As Chaitra Navratri approaches in March, devotees across India prepare to worship Goddess Bhagwati in her myriad forms over nine sacred days. From serene to fierce manifestations, the festival immerses millions in devotion. Yet, hidden deep within the forests near Ujjain lies a mysterious deity known as Masan MeldI Mata, revered as the tantric protector of Gujarat.
Nestled in the dense woods of Bhairavgadh, this secretive shrine draws believers seeking extraordinary powers. The path to the temple is treacherous, winding through towering bamboo groves where ancient trees bear eerie signs of tantric rituals—massive nails hammered into trunks, lemons impaled alongside cloth dolls. Locals whisper that Aghoris perform intense nighttime sadhanas here, invoking supernatural forces for their occult mastery.
The temple itself is modest, a simple tin shed housing the goddess’s sacred footprints and a small metal idol. Devotees offer oil and perfume at her feet, convinced that a single darshan fulfills deepest wishes. However, strict taboos prevail: no visitors after sunset, when tantrics claim the space for their exclusive rites.
Masan MeldI is an incarnation of Goddess Durga, born from Parvati’s divine will to slay the demon Amaruv. Hiding in a cow’s skeleton to evade Parvati’s wrath, the asura met his end at MeldI’s hands, symbolizing the triumph of good over entrenched evil. Today, rural Gujaratis honor her as their guardian, making the annual pilgrimage a blend of faith, fear, and folklore.
This hidden gem underscores India’s rich tapestry of esoteric worship, where the line between devotion and the occult blurs in the shadows of sacred jungles.