Modheshwari

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Modheshwari (Gujarati: મોઢેશ્વરી) is an aspect of Devi Parvati or Durga.It is clan deity of Modh community of Gujarat.

Mythological Story

It is believed that demon Karnat was creating havoc in the region by disturbing the Brahmans during their prayers. For seeking protection from the demon, all the saints went to goddess Parvati. On hearing their grievances, she was upset as well as angry and started throwing fire from her mouth, which gave birth to an aspect of hers known as Modheshwari . This incarnation of the goddess has eighteen arms, each having a weapon, like trident and dagger.[1]

Iconography

The goddess is depicted as having eighteen arms, each having a weapon, like trishula, Khaḍga, Talwar, Kamandala, Shankha, Gada, Pash, Danda, Damaru, etc.

Clan deity

She clan deity of Modh community, which consists of three groups Modh Brahmins (Brahmin group), Modh Vaishya (Vaishya group) and Modh Kshatriya (Kshatriya group) all of whom were residents of Modheswara region ( presently known as Modhera ) and worshiped Devi Modheshwari.

Temples

Among the ancient temple of Modheswari, one is located at Modhera,[2] which gets its name from goddess.[3] The temple is located near the ruins of famous Sun Temple, where as another original place of worship is situated below the step-well.[3]

Another ancient temple is located at Chanasama in Patan taluka of Gujarat.[2]

Among other notable temples of Devi are located in Ahmedabad, Bharuch, Bhavnagar, Bhuj, Jhabua, Khedbrahma, Sinhore, Tera, Ujjain, Vadodara, etc.[4]

References

  1. ↑
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Gujarat State Gazetteers: Mehsana - Page xxiv
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Encyclopaedia of Tourism Resources in India, Volume 2 By Manohar Sajnani. 2001. p. 112. 
  4. ↑ Temples of Modheswar
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