12. KHODIYAR MATA

Khodiyar Maa is the Hindu goddess who appeared in the story of Mamaniya Gadhvi in about 700 AD. Mamaniya Gadhvi had a superb relationship with the then ruler - Maharaj Shilbhadra. The ruler’s ministers envied this exceptional relationship and prepared a way to get rid of Mamaniya Gadhvi. They were not very successful to persuade the ruler, but they succeeded in persuading the ruler’s wife (queen). One day the doorkeepers did not let him go into the palace. Mamaniya asked for the reason. He was told that a childless man is not worth of the king’s presence. Mamaniya returned home and wanted to ask Lord Shiva for help. When Lord Shiva did not appear, he decided to give his life away as a final sacrifice. Just when he was about to make it, Lord Shiva appeared and took him to the Snake Kingdom - Naglok (or Naga Loka) to see the King of Snakes - Nagdev. After hearing his story full of humiliation, the Nagdev’s daughters decided to help too. When Mamaniya came home, with his wife he prepared, as advised by the Nagdev’s daughters, eight cradles in expectation of a great event. One day eight snakes crawled into the house and Mamaniya had suddenly seven daughters and one son. One of the daughters was Khodiyar Maa. After showing many miraculous powers, people consider her to be goddess and she has temples and shrines too.

Khodiyar Maa’s original name: Janbai

Khodiyar Maa’s weapon: Trishul

Khodiyar Maa’s vehicle (vahan): Crocodile

Khodiyar Maa’s Prasad (food): Lapsi (Porridge)

Khodiyar Maa’s date of birth: Mahasudh Aatham (Ashadi beej as per some versions)

Period: 700A.D.

Khodiyar Maa’s place of birth: Roishala (near Vallabhipur near Bhavanagar in Gujarat, India)

Khodiyar Maa’s mother: Minalde Gadhvi

Khodiyar Maa’s father: Mamaniya Gadhvi

Khodiyar Maa’s siblings:

6 sisters
Aavad, Jogal, Togal, Holbai, Beejbai, Sosai
1 brother Mehrak

Different names of Khodiyar Maa

Janbai
Khodal
Trishuldhari
Tataniya dhara wali
Matel dhara wali
Galdhara wali
Maavdi

Most auspicious day to worship Khodiyar Maa: Tuesday