Rajasthan's Folk Goddesses

Sheetla Mata (Chaksu)

The temple of Sheetla Mata is located in Chaksu, Jaipur.
Sheetla Mata is the only goddess worshiped in her fragmented form.
Her vehicle is a donkey, and the priest is a potter. Sheetla Mata is also known by other names such as 'Mahamai,' 'Sedhal Mata,' 'Chechak Ki Devi,' 'Protector of Children, and more.
The temple of Sheetla Mata was built on Dungri Hill in Chaksu, Jaipur, by Sawai Madhosinh.
Every year, on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Chaitra (Sheetla Ashtami), the festival of Sheetla Mata is celebrated in Chaksu, Jaipur.

Shakambhari Mata (Sambhar)

The temple of Shakambhari Mata is known as the oldest Shakti Peeth in India. It is located in Sambhar, Jaipur.
Shakambhari Mata is the ancestral goddess of the Chauhan clan of Sambhar.
The fair of Shakambhari Mata is held every year on the eighth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Bhadrapad in Sambhar, Jaipur.
The name "Shakambhari Mata" is derived from the goddess's ability to produce fruits and vegetables (shak).

Shiladevi (Jaipur)

The idol of Shiladevi is depicted with eight arms. Her temple is located in Amer, Jaipur.
The upper part of the idol of the goddess Bhagwati Mahishasur Mardini features depictions of five deities.
In the 16th century, Maharaja Man Singh I of Amer defeated King Kedar Rai of eastern Bengal and established Shiladevi in the Rajbhavan of Amer.
Shiladevi is also known as Annapurna Mata. In her temple, water and alcohol are offered as holy sacraments according to the devotees' wishes.

Nakati Mata (Jaipur)

The temple of Nakati Mata is located in Bhawani Pura, Jaipur. Nakati Mata's temple is a Gurjar Pratihara-style temple.

Chhink Mata (Jaipur)

The temple of Chhink Mata is located on the way to Gopalji's temple in Jaipur.
The worship of Chhink Mata is performed on the seventh day of the bright fortnight of the month of Magh.

Jamuvai Mata (Jamwa Ramgarh)

The temple of Jamuvai Mata was constructed by Dulhe Rai, the founder of the Kachhawa dynasty, in Jamwa Ramgarh, Jaipur.
This goddess is the ancestral goddess of the Kachhawa rulers of Amer.

Aavd Mata (Jaisalmer)

Aavd Mata (Jaisalmer) is the ancestral goddess of the Bhati rulers of Jaisalmer.
Sugnachidi is considered as the manifestation of Aavd Mata.
People worship Aavd Mata as Aainath and Jogmaya.
According to folklore, Mamdaji Charan's household witnessed the birth of seven maidens or goddesses, primarily Aavd and Barabari.
The temple of these seven goddesses, known as "Temderay," is located in a cave near Bhoo-Gopa, 25 kilometers away from Jaisalmer.
Aavd Mata accompanied her seven sisters during the "Loonkaran" event in Marwar.After drinking water three times, she reached the Tamda Mountain and defeated a cannibal demon by throwing him off the mountain. Since then, the mountain came to be known as "Temdi."The Charan goddesses wore sarees made of nine lakh stars.The recitation of prayers for the Charan goddesses is known as "Charja."
Charja is performed in two forms:
(1) Singau: It is recited during times of peace to praise the goddess.
(2) Ghadau: It is recited by devotees during times of calamity, seeking the assistance of the goddess.
The combined idol of these seven goddesses is called "Thala" (flower).
Devotees of Aavd Mata wear a "Thala" around their necks to protect themselves from evil spirits, ghosts, and other malevolent entities.

Nagnechiya Mata (Jodhpur):

In the 13th century, Rao Duhad Ji of the Rathore dynasty built the temple of Nagneciya Mata in the Panchpadra tehsil of the Barmer district, at a place called Nagona.
The temple of Nagona became famous by the name of Nagnechiya.
Impressed by the valor, determination, industriousness, and intelligence of Rao Duhad Ji, the image of the Kuldevi, Shri Chakreshwari Mataji, was brought from Kannauj by Saraswat Brahmin Lhoda Loomberishi of Badmer.
Rao Duhad Ji established the idol in the temple built on the hill in Nagona village from a security perspective, and it is said that the original idol is now installed in the temple of Nagneciya Mata in Dodu Jodhpur.
It is said that Mata appeared to Duhad Ji in a dream and instructed him to manifest herself beneath the neem tree. The next day, Duhad Ji found the idol beneath the ground. It is currently installed in the same state in the temple.

Aai Mata Bilara (Jodhpur):

Aai Mata was the daughter of Aai Mata Bikaji.
Aai Mata propagated her path beneath the neem tree.
The worship place of Aai Ji is called "Bader," where there is no idol.
Seervi people refer to Aai Mata's temple as "Dargah."
In Aai Mata's temple, puja and archana are performed on the second day of every bright fortnight.
Aai Mata is considered an incarnation of Goddess Devi who came from Godwar, Multhan, and Sindh and settled in Bilara, Jodhpur.
Aai Mata passed away in Bilara on the Chaitra Shukla Dwitiya of Samvat 1561.
Aai Mata provided protection to the Seervi Rajputs in her region, so the Seervi Krishi Rajputs hold the highest reverence for her.
The flame of the lamp in Aai Mata's Bilara temple continuously drips saffron, which is used for healing purposes.

Sachiya Mata

The famous temple of Sachiya Mata is located on a high hill in the Osiyan Nagar of Jodhpur district.
Sachiya Mata is the Kuldevi (family goddess) of the Oswal community.
The construction of the Sachiya Mata temple was carried out by Rajkumar Upladev of the Parmar dynasty.
The present idol of the goddess is made of Kasauri stone. In reality, this idol represents Goddess Mahishasuramardini.

Rani Dadi Sati Mata (Jhunjhunu)

The real name of Rani Sati was Narayani Bai.
Rani Sati's husband's name was Tanhadhan Das, and he was killed by the soldiers of the Hisar Nawab through treachery. It was then that Narayani Bai became fierce and took the form of Chandika.
Narayani Devi attained Sati with her husband, Tanhadhan Das, in the year 1652.
Thirteen women in Rani Sati's family became Sati. Their worship is performed on Bhadrapada Krishna Amavasya.
The tradition of organizing a fair on Bhadrapada Krishna Amavasya every year in memory of Rani Dadi Sati is famous.
The grand marble temple of Rani Dadi Sati is located in Jhunjhunu.

Sakarai Mata (Jhunjhunu)

Sakarai Mata is famous as the Kuldevi of the Khandelwal community.
Sakarai Mata is also known as Shakambhari Mata.
During the months of Chaitra and Ashwin, there is a festive atmosphere during the Navaratri Puja.
The temple and center of faith of Sakarai Mata are situated in the picturesque valleys near Udaipurwati (Jhunjhunu) in the Shekhawati region, which falls in the Sikar district.
To save the people affected by famine, she produced fruits, vegetables, and tubers, which is why she is called Shakambhari.
There is another temple of Shakambhari in Sambhar and another in the Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh.

Chamunda Mata (Jodhpur)

The Chamunda Mata temple is located in Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur.
In the Chamunda Mata temple, the seventh incarnation of Goddess Durga is Kali.
On September 30, 2008, a stampede occurred in the Chamunda Mata temple, resulting in the death of 250 people.
The state government formed a committee under the chairmanship of Jasraj Chopra to investigate the incident.

Jeen Mata (Sikar)

Jeen Mata's temple is located in the hills near the village of Revasa in the south of Sikar.
Jeen Mata is considered the ancestral goddess of the Chauhan clan.
The Jeen Mata fair takes place annually during the Chaitra and Ashwin months of Navaratri.
The eight-armed idol of Jeen Mata used to consume one and a half cups of alcohol on a special occasions.
Jeen Mata's temple was constructed during the reign of Prithviraj Chauhan I, according to the inscription on the Harsha mountain.
Tanot Rai Mata (Tanot, Jaisalmer)
Tanot Mata's temple is located in Tanot, near Jaisalmer.
Tanot Mata is famous as the "Mother of Soldiers."
Currently, Tanot Mata's temple is controlled by the Border Security Force (BSF).
During the Indo-Pak war in 1965, the bombs dropped by Pakistan in the temple area became inactive, making this place renowned as a site of the divine strength of secure soldiers.

Ashapura Mata (Jaisalmer)

Ashapura Devi arrived in Pokhran with Kachh-Bhuj and Lun Bhanji Bissa around 1200.
The Bissa community near Jaisalmer considers Ashapura Mata as their clan deity.
The Ashapura Mata fair is held twice a year on Bhadrapada Shukla Dashami and Magha Shukla Dashami.
After marriage, the people of the Bissa community visit the temple of Ashapura Mata to receive the community's identity.

Narayani Mata (Alwar)

The temple of Narayani Mata is located in the Talahti of Barba Dungri in the Rajgarh Tehsil of Alwar district.
The Nai community considers Narayani Devi as their clan goddess.
The Meena community considers Narayani Devi as their revered goddess.
The Narayani Mata temple was built in the 11th century in the Pratihara style.

Jilani Mata (Alwar)

The Jilani Mata fair also takes place twice a year.
The famous temple of Lok Devi Jilani Mata is near the ancient stepwell in Bahrod in the Alwar district.

Latiyala Mata (Lodrava)

The temple of Latiyala Mata is located in Falodi, near Jodhpur.
In front of this temple is a Khajda (Shami tree), so Latiyala Mata is also known as Khajdaberi Rai Bhavani.
She is the ancestral goddess of the Kallu community.
A magnificent temple dedicated to her is situated in New City, Bikaner.

Hinglaj Mata (Jaisalmer)

Hinglaj Mata is the ancestral goddess of the Charan community.
Due to the presence of their temple amidst the Hinglaj hills, they are called Hinglaj.
Hinglaj Mata is worshipped in Narlai of Jodhpur and Lodrava of Jaisalmer.

Harsh Mata (Dausa)

King Nikumbh Chand constructed Harsh Mata's temple in the 8th century.
The temple of Harsh Mata is located in Abhaneri (Dausa).
It is a Pratihar-style temple.

Sugali Mata Aauva (Pali)

Sugali Mata's temple is located in the Aauva village of Pali district.
She is considered the ancestral goddess of Kuswaha Singh Champawat.
The idol of Sugali Mata was brought to Ajmer by the British during the 1857 revolution and later handed over to the Pali Museum.
Sugali Mata has 54 arms and 10 heads.

Sundha Mata (Jalore)

This temple is a Tantrik Shakti Peeth.
Sundha Mata's temple is located in Dantlawas village, Bhinmal, Jalore.
Only the head of Sundha Mata is worshipped in the temple.
In 2007, Rajasthan's first privately owned ropeway was inaugurated in Sundha Mata's temple.

Karni Mata (Bikaner)

Karni Mata's temple is located in Deshnok, 35 km from Bikaner.
Karni Mata is famous as the 'Goddess of Rats' worldwide.
She is considered the beloved deity of the Rathore rulers of Marwar and Bikaner.
Karni Mata is the ancestral goddess of the Charan caste.
The white rats in Karni Mata's temple are called 'Kaba.'
The people of the Charan caste consider these rats as their revered deities.
During Navaratri, a fair dedicated to Karni Mata is held in Deshnok, Bikaner.
Karni Mata laid the foundation of the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur after Raja Jodha ascended the throne.
Rao Bika established the kingdom of Bikaner with the blessings of Karni Mata.
Kaila Devi (Karauli)
Kaila Devi's temple is located in Karauli.
When Kansa tried to kill Devaki's daughter, this girl took the form of Kaila Devi and manifested in the valley of the Trikut mountain.
Kaila Devi is the ancestral goddess of the Yaduvanshi Rajvansh dynasty.
Every year, the Lakhhi fair takes place on the peak of the Trikut mountain in Karauli on the eighth day of the bright half of the Chaitra month.
In front of Kaila Devi is the Chhatri of the Bohra community.
During Navaratri, the Lakhhi fair of Kaila Devi is held, during which the Languriya devotees sing the main songs.

Swangia Mata (Jaisalmer)

Swangia Mata is considered one of the forms of Avad Mata.
Swangia Mata is the ancestral goddess of the Bhati rulers of Jaisalmer.
The temple of Swangia Mata is located on the way to Pokaran, at a place called Bhadariya Rai (Dholia village).

Dadhimati Mata (Nagaur)

Dadhimati Mata's temple is located in Goth Manglod (Nagaur).
She is considered the ancestral goddess of the Dadhich Brahmins.
The Dadhimati Mata fair takes place during both Navaratri.
In the scriptures, it is referred to as the 'Kurukshetra.'
According to the scriptures, in the 'Treta Yuga,' Goddess Dadhimati manifested herself to slay the demon Vikatasur.
This manifestation of Dadhimati took place in the sacrificial pit of the Treta Yajna.
Maharana Swaroop Singh of Udaipur was blessed with a son through the grace of Goddess Dadhimati.

Kalika Temple

In front of the Padmini Mahal, there is a temple built in the 8th century on a high platform, located on the fort of Chittorgarh.
It is believed to have been constructed by Maan Mori. Before the 12th century, this temple was a 'Sun Temple.' In the 12th century, the idol of Goddess Kalika was installed in this Sun Temple.
A grand fair is held every year during Navratri. Kalika Mata is considered the ancestral goddess of the Guhilot clan (Guhil dynasty).

Badli Mata (Chittorgarh):

The temple of Badli Mata is located on the banks of the Bedach River in the fortified walls of Chittorgarh.
When the Badli tree (Banyan tree) is hit, it relieves headaches and dizziness.
A trident is placed in the temple when there is peace. Extracting sick children from the temple using two bamboo sticks cures their illness.
It is also believed that tying a thread from the goddess brings healing to the sick person.

Kushala Mata (Bhilwara):-

The temple of Kushala Mata is located in Badnor Bhilwara. Kushala Mata is considered an incarnation of Chamunda Devi.
Near the temple of Kushala Mata, there is the temple of Bairath Mata, also known as Jad Bairath.
Maharana Kumbha built the temple after reclaiming Badnor.
Both Kushala Mata and Bairath Mata were sisters.
The Kushala Mata fair is held annually from the eleventh day of the dark half of Bhadrapada until Bhadrapada Amavasya.

Bhadana Mata (Kota):

The temple of Bhadana Mata is located in Bhadana, 5 kilometers away from Kota.
It is believed that if a person comes in contact with the Mooth (ritual of death), they are saved from death.
The Bhopa person sucks out pain by blowing on the person's head, and moong and urad (lentils) are produced.

Aasavari Mata (Aavari Mata) (Chittorgarh):

The temple of Aasavari Mata is located in Chittorgarh. Aasavari Mata is also known as Aavari Mata.
The shrine is famous for healing physical ailments.
There is a pond near the ancient temple, which is known as Bhedesar Panchayat Samiti.
It is located in the region of Bhadsar Panchayat Samiti and is renowned as the main center of public faith.

Tripura Sundari Temple (Banswara):

The temple of Tripura Sundari Mata is located in Talwara Banswara. This goddess is also known as Taratai Mata.
The Tripura Mata temple houses an idol with eighteen arms holding various weapons.
The Panchal community worships Tripura Sundari Mata as their clan goddess. It is believed that the temple was built during the reign of Emperor Kanishka.

Ambika Mata (Udaipur):

The temple of Ambika Mata is located in Jagat, which is known as Shaktipeeth.

Tulja Bhavani (Chittorgarh):

The ancient temple of Tulja Mata is located on the Chittorgarh fort.
Tulja Bhavani is considered the revered goddess of Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Mahamaya Mata (Udaipur):

Mahamaya is worshipped as the goddess of child protection.
Mahamaya is also known as Mavli.
Pregnant women worship Mahamaya to ensure safe childbirth and the well-being of their children.

Pathvari Mata

Pathvari Devi is installed outside the village.
She is worshipped as the local goddess of pilgrimage success in Rajasthan.

Ghevar Mata (Rajsamand)

Currently, the temple of Ghevar Mata is located on the banks of Rajsamand.
Ghevar Mata used to reside in the Malwa region.
The temple of Ghevar Mata is a 'Sati' temple.
It is believed that the first stone used in the construction of Rajsamand was placed by Ghevar Mata's hands.

Jwala Mata (Jaipur)

The temple of Jwala Mata is located in Jobner (Jaipur).
A grand fair is organized here every year during Navaratri.
According to legend, when Lord Shiva carried Sati on his shoulder and performed the Tandava dance, Vishnu cut Sati's body into pieces with his discus. One of Sati's knees fell in Jobner, Jaipur, hence the importance of this Shakti Peeth.

Amja Mata (Udaipur)

The temple of Amja Mata is located in 'Kelwara' near 'Richhada' in Udaipur.
A magnificent fair of the Bhils is held here every year on Jyeshtha Shukla Ashtami.
The main temple of the Bhils' goddess is located near Kelwara at a place called 'Richhada'.
The worship of Amja Mata is performed by the Bhil and Brahmin communities.

Chamunda Devi (Ajmer)

Maha Maya Chamunda Devi is considered the ancestral goddess of the Chauhan clan.
Chamunda Devi is famous as the favorite deity of the poet Chand Bardai.
The temple of Chamunda Mata in Ajmer was built by Prithviraj Chauhan.

Ban Mata (Udaipur)

The temple of Ban Mata is located in the fort at Kelwara near Kumbhalgarh (Udaipur).
Ban Mata is considered the ancestral goddess of the rulers of Mewar.

Sikaray Mata

It is worshipped near Udaipurwati in Jhunjhunu district.
The Khandelwals worship her as their ancestral goddess.

Naganechi Devi

Naganechi Devi is worshipped by the Rathore clan as their ancestral goddess in Jodhpur.
She is worshipped in places like Jodhpur, Barmer, Bikaner, and others.

Ashapuri or Mahodari Mata

She is worshipped in Modran of Jalore.
Ashapuri or Mahodari Mata is the ancestral goddess of the Songara Chauhans.