Mataji Ni Pachedi Visatmata

Vishat Mata’s name is derived from the Gujarati ‘vis-hath’ or twenty hands. Interestingly, even though she’s named for that very quality, this goddess is rarely represented in paintings with twenty arms; some six-armed goddesses have also been identified as Vishat Mata. Her mount is a black buffalo. The Goddess usually carries swords, a dagger, a bowl of blood and a trident. Vishat Mata is tied with the origin legend of the Vaghris, who consider themselves an offspring of Bhagwan or Lord Vishnu and the goddess. To show her fierceness, besides flowers she wears a snake in her hair.

About 400 years back when people of the nomadic Vaghari community of Gujarat were barred from entering temples, they made their own shrines with depictions of the Mother Goddess on cloth. This ingenuous solution is believed to be the origin of Mata ni Pachedi, the sacred art, which is now revered by all. This particular painting is one of their art work.