momai maa image
Folk deity can be represented in a male or a female human, an animal, or even an object, like a holy stone. And they are worshipped with different names in different parts of the country. Human life is thrived by two things. Hunger and fear. These are the two things which keep any human being lead a life. Folk deities exist for these two factors.
We are afraid of many factors such as natural calamities, diseases, losses in business, thefts and ill wishes of our enemies. We need protection from all these things, and hence, folk deities like Momai Mataji provide us protection. Momai or Momai Mata also known as Dashama is a regional Hindu goddess, popular in Gujarat, especially in desert region of Kutch. Momai is the highest goddess of the Rabari Tribe. Sorathia group of Rabari called her as a mammai. The village Momai Mora located near Rapar in Kutch is the place where the deity is said to have first appeared, the temple is a place of pilgrimage and huge festival is celebrated here on eve of Navratri every year.
She is worshiped as one of the kuldevi of certain region of kutch State and is closely associated with the Goddess Ashapura. She is depicted as mounted on a camel, with four hands. She holds a sword and a trident in the upper right and left hand, respectively and in the lower right and left hands, she has a lotus and armour.
Apart from jadeja, parmar, Sodha clan, she is worshiped as Kuldevi by Udesh gotra of Rajpurohit community. The Rabari clan of Kutch also worship her. Her image is found in almost every household of Rabaris. Bardai Brahmins also worship her as kuladevi. Many sub-clans of Mistris of Kutch also worship her as their kuladevi. Dashama Vrata is an annual observance for Hindu people from the state of Gujarat, which begins on the amavasya of Ashadh month. In 2024, Dashamaa’s vrat was observed on 4th August which was Sunday and ended on 14 August.
Momai Mata Ki Katha, Story of Momai Maa
The Momai Mata Katha is a devotional narrative that recounts the life, miracles, and divine acts of Momai Mata, a revered goddess in Gujarat, particularly in the Kutch and Saurashtra regions. The katha (story) is an important part of her worship and is often recited during religious festivals, especially during Navratri or specific celebrations dedicated to her.
Origins of Momai Mata
According to the legend, Momai Mata is believed to be a form of Durga or Shakti, the divine mother and a fierce goddess. She is often considered a protector of her devotees and is worshipped for blessings of prosperity, protection, and family well-being. The story of Momai Mata reflects the local culture and beliefs of the region.
Popular Katha of Momai Mata:
One of the famous stories associated with Momai Mata revolves around her role as a protector of the innocent and the vulnerable. Here’s a brief version:
In a village in Gujarat, there lived a devout family that always prayed to Momai Mata for protection. The village was often raided by dacoits and plagued by evil forces. One day, a group of bandits tried to attack the village. The villagers, fearful for their lives, prayed fervently to Momai Mata.
It is said that Momai Mata appeared in a divine form, riding a lion, and confronted the dacoits. With her divine powers, she scared away the bandits and protected the village from destruction. The villagers were filled with gratitude and began to worship her with even greater devotion. Over time, her fame spread, and temples dedicated to her were built in various parts of Gujarat.
In some versions of the katha, she is also said to have appeared to protect women and children, particularly during times of famine or war, always arriving at the moment of utmost need.
Worship and Devotion
In Momai Mata temples, devotees offer prasad (holy offerings), and the katha is recited to recount her divine acts. Navratri is an important festival for her devotees, where her stories and songs (garbas) are sung to honor her power and compassion.
Symbols and Depiction
Momai Mata is often depicted as riding a lion or a tiger, holding weapons that signify her strength and resolve to protect her devotees. She is also portrayed as a gentle and nurturing mother figure, offering blessings and peace to those who seek her.
“JAI MOMAI MATAJI JAI”
COMPILED BY
R. HARISHANKAR