Momai

Momai or Momai Mata (Gujarati: મોમાઈ માં) also known as Dashama is a regional Hindu goddess, popular in Gujarat, especially in desert region of Kutch.[1][2]

Momai
Murti of Dashama
Other namesDashama
MantraOm Aim Hrim Klim Dashamaa Namo Namah
WeaponTrishula, Sword
AnimalsCamel
TemplesMinavada
FestivalsDashama Vrata

Description

Momai is the highest goddess of the Rabari Tribe. Sorathia group of Rabari called her as a mammai. The village Momai Mora located near Rapar in Kutch is the place where the deity is said to have first appeared, the temple is a place of pilgrimage and huge festival is celebrated here on eve of Navratri every year. She is worshiped as one of the kuldevi of Jadeja, Parmar, Sodha, Jadav and other rulers & worrier clans of erstwhile kutch State and is closely associated with the Goddess Ashapura.[2] She is depicted as mounted on a camel, with four hands. She holds a sword and a trident in the upper right and left hand, respectively and in the lower right and left hands, she has a lotus and armor. [3][1]Apart from jadeja, parmar, Sodha clan, she is worshiped as Kuldevi by Udesh gotra of Rajpurohit community. The Rabari clan of Kutch also worship her. Her image is found in almost every household of Rabaris.[4][5][6] Bardai Brahmins also worship her as kuladevi. Many sub-clans of Mistris of Kutch also worship her as their kuladevi.[7]

Dashama Vrata

Main Article: Dashamaa Vrat

Dashama Vrata is an annual observance for Hindu people from the state of Gujarat, which begins on the amavasya of Ashadh month. In 2023, Dashamaa Vart observed in July and August due to adhik maas. Many people observed it on 17 July however others on 17 August.[8]

References
  1. Westphal-Hellbusch, Sigrid; Westphal, Heinz (28 April 2021). Hinduistische Viehzüchter im nord-westlichen Indien: Die Rabari (in German). Duncker & Humblot. ISBN 978-3-428-43107-6. Retrieved 17 January 2021.
  2. Forschungen zur Ethnologie und Sozialpsychologie (in German). Duncker & Humblot. 1974. pp. 111–113. ISBN 978-3-428-03107-8. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  3. એન, ભાટી. "મોમાઈ માતાનું મૂળ સ્થાપન સ્થળ મોમાઈ-મા મંદિરઃ 'મોમાઈ મોરા' | Gujarat Times MOMAI MATA - MOMAI MORA". Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  4. Swayam, S. (2006). Invisible People: Pastoral Life in Proto-historic Gujarat. John and Erica Hedges Limited. pp. 44–50. ISBN 978-1-84171-732-6. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  5. Dhamija, Jasleen (1985). Crafts of Gujarat. Mapin. pp. 143–44. ISBN 978-0-295-96248-1. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  6. Khare, Randhir (2004). Kutch, Triumph of the Spirit. Rupa & Company. pp. 116, 146–147. ISBN 978-81-291-0306-2. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  7. Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas (Mistris of Kutch) : A brief History & Glory: by Raja Pawan Jethwa. (2007) Calcutta.Section IV Kuldevi names
  8. "Sawan 2023 festivals full calendar: Hariyali Teej, Raksha Bandhan to Janmashtami; dates of 12 major fasts and festivals". Hindustan Times. 2023-07-10. Retrieved 2023-08-06.
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