Temple History

📖 Temple History of Shri Kankai Mataji – Gir

Shri Kankai Mataji Temple, nestled within the heart of Gir Forest National Park, holds a powerful and mystical legacy. Thought to be over 400 years old, the temple was originally established by shepherd tribes and forest dwellers who revered Mataji as their protector in the wilderness.

According to legend, Kankai Mataji (also known as Kankeshwari Mataji) appeared in the dreams of local devotees and guided them to her divine spot near the Shingavada River, where lions and humans coexisted peacefully. Her temple remains a place of raw spiritual power, surrounded by nature and silence.

The name “Kankai” is believed to be derived from Kanaka (gold), symbolizing divine energy, light, and abundance. Mataji is known to bless her devotees with protection, healing, prosperity, and family harmony. Her stories are shared by forest rangers, pilgrims, and locals who speak of miracles and guidance.

Shri Kankai Mataji is worshipped as the Kuldevi (family goddess) by many communities including:

  • Vaishya Suthars (Vadhia, Padhiyar)
  • Gurjar Suthars (Panchasara)
  • Bhawsar (Bahekar)
  • Uneval Brahmins
  • Bhadreshwar-Vanza
  • Rabari, Mochi, and Bhatia pastoral groups

A special shrine within the temple premises is dedicated to Bhudarjee Dada, believed to be Mataji’s brother, enhancing the sacred family lineage of the temple site.

Today, the temple is accessible via official safari routes regulated by the Gir Forest Department. Permanent structures and commercial setups are restricted in the area to preserve the sanctity of both the spiritual space and the ecosystem.

\”May Kankai Mataji’s blessings protect all who journey through her forest abode.\”

🕉️ Kankai Mataji as Kuldevi

Kankai Mataji is worshipped as the Kuldevi by many Gujarati communities. Listed below are the major castes, clans, and gotras associated with her divine protection.

🛕 Artisan & Brahmin Communities

  • Vaishya Suthars: Vadhia, Padhiyar, Sorathiya, Ladva
  • Gurjar Suthars: Panchasara, Gajjar, Bhatt
  • Uneval Brahmins: Bhatt, Trivedi, Shastri
  • Bhawsar (Bahekar): Deshastha gotra branches
  • Bhadreshwar-Vanza: Parmar, Solanki lineage
  • Modh Vanik: Mehta, Patel, Gandhi
  • Sompura Brahmins: Nagar, Dave
  • Lohana: Bhagat, Chheda (specific lineages)

👳 Pastoral & Other Communities

  • Rabari: Raika, Dhebariya, Kachhi Rabari
  • Mochi: Rathod, Chauhan sub-castes
  • Kumbhar: Gohil, Mori gotra
  • Darji (Tailors): Thakkar, Bhatt
  • Bhatia: Doshi, Bhagat
  • Khatri: Sanghvi, Mehta (Saurashtra sects)
  • Vankar: Patel, Mistry
  • Kadia (Masons): Gohil, Solanki
  • Gujarati Jains: Some Modh and Visha Shrimali branches honor her spiritually

“Families across generations have prayed to Mataji before weddings, sacred rituals, and business ventures. She is the guiding force of ancestral strength.”