his life, he performed his prayers with a dedication to Mataji. He is remembered to this day for his contribution to remedying piles. He is an example of one of the greatest Bhakt of Harsiddhi Maa.
HARSIDDHI MATAJI AND BHAKT SANO MADANLAL MEGHRAJ
Sano Madanlal was a wealthy goldsmith. His relatives were running his business company in Calcutta. He didn’t have any children.
Thus he went for a pilgrimage to Koyla Dungar. There, he took a vow that Mataji would give him a son, who will expand his business and earn plenty of wealth. If it happened as he desired, Sano Madanlal promised, “ Mataji, I will make golden slippers (chakhdi), silver canopies (Chhatar), and silver ornaments for you.” Then he returned to Calcutta.
After a while, Mataji blessed him with a son. He started worshipping her more and more. His devotion to her became stronger, as time passed. Mataji wanted to know whether he performed his prayers loyally. Intentionally, she directed him to a cave, where he found a lot of hidden treasure. He became wealthier and happier.
So deeply was he lured in collecting more wealth, he forgot his promises made to her. She punished him for having forgotten her. She cursed him with a serious illness. He began to lose his business as well and became a pauper. His illness became worse and unbearable.
One day, Mataji reminded him in his dream,“ Madanlal, you have forgotten your promises for which you are suffering now.“
He repented for his mistake and his negligency.
He went to Koyla Dungar and pleaded,” Oh Mataji! Please forgive me. I had lost myself in riches. Have mercy on me.” He continued,” I do not want to become rich anymore. I am giving up all my wealth and will devote my time in worshipping and praying to you.”
Mataji heard his prayers. She recovered him from his severe illness and blessed him to worship her for the rest of his life. He donated golden slippers, silver chattar and ornaments to Mataji. He handed over his business to his son who prospered and became wealthy once again.
Sano Madanlal and his descendants became staunch believers of Mataji.
HARSIDHHI MATAJI AND BHAKT NARSANGDAS BRAMBHAAT
Narsangdas lived in Chordham village of Junagadh District. He belonged to the Brahmbhaat community. Traditionally, this community is well known for reciting songs (chhand) of bravery. They praised their kings, ministers and soldiers to boost their valour by chanting verses in praise of the valiant warriors of the past.
He was deaf and dumb right from birth. He was unhappy because he could neither sing nor hear. He was poor. Thus he set out for pilgrimage in Gujarat. He happened to come to the temple of Mataji on Koyla Dunger. He liked this beautiful temple. He lived there for three days and attended morning and evening Aarti without eating or drinking. He looked sadly at pujari, pilgrims and travellers reciting the prayers. On the fourth, day he joined the worshippers for the Mangala Aarti. He was disappointed that he could neither recite nor hear the Aarti.
He bowed down and urged Mataji to gift him with speech to recite prayers and ears to hear. He was engrossed deeply in her praise. . But Mataji didn’t respond. He felt that Mataji was speaking to him. “Was that an illusion!” he thought.
Disappointed, he knelt down at her feet, drew his dagger and chopped off his tongue. His blood sprinkled Mataji’s feet and his tongue lay down at her feet. He fainted, the blood dripping from his mouth. The Pujari took him to a room and applied holy ashes on his tongue. Then he left him there to recover. All the worshippers prayed too for his recovery.
Mataji was moved by his courage, determination and dedication. Pleased, She gifted him with two tongues. She gave him his strength back. Next morning, he recited eighty-four ‘chhand’ in praise of her greatness and glory.
Pleased with his fabulous power of reciting, She gave him silver ‘chhatra’ ( ornamental canopies ) and plenty of gold coins. But he refused to accept them for himself. She gave them to the Pujari, who built an ‘Agni Kund’ (a place for performing yagn) and dedicated it to him in his remembrance.
Mataji blessed him also with a superb power of reciting poetry, ‘Chhand’ and ‘Duha’.
He is well known for his famous compilation of ‘Harsidhhi Chhand Chorasi’. He also wrote ‘Narsang Duha’, popularly adapted and sung. He chanted meaningfully and won people’s heart. He lived in a dharmsala, which is still there in Miyani. He spent his time in worshipping Mataji and glorified her shakti( power).
He is remembered as one of the greatest devotee of Mataji.
HARSIDDI MATAJI, SHREE CHHATRASALJI MAHARAJ AND HIS SON VERISALJI
During 1605, Chhatrasalji Maharaj, the 25th Rajput king of the Gohil dynasty, ruled at Rajpipla. It is situated near the sacred River Narbada, not far from Surat. His wife’s name was Nandkuvarbaa. Both of them were very religious and worshipped Goddess Harshidhhi Mataji. They were her true and sincere devotees. They went to Ujjain frequently to pay homage to Mataji.
Nandkunvarba, with Mataji’s blessings, gave birth to a son in 1630. He was named Verisalji. He inherited good virtues from his parents. He, like his parents, worshipped Mataji. His parents always took him with them to Mataji’s beautiful temple at Ujjain. He was Maataaji’s beloved devotee, right from childhood. He spent his whole life in worshipping her with sincere devotion.
One day, while offering his prayers to Mataji in Ujjain, he asked her innocently,” Can you please come to Rajpiplaa?” He added, “Mataji, you had come to Ujjain from Koyla Dungar at the request of Veer Vikram.”
He was then twelve years old. He continued chanting “Om Harsiddhi ye Namah! “ regularly at Rajpila. The reason, he wanted to convince her to come to Rajpipla. He appealed, ”Mataji, I will build your temple in Rajpipla. I will reincarnate you here for me and my subjects to offer you our prayers daily.”
His father, Chatrasalji, died when Verisalji was 22 years old. He has crowned the king of Rajpipla. He was ruling wisely. He continued worshipping Mataji regularly. He went to Ujjain frequently and requested her each time to come to Rajpipla. He dreamt that Mataji was extremely pleased with his prayers and inborn belief in her. She told him in his dream, “I am willing to come to Rajpipla. But, Veer Vaital, Baliadev, and Mahakaleswar Dharmesvar Mahadev will accompany me.”
She added, ”Verisalji, you must promise me that you will build temples for all of us at Rajpapla “
Mataji wanted to examine his devotional strength for her. Intentionally, She converted his mind and made him forget to bring kumkum (red powder) in his plate for the prayers. He sat to pray. He never talked or got up while worshipping. He was deeply engrossed in his prayers without disturbance. During the prayer, he looked for kumkum to perform, an auspicious mark. He thought about what he would do without it. Immediately, he cut his little finger and applied his blood on Mataji’s forehead. He completed his prayers. He said humbly,” Mataji, I hope you have accepted the blood to replace the kumkum. I am sorry for my mistake. Please pardon me.”
He added, “Mataji, if you are pleased with my prayers, II am requesting you to come to Rajpila.”
Mataji replied, “I praise you act of dedication, bravery and determination. Verisalji, remember the promise you have made to me. You will build temples for me and my deities.”
He accepted, “Mataji, I will do so.”
Thus, he was able to convince her to accompany him to Rajpipla.
The following day, he said prayers to Mataji and waited for her to go to Rajpipla.
He heard a mystical sound, “Verisalji, you sit on your horseback and think of going to Rajpipla. You will reach it very quickly. I am following you as well.”
She continued, “ I will follow you as promised. But, once you looked back to find If I am following you, I will stop and will not move further.”
He agreed and sat on his wonder horse. When he reached Rajpipla, he looked back to find out whether Mataji was coming behind him. He saw Mataji, young girl riding on her lion.
She changed into Mataji and said,” King Verisalji, you have broken your promise. I am refusing to go any further.” She demanded, “ You will build my temple at this spot. You will also build temples for my three deities who have accompanied me.”
In 1657, on Tuesday, the ominous day of Asthmi (Atham), he laid the foundation stone for the temples. The temples of Harsiddhi Mataji, Veer Vaital. Balapir, and Mahakaleswar Dharmeswar Mahadev were completed, 1660 at Nandod, now known as Rajpila.
Harsiddh Mataji’s temple is quite high above the ground level with a known reason. The reason, the fiery rays radiating from her eyes would burn the visitors and devotees alike instantly. Thus, a golden pillar was erected to focus her eyes on it. It absorbed her fiery wrath.
A large number of tourists and devotees visit her famous temple at Rajpipla to receive her blessings.
In 1707, a terrible famine hit Rajpipla. Verisalji built a dam beside Mataji’s temple. He also dug some wells, nearby as well.
Bhakt Verisalji, a devotee and dedicated king, died at the age of 85. He ruled for 63 years. He spent his life in spreading Mataji’s fame and spirituality, far and wide. What a pious devotee of Mataji! His fame is comparable to that of Pardukhbhanjan Veer Vikram. Veer Vikram had brought Mataji to Ujjain from Koyla Dungar. Similarly, Verisalji brought Mataji to Rajpipla from Ujjain.
Mataji’s three temples, Koyla Dungar (Miyani), Ujjain and Rajpila have earned famous attractions for devotees who worship her.
The Gohil dynasty continued worshipping Mataji and devoted time and effort in repairing the temples.
Namdaar Maharana Sri Vijyasinhji devoted his time in refurbishing all the temples in Rajpipla. He built a marble floor in Mataji’s temple. He built new temples for Ram Darbar, Panchmukhi Hanuman, Sitlamata, and Ranchhodrai. He died in 1923. This was the end of Gohil dynasty.
Presently the king’s palace and other bungalows have been converted into hotel rooms for pilgrims to hire at an affordable price. Mataji’s temple was entrusted to the government of Gujarat in the mid-nineteenth century. Presently the whole compound and palace rooms are looked after by Rajpipla Hindu Temple Committee
Rajpipla temple beholds same fame, divine power and religious attraction as those of the Mataji’s temples at Miyani and Ujjain.
Devotees and travellers frequently visit Rajpipla, once a kingdom famous for its natural surroundings, historical buildings and palaces. It is an attractive spot for film shooting.
It is the headquarters of River Narbada district. At the banks of Narbada, there are about more than 70 shelters and spiritual centres for the pilgrims and tourist to visit. Some distance away from the three holy rivers —Narbada, Orsang, and Saraswati—merge to form Triveni Sangam. (merging of three rivers). Narbada district is renowned as a land of religion, beautiful scenery and industrial development. Narbada Dam is one example.
It is worthwhile to visit the temple of Jagdamba Harshiddhi Mataji at Rajpipla.
HARSIDDHI MATAJI, BHAKT SWARUPADEVI, AND SHAILKUMAR
Swarupadevi was the daughter of Brahmin Shivshanker and Gangagauri. They lived at Pethanagar, on the banks of Sacred River Godavari in Maharashtra. The whole family was sincere devotees of Harsiddhi Mataji. They worshipped her daily, with absolute faith in her. Gangagauri had two sons but she wanted a girl. She prayed to Mataji to bless her with a daughter. Mataji rewarded her with a baby girl. They named her Swarupadevi.
Mataji was the guru of Swarupadevi. She believed that one must have a guru ( perfect teacher) for his guidance and blessings.
She emphasized,” Mother as the first guru, father as the second guru, and ‘Dharm’ ( religion and duty ) as the third guru.”
She also emphasized, ”Mother nurtures her child with good virtues. Father earns wealth, food and shelter for his family. Guru gifts it with proper guidance and blesses it to live a meaningful life.”
Swarupadevi’s guru was Mataji Harsiddhi. Her parents’ guru was Mataji also She lived with her brothers after her parents died. One day she went to fetch water from the sacred river Godavari. Nagraj, king of snakes, was then crossing the river. He saw Swarupadevi at the bank of the river. He marvelled her beauty. He planned to turn into a crocodile and swam towards her. He mesmerized her with his mystical power and dragged her far away. When she regained consciousness, she saw Nagraj, standing by.
She said, “Nagraj, I am thankful to you for saving me from drowning .” They fell in love. They got married in a temple of Shiva and Parvati Devi, nearby. They felt that Shiva and Parvati had showered them with blessings. They lived happily, near the river. But, Nagraj had to go back to his country. When he left he said,” We are both bhakt of Harsiddhi Mataji. She will look after you and our son, whenever you pray her.”
She felt very lonely and didn’t know where to go. When she returned home, she learnt that her brothers had left for Vanarasi.
She wondered sadly,” I am without shelter. Where will I go? What will I do, now?”
She had heard of a potter, Kanji Bhagat, who lived with his wife, Jamuna Baa. They lived in Pethan Nagar. They were well known for their hospitality and their profound faith in Harshiddhi Mataji.
She explained to them, “ I am homeless, without parents. I am lonely and pregnant. I need help.” They offered her a place to live with them. They looked after her as if she was their daughter. She settled happily with the potter family and continued worshipping Mataji under their canopy.
She gave birth to a baby boy. They offered prayers to Mataji for giving them a son. They named him Shailkumar.
Shailkumar learnt the art of making toys from clay, helped by Kanji Bhagat. He made elephants, horses, kings, army commanders, ministers, and soldiers. He practised the art of warfare using these toys. He captured enemies and punished them in his toy law court. He also made toys of thieves, robbers, wrongdoers and traitors. He sentenced them according to the law they broke. As time passed by, he became popular and praiseworthy of his skills and wisdom.
Swarupadevi prayed,” Mataji, please make him a king with virtues and direct him to rule wisely.” She continued,” Mataji, bless him to start a new historical era, under his leadership.”
Jamuna Baa always said,” Swarupadevi, your son will be brave like Nagraj, his father. He will be a prosperous king. One day, you will be proud of his fame. Have faith in Mataji.”
Kanji Bhagat added,” My daughter, you are a fortunate mother. You have given birth to a brave son. Under your pious guidance and dedication, he will surely spread Mataji’s fame in his kingdom. Swarupadevi, you have devoted your time, teaching him to lead a pure, religious life.”
Comment: Many mothers believe that their duty is over after their children are born. But, Swarupadevi proved that she was an accomplished mother. She is an example to all mothers; how to nurture knowledge, wisdom, courage and culture in their children.
At that time, king Ratnashinh ruled in Taalpur. He didn’t have a son. So, he married her daughter to Naga Arjun and gave him his kingdom, later named kingdom of Bhopal by Naga Arjun.
Naga Arjun denounced his kingdom because his wife Vimla Devi fell in love with his minister, Indrajit Shinh. He wandered all over the country, gained valuable experience during his travels. Gorakh Maitinath, his spiritual teacher, blessed him to become a Sadhu(Fakir). Naga Arjun became a well-known preacher.
One day, Naga Arjun dreamt that Harsiddhi Mataji had advised him to meet Potter Kanji Bhagat. He did so.
Mataji told, “Naga Arjun, you will train Shailkumar, son of Nagraj and Swarupadevi. You will train him to be a skilful, powerful king.”
Thus, Naga Arjun trained Shailkumar for over a year at the banks of Holy River Godavari. Shailkumar learnt tactics and techniques of warfare. He also learnt the application of philosophy, politics, and art of ruling. He became a powerful, brave warrior.
Swarupaevi was pleased that Mataji had heard her prayers and had blessed Shailkumar to be a brave king.
Shailkumar. now known as Shalivahan, ruled the kingdom of Narbada. In history, the period after which Shalivahanbecame a king is known as Shalivahan Yug (era).
KING SHALIVAHAN AND MAHARAJA VEER VIKRAM
Maharaja Veer Vikram ruled the kingdom of Ujjain, in pomp and power. He was known as Pardukhbhanjan (rescuer of the needy) Everyone was living happily in his kingdom.
King Shalivahan Maharaja Veer Vikram worshipped Harsiddhi Mataji. Both had common ideals and ambition.
Whereas, Shalivahan (Shailkumar) grew up with Potter Kanji Bhagat, a dedicated believer of Harsiddhi Mataji. Kanji Bhagat taught him how to lead a religious and cultural life. Also, Shalivahan was a brave and courageous leader. Mata Swarupadevi and Naga Arjun had shaped his future with a great knowledge of duty, religion, politics and philosophy.
Veer Vikram was a peace-loving king. His subjects were very happy. But, his pride in himself might make him lose his wisdom.
He asked,” My ministers, is there any king who is stronger than me.?” He continued arrogantly, ”Go out and find out if any king is planning to attack my kingdom!”
His wicked chief minister misinformed, “Yes Maharaj, Shalivahan is living with Potter Kanji Bhagat, He is building up his army to expand his kingdom. He may be preparing to attack you.”
Veer Vikram said proudly,” How dare one, living with an ordinary potter, is thinking of attacking me!”
The chief minister warned, “Master, He is not ordinary. His Guru is Mataji. He has been trained by Guru Naga Arjun. He is the son of mighty Nagaraj,”
He thought,” Shalivahan can’t be my match to confront me!”
Needless to send a large army, he sent his minister with a small army of soldiers to defeat him. Shalivahan was a Bhakt of Mataji, so was Veer Vikram. He respected Veer Vikram’s strength and power.
Shalivahan was reluctant to fight him off. But he had to defend his soldiers and subjects. Also, he was angered by Veer Vikram’s attempt to attack him in his territory. He defeated his army bravely. Veer Vikram felt ashamed of the defeat. His crafty minister took the opportunity to whet his ears. He warned Veer Vikram that Shalivahan was not to be taken lightly. He misinformed Veer Vikram that Shalivahan was expanding his kingdom and one day he would attack Ujjain.
Veer Vikram marched with his army to River Narbada. He stopped there temporarily. He sent his messenger to inform Shalivahan to surrender. Shalivahan refused to accept his orders.
Swarupadevi, Shalivahan’s mother, prayed, ”Mataji, please defend my son and protect him,”
Mataji blessed,” Swarupadevi, do not worry. I promise that I will protect him. He will be victorious.”
Mataji activated Shalivahan’s toy soldiers and turned them into fearsome warriors. Nagraj, Shalivahan’s father, gave him horses, elephants, protective armours and weapons.
Both armies stood face to face. Veer Vikram’s commanders were surprised to see Shalivahan’s huge army. Instead of challenging him, they retreated They informed Veer Vikram about Shalivahan’s strength and might.
Veer Vikram realised that he had underestimated Shalivahan. He realised that pride and power will not help the situation.
He realized his mistake.
He prayed,” Mataji, I am confused. I need your advice. What should I do now!”
A divine voice advised, “Veer Vikram, you should sign a peace treaty. If not, be prepared to be defeated.”
Sulivahan wanted to avert war and destruction. So, he went to the temple of Mataji for prayers and her advice.
A miraculous voice advised, ”Shalivahan, also, you should sign a peace treaty. Both of you are my sincere devotees. I must stop both of you from fighting.”
Eventually, Veer Vikram walked alone towards Shalivahan’s army for a peace talk. Shalivahan, with his advisers, went to give him a friendly welcome, also. Both kings went to Harsiddhi Mataji’s Mandir. They vowed to Mataji that they would not fight.
Veer Vikram said, “Shalivahan. we are both Mataji’s children. Instead of fighting, we should make friendship.”
Shalivahan said, ”Veer Vikram, I agree with you. Our Mataji also wants us to avoid war. Henceforth, we are friends.”
Both kings became allies and promised to help each other when needed.
Veer Vikram crowned him the king of the land, south of Sacred River Narbada. Shalivahan yuga era began after he was crowned.
Whereas, Veer Vikram agreed to accept the kingdom, north of River Narbada. He ruled his kingdom from Ujjain.
They continued to worship Harsiddhi Mataji and always prayed to her for her blessings and guidance.