Mata no Madh
The temple of Ashapura Mata, the family goddess of the Jadeja rulers
- Type
- Temple
- Location
- Mata no Madh, Kutch
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours
- Best time to visit
- October to March. Navratri is the busiest time.
About Mata no Madh
Mata no Madh is a village in western Kutch with the temple of Ashapura Mata, the goddess who fulfils wishes. She is the family goddess of the Jadeja rulers of Kutch and of many other communities, and the temple is one of the most important places of worship in the district.
The temple has been repaired and rebuilt over the years, and it is busy with families through the year. Aarti is held in the morning and evening, and devotees offer coconuts, chunri and prayers for their families.
During Navratri, in the autumn, thousands of devotees walk to the temple from towns across Gujarat. Many walk for days, and the roads fill with groups of pilgrims and volunteer camps serving food and water. If you want a quieter visit, avoid the Navratri period and weekends; if you want to see the festival at its fullest, go then and plan for crowds. The temple lies on the road to Lakhpat and Narayan Sarovar, so it is easy to add to a day in western Kutch.
Things to do at Mata no Madh
- Have darshan at the Ashapura Mata temple
- Attend the morning or evening aarti
- See the Navratri pilgrimage if you visit in the festival season
How to reach Mata no Madh
- By road from Bhuj: about 100 km, about 2 hours by car.
- It fits on the way to Lakhpat and Narayan Sarovar.
Tips before you go
- Dress modestly and leave your shoes at the stand outside.
- During Navratri, roads near the temple are crowded with pilgrims on foot. Drive slowly and allow extra time.
Nearby places to visit
Narayan Sarovar and Koteshwar
A sacred lake with temples at Narayan Sarovar and the seaside Koteshwar Mahadev temple, two important pilgrim sites in western Kutch.
Time needed: 2 to 3 hours for bothRead more →Lakhpat Fort
An old walled port town on the western edge of Kutch, with fort walls, a gurudwara and old tombs, now almost empty.
Time needed: 2 to 3 hoursRead more →Bhuj
The main town and base for Kutch, with the Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal palaces, Hamirsar lake and the Smritivan memorial.
Time needed: 1 dayRead more →Mata no Madh: FAQs
Which goddess is worshipped at Mata no Madh?
Ashapura Mata, the family goddess of the Jadeja rulers of Kutch and of many other communities in the region.
When is Mata no Madh most crowded?
During Navratri, when thousands of pilgrims walk to the temple from across Gujarat.