Nagnechiya Maa

Nagnechiya Maa (Nagnechi Ma, Nagnechia Ma) (Hindi: नागनेचिया माँ/ नाग्नेची माँ) is the kuldevi of Rathore, a Suryavanshi Rajput clan of India. Nagnechiya Maa's history dates back to antiquity. Rao Doohad (grandson of Rao Sheoji) went to Kannauj (where the Rathore originated) and returned with Nagnechiya Maa's auspicious flame, founding her temple in Nagana, Barmer district. She is worshiped not only by Rajputs, but by nearly every Hindu; people of Rathore ancestry visit her temple.

History

In 1200 AD, Rao Doohad believed that Nagnechiya Maa was the mother goddess of the Rathore, and it was necessary to bring her auspicious flame from Kannauj (where his ancestors ruled) to establish a temple at Khed, Rajasthan to expand the empire. Rao Doohad went to Kannauj with a few loyal soldiers, and was told by Lumb Rishi that if Nagnechiya Maa's auspicious flame touched the ground, she would not move from that place. When Rao Doohad and his men were returning, an eagle (thought to be the incarnation of the god of the Rathore) followed them from Kannauj. At night they stopped to rest near Pachpadra, a village in the Barmer district of Rajasthan. For some reason, the flame touched the ground; Nagnechiya Maa refused to move, and a temple was built at Nagana.

Temple

Although Nagnechiya Maa's temple is well-attended all year it is most crowded during the Navratri season, with worshipers from around the world. Pilgrims from throughout India finish their months-long walk during Navratri, and newlyweds come to obtain Maa's blessing. Newborn babies are brought by their parents for the ceremony known as Kesh Mundan (Jadula/Jarula). The temple is located in a desert area; however, it offers a variety of services.

It was said that when the Rathore kings went into battle after receiving Nagnechiya Maa’s blessing, they remained unconquered. People visit her temple for answers to their prayers, great and small. Although the temple is located in a remote area, it attracts visitors from around the world.

Singh Dwar

The temple is well-connected by road from Jodhpur, which in turn may be reached by air, rail or road. In Jodhpur, transportation exists by bus or taxi to Barmer at Barwi Road. The village of Nagana (in Pachpadra tehsil) is one hour by road from Jodhpur.