Matangi Temple – Bharuch, Gujarat

Location

  • Address: 9, Nipan Nagar Link Road, Government Colony, Bharuch, Gujarat 392001, India Yappe
  • Accessibility: The temple is conveniently situated within Bharuch city, making it easily accessible by local transportation.

Historical and Mythological Significance

According to Hindu mythology, the demon Karnat wreaked havoc by disrupting the spiritual practices of Brahmins and Vaishyas. In response to their pleas, Goddess Parvati manifested her fierce form, Modheshwari, emerging from a divine flame. Armed with eighteen weapons, she vanquished Karnat, restoring peace and vowing to protect her devotees.

The temple’s origins are intertwined with the migration of the Modh community from Modhera, a town renowned for its Sun Temple. As the community settled in Bharuch, they established this temple to continue their devotion to their Kuldevi.

Architectural Features

While specific architectural details of the Bharuch temple are limited, temples dedicated to Modheshwari Maa typically showcase traditional Gujarati temple architecture, featuring:

  • Intricate carvings depicting various deities and mythological scenes.
  • Sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha) housing the idol of the goddess.
  • Mandapas (pillared halls) for congregational worship and rituals.

The temple’s serene ambiance provides a tranquil environment for devotees to engage in prayer and reflection.

Festivals and Rituals

The temple observes several significant festivals and rituals:

  • Navaratri: A nine-night festival celebrating the divine feminine, marked by elaborate rituals, devotional songs, and traditional dances.
  • Purnima Pooja: Special ceremonies conducted on full moon days, attracting numerous devotees.
  • Daily Aarti: Regular worship sessions held in the morning and evening, involving the offering of light to the deity.

Temple Address:

Shri Modheshwari Matangi Maa Temple
9, Nipan Nagar Link Road,
Government Colony, Bharuch,
Gujarat – 392001, India

By Train:

  • Nearest Railway Station: Bharuch Junction (BH)
  • Distance from Temple: Approximately 2 to 3 km
  • Connectivity: Bharuch is a major station on the Mumbai–Delhi Western Railway line, with frequent trains from cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Mumbai, and Delhi.

You can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi from Bharuch railway station to the temple (approx. 10 minutes ride).

By Air:

  • Nearest Airport: Vadodara Airport (BDQ)
    • Distance: ~75 km
  • Alternate Airport: Surat Airport (STV)
    • Distance: ~85 km
  • Major Airport: Ahmedabad (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport – AMD)
    • Distance: ~185 km

From the airport, hire a taxi, or take a bus/train to Bharuch.

By Road:

  • Bharuch is well connected via National Highway 48 (NH-48).
  • You can reach Bharuch easily by private car, state-run GSRTC buses, or private intercity buses from:
    • Vadodara – 72 km
    • Surat – 70 km
    • Ahmedabad – 180 km
    • Mumbai – 350 km