Ravi Randal Mataji Temple, also known as Randal Na Dadva, is a revered Hindu temple located in Dadva village near Dhola Junction in Gujarat, India. Situated approximately 85 kilometers from Rajkot, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Ravi Randal Mataji, believed to be the daughter of Lord Vishwakarma and consort of Lord Suryanarayan (the Sun God). The temple showcases traditional Gujarati architectural style, featuring intricate carvings and a sanctum that houses the idol of Goddess Ravi Randal Mataji.
According to the legend, Lord Suryanarayan (the Sun God) was captivated by Randal Mata’s beauty and desired to marry her. To achieve this, he devised a plan: as Randal Mata was carrying a plate, he caused two bulls to fight in her path, leading her to drop and break the plate. Bound by a prior promise to her mother, this incident led to Randal Mata’s marriage to Lord Suryanarayan.
After their marriage, Randal Mata gave birth to Yamraj (the god of death) and Yamunaji (the river goddess). Due to Lord Suryanarayan’s intense radiance, Randal Mata found it difficult to look at him, which he misinterpreted as pride. In response, he cursed their children to endure hardships. Distraught, Randal Mata left a shadow-image of herself with Lord Suryanarayan and returned to her father’s home. However, her father, Lord Vishwakarma, insisted that a married woman’s place is with her husband, prompting Randal Mata to retreat into the forest for intense penance lasting 14,000 years.
Realizing his mistake, Lord Suryanarayan sought Randal Mata, dimming his brilliance by distributing portions of it to Lord Shiva’s trident, Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra, the sacred cow, and the earth. This act allowed Randal Mata to return to him, and together, they had two more children, the Ashwini Kumar twins, known as the physicians of the gods. The temple stands as a testament to her enduring legacy and the deep-rooted cultural traditions of the region.
The temple is a hub of religious and social activities throughout the year. Notably, during the festival of Navratri, the temple becomes a focal point for celebrations, attracting numerous devotees who participate in traditional dances and rituals honouring the goddess. Other significant events include Mataji Na Lota, Batuk Bhojan, Havan ceremonies, Samuh Lagan (mass weddings), and Lok Diaro (folk music gatherings).
