Submitted by: Manan Agrawal

In the Marwadi community, many families have their own Kuldevi, or family goddess, whom they worship. One such revered goddess is Mandholi Sati Dadjii, worshipped by the Garg gotra of Baniya clan. According to tradition, Sati was a woman who immolated herself or performed sati upon her husband’s death, voluntarily.

There are numerous shrines dedicated to different Sati Mata of different places throughout Rajasthan, each with its own unique beliefs and customs. In the Garg gotra, a distinctive custom is observed: once a male child is born, the mother must refrain from consuming rice for the rest of their lives. Rice is also not offered during any puja or worship ceremony dedicated to Mandholi Sati Dadiji.

The origin of this custom is tied to a unique story. Once, a family was preparing for the annual puja of Sati Mata at the Mandholi shrine. All the preparations were completed, but due to an oversight, the women forgot to include rice (akshat) in the puja. This omission displeased the goddess, who, according to tradition, decreed that from that day onward, rice should not be offered to her in the puja. And, since the omission of rice was considered a significant error, the women were instructed to abstain from consuming rice for the rest of their lives after the birth of a male child.

The women of the Garg gotra continue to follow this custom with great devotion. They believe that Sati Mata is their protector and uphold these traditions as a mark of their unwavering faith.

About Manan:

Manan is an illustrator and visual storyteller currently pursuing Animation and Digital Media at UID, Gandhinagar. His work draws inspiration from Indian myths, culture, and traditions. Manan aims to reinterpret and reintroduce these rich narratives to contemporary audiences, making them more accessible and engaging.