Harsiddhi Mata Temple
About 40 km from Porbandar and 65 km from Dwarka, Harsiddhi Mata Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located on the Koyla Dungar Hill in Gandhvi village near Porbandar, Gujarat. On the way from Porbandar to Dwarka, it is one of the oldest temples in Gujarat and one of the popular sightseeing spots in Porbandar.
One has to climb about 300 steps to reach the original temple on Koyla Dungar Hill. From the temple, one can see a beautiful view of the sea and the surrounding plains. One can also visit the nearby peaceful beach.
Importance of Harsiddhi Mata Temple
Also known as Harshal Mata Temple, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Harsiddhi, the happy mother. The original temple on the hill is said to have been built by Krishna himself. Krishna wanted to defeat the demon Jarasandha, so he prayed to Amba Mata for more power. Krishna was able to defeat the Asuras with the blessings of the Goddess. After winning the war, Lord Krishna built this temple and celebrated the victory with his Yadav community, Since then the Yadava community worships Mata Harsiddhi as their caste goddess. Also, she is worshipped as a caste goddess by many Kshatriya, Brahmin, Rajput, and Vaishya communities.
History of Harsiddhi Mata Temple
Built around 1300 by the Jain merchant JagduSha in the market, the original temple is not worshipped at present. According to legend, the goddess’s temple was located on a hill overlooking the creek. It is believed that if the deity’s eye falls on a ship, it will either burn or be destroyed at sea. Jagdu’s fleet was destroyed because of it but he was saved. JagduShah prayed to the goddess for his safety and his ship reached the shore safely. Fearing the curse of the deity, JagduShah went to the temple and fasted for three days to appease the deity. Goddess was pleased with JagduSha and gave him darshan.
He begged her to come down the hill so that her eyes would not fall on the passing ships. He promised to build a new temple for Ma Harsiddhi. According to the legend, the goddess agreed to his request to sacrifice a buffalo on each of the 108 steps leading down the hill. Jagdu Shah was disturbed as a follower of Jainism, who believed in non-violence. However, true to his words, he decided to sacrifice the buffaloes, but surprisingly, the 108 buffaloes he brought fell short.
So he decided to sacrifice himself and his family to fulfil his promise. At this, Devi Harsiddhi was pleased and gave a boon that this was his last birth and that after his death he would attain moksha and his idol would also be worshipped in the Harsiddhi temple along with her.
Harsiddhi Mata Temple Timings
Harsiddhi Mata Temple opens at 05:00 am and Closes at 06:00 pm. Darshan Timings Starts from 06:00 am to 06:00 pm.
Morning Aarti at 06:00 am
Evening Aarti at 06:00 pm
Address of Harsiddhi Mata Temple
Harsiddhi Mata Temple, Road,
Gandhvi, Gujarat – 361315, India
Festivals at Harsiddhi Mata Temple
Navratri is the main festival celebrated at Harsiddhi Mata temple. On the Nine days of Navratri, Navratri Mela was conducted as the most important festival in this temple. Many devotees attract this temple on the Occasion of Navratri Mela.
Accommodation
Temple Doesn’t Provide any Accommodation to the visitors it is located at Gandhvi Village. But some hotels are at Porbandar which are near to the temple,
Balaji palace
Hotel Sheetal
Hotel president
Hotel Kuber
Natraj Hotel
Hotel Kaveri International
Places to visit near Harsiddhi Mata Temple
Sudama Temple
Sri Hari Mandir
Temple Kirti Mandir
Huzur Palace Porbandar
Bird Sanctuary
How to Reach Harsiddhi Mata Temple
By Air: Porbandar has its own Airport which is called Porbandar Airport and The Nearest Airport to Porbandar is Jamnagar Airport which is 100 kms away. Other nearest airport is Rajkot Airport 141 kms. From there visitors can easily hire Auto Or Buses to reach Harsiddhi Mata temple in Gandhvi.
By Rail : Gandhvi village doesn’t have any Railway station. The Nearest Railway station is at Porbandar it has its own Railway Junction.
By Bus : Gandhvi is well connected to all major towns in the state of Gujarat. All private service buses are available to Gandhvi village and Porbandar.
Gandhvi Distance
Gandhvi Distance from Dwaraka : 52 min (63.4 km) via NH51
Gandhvi Distance from Somanth : 2 hr 48 min (171.3 km) via NH51
Gandhvi Distance from Jamnagar : 2 hr 21 min (133.5 km) via NH 151A
Gandhvi Distance from Rajkot : 3 hr 52 min (221.6 km) via NH 27
Harsiddhi Mata Temple Photos:
