Dhanmata Temple is located in Dungarpur, a town in the southern part of Rajasthan, near the Gujarat border. The temple is built atop the Dhanmata hill, right in the heart of the old city of Dungarpur. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Dhanmata, a powerful local form of the Divine Mother (Shakti).
Dhanmata Temple is considered very ancient and sacred by the local Bhil and tribal communities. It is said to have been worshipped for hundreds of years, even before the Dungarpur princely state was established in the 13th century.
According to local history, the rulers of Dungarpur also offered regular worship to Goddess Dhanmata, believing her blessings ensured the kingdom’s prosperity and safety. She is believed to be the goddess of prosperity, wealth, and protection, worshipped by local communities as the guardian deity of Dungarpur. Devotees believe she fulfils wishes and protects them from financial hardships and evil forces.
Dhanyata Temple is a traditional hill-top shrine with Rajasthani temple architecture. The approach involves a scenic climb with steps carved into the hillside. The temple structure is simple yet divine, with white-washed domes and intricate stone carvings. The sanctum houses the idol of Dhanyata Devi, often adorned with red and yellow clothes and silver ornaments.
Several smaller shrines and open mandapas (pillared halls) surround the main temple, creating a peaceful space for meditation and rituals.
Long ago, the region of present-day Dungarpur was inhabited mostly by tribal communities, especially the Bhil tribes, who lived in harmony with nature but often faced hardships due to poverty, droughts, and constant tribal conflicts. During one such time of distress, a divine vision appeared in the dream of a respected tribal chieftain. In the vision, a radiant goddess appeared and instructed him to climb a particular hill and dig at a sacred spot where she would reveal herself.
Following the vision, the chieftain and his people climbed the hill today known as Dhanyata Hill and began to dig. To their amazement, they discovered a Swayambhu (self-manifested) idol of the goddess, glowing with divine energy. The air filled with fragrance, and a sense of calm descended upon the area. Realizing the goddess’s power and grace, they built a small shrine to enshrine her there.
The goddess introduced herself as Dhanyata, the divine mother who grants Dhan (wealth), such comfort, and Raksha (protection) to all her devotees. She promised to protect the land, bring prosperity, and remove the suffering of those who offered their faith and devotion.
As the story of the miraculous discovery spread, more people from surrounding villages and princely towns began to visit the shrine. The local rulers, especially the Maharajas of Dungarpur, began to support the temple with donations and reverence, making it a royal seat of worship.
Dhanyata Temple’s festivals are celebrated with great devotion, especially during Navratri, the most important occasion here. Both Chaitra and Sharad Navratri see special poojas, night-long bhajans, and a large fair attracting devotees from across the region. Diwali is also observed, with the temple beautifully illuminated and prayers offered for wealth and well-being. Local tribal festivals are marked with traditional music, dance, and offerings to the goddess, adding a cultural vibrancy to the celebrations.