The story of Vahanvati Mata, Harsiddhi, or Sikotar Mata is a popular legend in regions of Gujarat, where the goddess is worshipped as the supreme protectress of sailors and traders. Gujarat as a historically bustling port saw a large number of people traveling overseas for centuries as well as the mishaps associated with long-distance journeys. This culture of the Western state gave rise to the cult of Vahanvati Mata who is seen as the omnipresent guide and guardian of the vessels that leave the ports of Gujarat.
This Mata Ni Pachedi of Vahanvati Mata is a representation of the folk culture, a depiction of the goddess as a towering presence, pulling the strings of two ships as if ensuring their safety and ushering them to the harbor.
According to a local legend, a trader from the region was trapped in the middle of a sea storm and called upon Sikotar Mata for help, promising to offer her half his wealth. The goddess rushed to salvage the vessel. The priest of the temple of Sikotar Mata saw the goddess in a dream, and when he visited the shrine in the morning, he was surprised to see that the lehenga (skirt) of the goddess was wet as if she had been in the water.
In the painting, Vahanvati Mata stands firm with one leg in the water and the other rooted on the ground as an assurance to his devotees that she is everywhere and willing to protect them. Mata Ni Pachedi for Vahanvati Mata is often commissioned by people going on long-distance journeys as part of the ritual, asking the goddess to bless their voyages with safety and success.
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