Bahuchara Mata Shaktipeeth of Mehsana Gujarat

Bahuchara ji is one of three main Shaktipeethas in Gujarat. Other two being Amba ji near Mt Abu and Kalika Devi on Pavagadh hill. I have been to Champaner Pavagadh, so this time when I had an opportunity to visit Ahmedabad, I took a detour to visit Bahuchara ji.

Who is Bahuchara Mata?

Bahuchara Mata is the patron goddess of the Mehsana region of Gujarat. She bestows many blessings on her devotees and visitors. People particularly visit her to get blessings of having a son. Women come to her with their domestic problems be it a tiff with the husband or troubles with in-laws.

Most importantly, Eunuchs worship her. You can see them sitting under a tree in her temple.

Kuldevi

She is the Kuldevi of many communities including the Solanki Rajputs who ruled this region for a long time, Kolis, Charans, Bhils and Eunuchs. Solanki kings had rooster, her vehicle on their flag as well. They come to her for the Mundan or tonsure ceremony of their children. When you visit her temple, you can see many tiny-tots with their heads shaven. A swastik in red Kumkum is drawn on their freshly shaven heads.

She is also believed to be a Swaroop or manifestation of Hinglaj Mata of Sindh as well Bala Tripursundari who is the patron goddess of performing artists. Remember Kuchipudi also has a temple dedicated to Tripursundari. Internet tells me that there is a Bala Yantra in Sphatik or crystal in the garbhagriha but I could not see it.

Offerings

Small metallic pieces with different body parts carved on them are offered to the Devi. In fact, these pieces being sold in the small steel boxes is the first thing you notice even before entering the temple. If you are suffering from any disease in any part of the body, you offer that to Devi and she will cure that part for you.

Inside the temple we saw so many devotees offering these, specially at the Adi Bahuchara temple. These are also offered for progeny, as many women as well families come here to seek children.

History of Bahuchara Mata

It is believed that Bahucharaji was a real woman who lived in the 14^th CE just like Karni Mata of Deshnoke. She came from Maru desh or region around present-day Jaisalmer. Her father was awarded a Jagir or land in Saurashtra. Once while traveling to Saurashtra she along with her sisters were attacked by a bandit. She gave up her life but cursed the bandit to become a Eunuch.