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Gandhinagar, Nov 13 (IANS) The sacred Devmogra Dham, the spiritual seat of Pandori Mata in Gujarat’s Narmada district, will take center stage as Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads the national celebration of Tribal Pride Day on November 15.
Celebrated in honor of the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, the day is dedicated to remembering the bravery, sacrifice and cultural heritage of the tribal communities of India.
Nestled amidst the serene Satpura mountain range, the ancient Devmogra Dham temple holds immense spiritual and historical significance. Its architectural style resembles the famous Pashupatinath temple of Nepal.
This temple enshrines Pandori Mata (Yahamogi), who is revered as Kani-Kansari, the eternal sustenance provider and protector of the tribal people. According to ancient belief, when once there was a drought on this land, the goddess herself ensured that no devotee remained hungry, an act which till today is a symbol of abundance and compassion.
Every year, lakhs of devotees from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan visit the temple to seek blessings and respite from the difficulties of life.
The belief is that anyone who approaches the goddess in sorrow leaves with peace and strength. One of the most vibrant spectacles of Devmogra Dham is the Mahashivratri fair, which attracts thousands of people to watch the Garh Yatra – a grand procession accompanied by traditional dance, music and the bathing of the goddess in a natural spring.
The age-old ritual during the fair involves a unique weather forecasting ritual, where the year’s agricultural yield is believed to be predicted by the blossoms on the sacred Kakal tree. Beyond its religious grandeur, Devmogra Dham stands as a cultural center for tribal heritage.
During Hob Yatra, devotees dressed in colorful attire offer the first grains of their harvest to the goddess before eating them. Women adorned in traditional silver and gold jewelery join the men carrying ‘Hiri’ offerings of vegetables and sacred objects on their heads.
The temple thus symbolizes a living tradition that connects people to their ancestral roots and the cycle of nature. The month-long Holi festival at Devmogra Dham further highlights the cultural vibrancy of the area. Folk artists, called Gheriyas, travel from village to village, singing and dancing in celebration of life and unity.
–IANS
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