Vahanvati Sikotar Mataji

Temple has mapping with 950 year old history.
In name Sikotar,
Si = Laxmi
Kotar = Goddess living in ravine.
Sikotar Maa is also known as Goddess of sea.

Sikotar Maa Photo

Years ago when Khambhat was known as Trambavati nagari, Vahanvati Maa is believed to be inhabiting in Khambhat.
Maa Sikotara Vahanvati is Kulvardhini of Rabari Samaj.

some stories

-> A. On the back side of Vahanvati temple, there’s a copper pillar.
Legend says that back in time when ships would lost from their way, they would pray for Vahanvati Mata. Soon after, a lamp will be lightened up on the copper pillar and taking directions, ships would their destination safely.

-> B. Another tale is that, during Navratri time, Mata would come to Sikotar to play Garba. Sound of Mata’s anklet was so powerful that farmers in nearby villages could easily hear.

-> C. There’s one popular story of Sikotar Mata and Jagdusa. It explains how Sikotar Mata started to know as Vahanvati.
When drought took over Saurashtra region, a merchant named Jagdusa came to Khambhat and entrapped his ships. He was true devotee of Maa Sikotar and soon his business grown full fledged.
He became so rich. Wondering what to do with the money he had, he bought a gold chain for Sikotar Maa. Though, being a merchant, his thoughts were changed after he saw gleaming gold. Instead of devoting to Sikotar Maa, he kept chain for his wife.
That night, in his dream, Sikotar Maa appeared and told Jagdusa to see positions of his ships. Hastily, Jagdusa came out only to see his ships sinking in sea.
He realized the grave mistake he made and immediately apologised Sikotar Maa. Kind Maa accepted his apologies and saved his ships from sinking.

From this incident, Goddess is regarded as Vahanvati.

-> D. Vahanvati Maa is also known to solve infertility issues of devotees. There have been many examples of devotees pledging to Maa and Sikotar Maa helping to come over their situations.

How to Reach

Vahanvati Maa temple is situated near Arabian seashore in Ralej village, which is 10 minutes drive from Khambhat. As I mentioned above, the location is quite scenic.

Distance Matrix:

From	To	Distance in km / Time in hr
Khambhat	Sikotar Maa	10 km / 20 minutes
Anand	Sikotar Mata	60 km / 1.5 hour
Nadiad	Sikotar Mata	60 km / 1.5 hour
Vadodara	Sikotar Mata	70 km / 1.5 hour
Ahmedabad	Sikotar Mata	100 km / 2.5 hour