The Mata ni Pachedi is more than a finely crafted fabric. It's a spiritual lifeline, a sacred tradition cultivated through passion and passed down the ages. It began in Gujarat and means "behind the Mother Goddess". It's a portable temple for communities that, for reasons ranging from caste to geography, were denied entry to formal places of worship.
For the majority, especially the Vaghari tribe, the cloth was their temple. It was the way they took the holy home, the way they held on to their beliefs even in rejection. The Mata ni Pachedi transcends art. It is a prayer clothed in fabric.
Ritual Use of Mata ni Pachedi in Temple Worship Explained
Why This Cloth Is So Sacred?
People have great affection for the Mata ni Pachedi. It is of great personal as well as cultural significance.
- Home temple: For people excluded from entering the temple, it allowed them the autonomy of praying at home.
- Goddess in every fold: Cloth patterns illustrate the Mother Goddess in all her forms, protecting, caring for and defeating evil.
- Tales that stay alive: These photographs are no random selection. They are stories from ancient texts, teaching youngsters strength, kindness and resilience.
Having the cloth along provides reassurance. It lets individuals know the Goddess is always present, protecting and directing them.
Also Read: Types of Diverse Indian Art - Mata Ni Pachedi
How It Is Created through Heart and Ritual
Creating a Mata ni Pachedi does not come easily. It involves skill, patience and devotion. The ritual is conducted as reverentially as a religious ceremony would be.
- Block printing: Artisans cut wooden blocks to print the figures of the deities.
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Natural dyes: Each colour has a history.
○ White represents cleanliness
○ lack stands for protection
○ Red brings energy and good luck - Sacred steps: These producers generally followed some traditions, praying prior to beginning and handling the cloth gently.
Each of the works carries the essence of the artist and the grace of the Goddess.
Keeping the Tradition Alive
Even today, the Mata ni Pachedi is still used in temple rituals in Gujarat and parts of Rajasthan. The tradition is carried on by various artisan families, who pass it on lovingly and proudly.
Despite the changes in times, the essence of this fabric does not change. It continues to evoke faith and tie people to their heritage.
Don't Miss: Mata ni Pachedi – 400 Years of Unbroken History
Conclusion
This Mata ni Pachedi is more than fabric. It is a living tradition, a holy symbol of hope and identity. Through the fabric, the bond of the devotee to the Goddess becomes more indissoluble, reminding us that faith always triumphs.
