Mahishasura Mardini Maa Bhavani Temple in Gujarat’s Kutch.
Many don’t know that Maa Bhavani temple in Gujarat Kutch Matanamadh is one of the oldest one.. The Mandir of Maa Bhavani is on the name of Khatla Bhavani Mandir. It is one of the oldest Mahishasura Mardini temple in Gujarat. It is also Kuldevi of many Saraswat Brahmins living in Kutch Abdasa.
Story of Maa Mahishasura mardini Mandir aka Khatla Bhavani Mandir at MatanaMadh:
Lord Brahma blessed Mahishasur that his death is only possible in the hands of Women. After that, Mahishasur became more vigorous and tortured all the devas of Swarg. Due to this, all the Devas went to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahmaji for the solution because Mahishasur was undefeatable.
Tridev then came together and helped Devas. From the light of Tridev, one fiery red light appears, which was form to kill danavas like Mahishasur. That light was Mahishasur Mardini maa Bhavani aka Khatla Bhavani / Narayani Maa.
Sinhvahini Maa Mahishasur Mardini:
The avatar of Maa appeared with Lion. Sitting on Lion with all the weapons in her hand, she finished the entire army of Mahishasur. Maa Narayani Avtar is a symbol of a Mother who helps devotees in tough times to beat all life’s odds. True protector for whom the entire galaxy is her family.
The oldest Maa Bhavani temple in Gujarat:
After Mahishasur Army finished, it was time to end the life of the most giant devil of that time, Mahishasur. It is said that the War between Mahishasur and Maa Bhavani started in the Himalayas and ended in Kutch. Maa Narayani took a rest at Lakhpat hills, now the oldest Maa Bhavani temple in Gujarat Kutch. The identity of Mahishasur and Maa Bhavani is there at that Mandir in Kutch. It is right at the top of Matanamadh Ashapura temple.
How Mahishasur was Killed / Mahishasur’s death story:
Mahishaasura, who kept altering from a buffalo to a lion, to a man, to an elephant, and then back to a buffalo, describes the never-ending chain of desires in us. When one wish is fulfill, another spring takes its place. There is a never-ending mutation and expansion of diverse desires. This is Vikshepa Shakti and is rooted in Rajo Guna or Rajas. This conquest of Mahishasura is symbolic of winning over our rajasic tendencies.
Being a Mother, Maa Bhavani also blessed Mahishasur, and today Maa’s Aarti is done with Dhoop, which comes from the land of that place in the name of Mahishasur.
Narayani Temple Gujarat:
Another story says because of the light of lord Narayan, Maa Bhavani is worship as Maa Narayani too in Kutchi Saraswat Brahmins. Maa Narayani is kuldevi of Saraswat Chathhmandras, Chandichaths, Chabad and many more.
Devi Durga, in her Mahishasura Mardini / Maa Narayani Avtar, is the destroyer of Mahisha. Mahisha means buffalo, symbolizing laziness, passivity, small-mindedness, Tamo gun, and lethargy. We say, ‘oh, everything moves, everything occurs, everything is alright, iniquity is okay, without that, life will not go on. Things will not work; one has to be corrupt.’ This kind of attitude and mindset is wrong, and this is Mahishasura.
These are the qualities that hinder the spiritual and material progress of an individual and must be conquered. The Devi is a storehouse of positive energy, and any hint of laziness or lethargy dissolves in her presence.
Story Input by Pandit Jayesh Vasantray Joshi and Nirav Jayesh Joshi from Kothara Kutch, Saraswat Brahmins. For more stories on Kutch keep following Indiandailypost.
