Kankai Mata Temple
It is said that Kanaka Chavda, a descendant of Vanraj Chavda, founded the city of Kankavati and worshiped Mother Kankai as the patroness of the city. There is also a legend that Kanakasena, a royal of the Maitrakavamsa (whose clan belonged to the Suryavamsis of Ayodhya) founded the city of Kankavati and the temple of Mother Kankai in the middle of the Gir forest. The present temple appears to be around the 12th century.
Another folklore is that Kanaksena, a native of the Maitraka dynasty, was a Suryavansi royal of Ayodhya. He came to Virnagar in Saurashtra and defeated the Paramara king. And the descendant Vijayasena settled Vijayapur (Dholka). Bhattarak, a descendant of Vijayasena, founded Valabhipur. And Kankasena came to Madhyagir and settled the city of Kankavati. Hence he established Ma Kankai as the presiding deity of the city.
Renovation of Kankai Mataji Temple :-
A lot of time has passed since Sri Kankai Mandir, which was destroyed due to calamity after its establishment. The first renovation of this Kankai temple was done in Samvat 1864. There is no particular information about who did this renovation.
After that about 142 years passed. People became more aware and again a committee was formed in Vikram Samvat 2006 to renovate this temple. After that this committee collected the necessary expenses and started the work of the temple. And on the day of Samvat 2008 i.e. 03/03/1952, in an enthusiastic atmosphere, the same idol which was in the old temple was consecrated.
Thus mother Kankai is the clan goddess of eighteen sons. But mainly Ahir, Unewal Brahmins, Jhala Kardia Rajputs, Darbars, some castes of Vaishya, some castes of Koli and Kirtikar Brahmins of Marathawad come here to see Kuladevi Kankeswari Mata. Apart from that, there is a crowd of devotees here. As said above, 'Mataji is the clan goddess of eighteen husbands!'
The surroundings of Kankai Mataji's temple are lush and green with lovely trees. A babbling rivulet flows nearby. Morlao often gets loud in Ghata! Apart from the main temple, there are temples of Ganeshji, Shivaji and Hanumanji. There is also a temple of Bhudarji and there are five palaces next to it. Dharamshala is also provided.
There are four or five famous temples of Kankeshwari Mata in Gujarat, but the most famous and beautiful nature will be this one!
Where is the temple of Kankai Mata ?
This temple of Shri Kankai Mataji is located in Madhyagir in Junagadh district of Gujarat state in western part of India. Which is located about 22 km from Tulsishyam on the forest road. This place is full of natural beauty. Thus Sasan is 24 km, Visavdar 32 km and Amreli 75 km from Kankai.
This temple of Kankeswari Mata situated right in the middle of Gir Sanctuary and National Park is a symbol of faith of millions of people. The road leading to the temple passes through the middle of the Gir forest. Even if you enjoy it to your heart's content, you can see so much greenery here. Dense forest, many animals including chitals, deers, rabbits and monkeys appear in it!
Sri Kankeswari Mataji is seated in Shikharband main temple. Also there are temples of Shiva, Ganesh and Hanuman in this place. Shingwado river flows just below the temple. Behind Mataji's temple is Bhudarji's temple. Five paiyas are standing next to him.
The temple of Gir Kankai Mataji is also surrounded by such wonderful-beautiful greenery. For a while you don't realize that there is actually more to this creation than the forest! Such a picturesque scene impresses the pilgrims to an extent that cannot be forgotten for a lifetime.
What precautions should be taken while going to Kankai Mata Temple :-
One thing should be noted here, that the temple of Gir-Kankai Mataji is located in the sensitive area of Gir forest, the strict rules of the forest department have to be followed. After getting entry at the check-post, the vehicle can be driven on the Gir forest road. There is no smoking anywhere in the entire forest path and no plastic or any kind of garbage can be thrown anywhere.
Wildlife also cannot be disturbed in any way. Vehicle cannot be stopped in between. Also, entry from the check-post is available only till 6 pm and one has to return from here before dusk. Even in Mataji's temple, one cannot stay after evening.
During the rainy season, traffic becomes negligible. Also, to go to this place, you have to go during the day because the check post of the forest office is prohibited after 7 pm. Also, as there is a population of lions in Sasangir, safety has to be maintained due to the danger of wild animals in the forest.
Be so careful and leaf through the amazing beauty of Gir forest! Finally, the form of Bhavani Mataji sits in such a place that the minds of the future ones who reach there are automatically cheered up!
In this station there is a large ground above the temples. Dharamshalas are built on two sides. A long time ago, a trust was formed for the maintenance of this temple. Due to whose efforts good accommodation arrangements have been made in Madir for overnight stay. Pilgrims visiting this place are kept inside the place after 6 pm due to fear of predatory animals. Thus this place is full of natural beauty so it should be visited once to bask in the lap of nature.
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Good to Know :-
The Kankai temple safari timing is between 6.30 AM and 12 AM (pre-booking is required). Special permission is required to spend the night.
How to reach : -
42 km from Tulshishyam,
31 km from Visavadar,
70 km from Junagadh, and 90 km from Amreli.
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