Harsidhhi

Harsidhhi Mataji Idol at Rajpipla, where the original Parmara rulers of Rajpipla, who migrated from Ujjain had brought her as their Kuladevi.

Harsidhhi, one of the aspects of Durga is a regional Hindu goddess, popular in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, adjoining Maharashtra states of India.

Names

Harsiddhi, a contracted form or, at its very least, a form of "Harshad Amba" – The Happy Mother, is considered one of the aspects of Amba and Kalika, the Hindu Devi. She is also known by the names like Harshal, Harshad, Harshat, Harsidh Bhvani.

Kuldevi

She is worshiped as Kuldevi by many Kshatriya, Brahmin, Rajput and Vaishya communities. The Chandarana clan of Lohanas, Brahmakshatriyas, Harsana clan of Gurjars, many Jain castes as well Brahmins like Panchariya and many other communities also worship her as their Kuldevi. She is also religiously worshiped by fishermen and other sea-faring tribes and people of Gujarat as she is considered protector of ships at sea.

Temples

Harshidhhi Mata Temple also known as Harshal Mata Temple located at Gandhvi village, some 30 km away from Porbandar en route to Dwarka. The main temple was originally located on a hilltop facing the sea. It is said Krishna had worshiped her during his lifetime and has since been living atop hill called Koyla Dungar. The original temple atop the hill is said to have been built by Krishna himself. Krishna wanted to defeat the asuras and Jarasandha so he prayed to Amba Mata for power. With the blessings of the goddess, Krishna was able to defeat the Asuras. After this success, he built the temple. When Jarasandha was killed, all Yadavas over overjoyed (harshit) and they celebrated their success here. Hence the name Harshad Mata or Harsiddhi Mata. She has since been worshiped as kuldevi of Jadejas(Yadavs).

Jhagdu Shah

Jhagdu shah, the 13th century merchant from Kutch, is accredited for building a temple of goddess on Koyal hills near old port town of Miyani near Porbandar. He was a devotee of Karni Mata and once he was saved by Maa Karni, while he was sailing in sea and stuck in storm, so he thanked goddesses and constructed this temple. His statue is also placed on the right side of the goddess in the temple.

Jagdu Shah was a prosperous Maheshwari merchant of Chittor who after incurring the displeasure of Maharana Mokal, fled Mewar and settled at Khinvsar near Nagaur. He had heard of the goddess Karniji while in Chittor. On coming to Khinvsar, and finding that Karniji’s camp was not far off in Janglu, he approached for darshan and blessings for his safety. His devotion and pious life pleased Karniji, she assured him that at Khinvsar he will be safe from the Maharana’s wrath. He pleaded to grant him protection against future accidents and mishaps. The goddess Karniji replied, "God always comes to the rescue of His devotees. You can therefore always pray and count upon His great mercy. Rest assured, you will if you continue to lead a pious and good life, receive protection."

Satisfied, Jagdu Shah returned home. He prospered, his ships brought merchandise & caravans carried them to trade markets scattered all over the region. His business required a lot of traveling. While travelling on one such journey in Samvat 1516 (1459 AD), his ship was caught in a perilous storm. The ship seemed to be fragile against the force of storm and the crew prayed for divine mercy. This reminded Jagdu Shah of the assurance given by his patron deity Karniji. He invoked the name of the goddess who at that time was milking a cow. The legend states, Karniji used the other for rescuing the floundering ship thus saving Jagdu Shah and his people.

Soon after reaching port, Jagdu Shah proceeded to Deshnoke to pay homage. He narrated to anxious listeners how his ship was caught in a storm and how when all hopes had been lost, he invoked Karniji's name remembering the assurance and how a lovadi covered arm came to their rescue, steering the ship from out of the storm to safety and saved all aboard. At Deshnoke, Jhagadu Shah told his wish to construct temple. Karniji told him to construct temple at Porbandar as Harsiddhi temple. According to the Deshnoke registers, this event took place on Bhadwa Sudi 10, (Thursday) of Samvat 1516 (1459 AD).

Another famous temple is located at Ujjain, which is said to have been built by famous King Vikramāditya. Vikramaditya is said to have visited Koyla Dungar at Miyani, then known as Minalpur, a port city ruled by Prabhatsen Chavda of Chawda dynasty. Vikramadiya was blessed by the Devi. He requested Harsidhhi Mata, to come to his kingdom at Ujjain, where he would worship her daily. She is also known as Vahanvati Mata.

One more famous temple is located in Rajpipla, where she is worshiped as Kuldevi by former princely State of Rajpipla, where she had come from Ujjain.

Another temple is located at Ladol, which was built by Jayasimha Siddharaja in 11th century. Other temples are located at Palaj, Ruppur near Chanasma, Patan, Porbandar, Indore, Jabalpur, Dwarka, Wadhwan, Aurangabad, Badod, Varvala, Lunavada, Chand Baori, Haripura, Kutch. Another Temple is located in Rajasthan at Lampolai which is Centre point of Rajasthan and it is near by Ajmer approx 60 km by road.

Photo gallery

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  Ancient temple of Harsidhhi also known as Harshad atop Koyala hill near Miyani, Gujarat

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  Harsidhhi Mata Temple at Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

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  Carvings on ancient temple of Harshad on Koyla Hill