Vardayini Mata Temple, Rupal

Vardayini Mata Temple at Rupal, in Gandhinagar district, is dedicated to the goddess Vardayini Mata. The village is known for the Palli, a festival held on the ninth night of Navratri which, according to villagers, was begun by the Pandavas in the time of the Mahabharata.

On that day a frame of khijada wood, some 8 to 9 feet tall with a stand for carrying, is built and fitted with five holy flames, one at the top and one at each corner. That night this rath of the goddess leaves the centre of the village for the main temple, pausing at 27 spots where great quantities of pure ghee, donated by the many visitors who come for her blessings, are poured over it. People pray here for their families, and above all for their children.