Shri Bahuchara Mata Temple

History

Bahuchara Mata's temple at Becharaji is an ancient site; Becharaji's history as a pilgrimage centre predates the medieval period. The temple was maintained and patronised by the Charan community (traditional bards and genealogists of Gujarat/Rajasthan) and by successive Gujarati rulers. The current temple complex has been periodically renovated. The town of Becharaji (also spelled Bechraji or Bahuchara) is named after the goddess.

Mythology

Two major mythological narratives explain Bahuchara Mata's attributes: 1. THE CHARAN LEGEND: Bahuchara was a Charan woman travelling with her father. Their party was attacked by a bandit named Bapiya. Rather than submit to violation, Bahuchara performed "tragu" — a ritual self-sacrifice — cutting off her own breast. Before dying, she cursed Bapiya with impotence. Bapiya could be freed from the curse only by dressing as a woman and worshipping her. This is linked to the Hijra practice of devotion. 2. DIVINE ORIGIN: In another version, Bahuchara is a manifestation of the divine goddess who took form to protect the pious and establish dharma. The rooster symbolizes her alertness, awakening (call to worship), and victory over darkness. The Hijra community's association: the goddess's mythology — involving gender-crossing, the curse on Bapiya, and the worship tradition — is interpreted as divine sanction for the Hijra community's identity and spiritual role.