Over 5 lakh devotees expected to visit Shankhalpur temple during Diwali

According to a report by Sandesh, due to the Diwali festival and holidays, more than 5 lakh devotees may visit Shankhalpur to seek the blessings of Bahuchar Mataji during the next 15 days. Keeping this large number of devotees in mind, special arrangements have been made by the temple trust. The temple has been decorated with attractive lighting and ornaments to ensure no inconvenience is faced by the pilgrims.

During this period, free meal facilities will also be provided for devotees at the temple's Annakshetra. Along with the boost to religious tourism during the Diwali holidays, the tourism atmosphere in the Chuvad and Wadhia regions is also expected to pick up. After visiting Shankhalpur and Bahucharaji, devotees often visit the Modhera Sun Temple, Matangi Mataji Temple, and Patan. It is hoped that this crowd will also benefit local trade and business.

Bahuchar Mataji is a Hindu goddess, regarded as the goddess of purity and fertility. She is an incarnation of Hinglaj and is believed to grant blessings particularly for the attainment of sons and the prevention of diseases. Like other goddesses of Gujarat and Rajasthan, Bahuchar Mataji has Charan origins and is also known as the protector of the Hijra community. Her main temple is located in the town of Bechraji in Mehsana district.