Momai Mata

Momai, also referred to as Momai Mata (Gujarati: મોમાઈ માં), and Dashama (Gujarat:દશામાં), is a regional Hindu goddess with widespread popularity in Gujarat, particularly in the desert region of Kutch.

She is revered as the principal deity of the Rabari Tribe, with the Sorathia subgroup addressing her as "mammai." Legend holds that the village of Momai Mora, situated near Rapar in Kutch, marks the site of her initial manifestation, with an associated temple serving as a pilgrimage destination. Annually, a grand festival is held here on the eve of Navratri. Momai is esteemed as one of the kuldevi (family deities) by clans such as Jadeja, Parmar, Sodha, Jadav, Baraliya (Ahir), and others, historically associated with the rulers and warrior clans of the former Kutch State. Additionally, she maintains close ties with the worship of Goddess Ashapura. In her iconography, Momai is depicted riding a camel, adorned with four hands. She carries a sword and a trident in her upper right and left hands, respectively, while holding a lotus and armor in her lower right and left hands. Apart from the aforementioned clans, she is also revered as the kuldevi by the Udesh gotra of the Rajpurohit community and the Rabari clan of Kutch, with her image commonly found in Rabari households. Bardai Brahmins and various sub-clans of Mistris of Kutch similarly worship her as their kuladevi.

Dashama Vrat

The annual observance of Dashama Vrata, a significant ritual for Hindu adherents from Gujarat, commences on the Amavasya (new moon day) of the Ashadh month. In 2024, Dashama vrat is on 4 August.