Nagnechi
The Kuldevi of the Rathore Dynasty in Rajasthan is renowned by names such as Chakreshwari, Ratheswari, Naganechi, or Nagnechiya Mata. Situated at Nagana village in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan, the Nagnechi Mata temple is located 96 km away from Jodhpur. As per ancient religious and historical accounts, Rao Dhuhad (Vikram Samvat 1349-1366), grandson of Rao Sinha (the founder of the Rathore state in Marwar), was the first to establish the Goddess's statue and build the temple.
Legend has it that the statue of Nagnechi Mata was brought from Karnataka by Raja Rao Dhuhad. He ventured to Konkan (Karnataka) and transported the statue of his Kuldevi, Chakreshwari, to Nagana village, approximately 50 km from Pachapadra. The Goddess became renowned as Nagnechi Mata. Pachapadra, known for its salt, is situated along the Barmer-Jodhpur road, in close proximity (50 km) to the temple in Nagana.
The eighteen-armed Goddess 'Nagnechi' represents the form of 'Mahishmardini'. Her symbol, the eagle, is prominently displayed on the flags of Marwar (Jodhpur), Bikaner, and Kishangarh principalities. Nagnechi Devi was the Kuldevi of the Jodhpur principality. It was believed that her abode lay beneath the Neem tree, leading to a preference for Neem wood in Jodhpur, refraining from its usage.
The temple's history unfolds an intriguing tale. In his childhood, Rao Dhuad ji visited his maternal home and witnessed his uncle's unusually large stomach, which sparked his laughter. His uncle admonished him, highlighting the absence of their Clan Goddess and a permanent place for her idol.
These words deeply affected Rao Dhuhad, compelling him to vow to bring his Kuldevi's idol. However, being unaware of her identity or whereabouts, he decided to undertake penance to appease the Goddess.
Years later, after becoming the ruler of Khed, Rao Dhuhad embarked on a journey to Kannauj, guided by Guru Lumba Rishi, and found the statue of Chakreshwari Mata. When he attempted to take the statue with him, the Goddess proclaimed she would accompany him as a 'Pankhini' (Bird). He was instructed not to halt until reaching the destination.
Despite adhering to most instructions, exhaustion led Rao Dhuhad to rest under a neem tree near Nagana mountain. He fell asleep, causing the Goddess to stop her journey.
As Rao Dhuhad attempted to continue, the Goddess insisted that the land covered by his horse's run before noon would be her resting place. Unfortunately, a herdsman's inadvertent call halted the process, resulting in the statue being halfway buried. Accepting fate, Rao Dhuhad built the temple in 1305 for the semi-emerged idol, thus making Chakreshwari famous as Nagnechi Mata.
Nagnechiya Mata's temple in Nagana hosts annual fairs on 'Magh Shukla Saptami' and 'Bhadrapad Shukla Saptami', featuring offerings of 'Lapsi' and 'Khaja'. Devotees tie seven threads colored with 'Kumkum' as rakhi, symbolizing offerings to the Kuldevi Nagechiya.
The forts of Jalore, Jodhpur, and Bikaner also house temples dedicated to Shri Nagnechi Mata, built by the Rathore kings seeking daily blessings.
In Bikaner, the Nagnechi Mata Temple, situated about 2 km southeast of the city, features a silver statue of the eighteen-armed Nagnechi Mata. Founder Rao Bika brought this revered statue from his native state, Jodhpur. The temple draws huge crowds during Navratri and Dussehra for Goddess worship.