Umiya Mata Temple is the Temple of Goddess Umiya, Kuldevi of Patidars. It is located in the center of Unjha, Mehsana district, Gujarat, India, where thousands of visitors visit every day. It is about 2100 years old but it was rebuilt around a century ago with the aid of the people living there.
They are spreading their faith abroad as well. Patidars who are settled in the United States came together and build their Kuldevi a temple. The first Umiya Mata temple that was built in the United States was in Macon, a city in the southeastern American state of Georgia. Currently, two new temples are being built in New Jersey and Boston. All of these temples were built from the donation made by the Patidars. Since Umiya Maa is kuldevi of the Patel community, building more temples will strengthen the relationship between the Patel community. The Patidar brings Umiya maa chariot from Gujarat, state in India so everyone in abroad can have a chance to take the blessings and it gives all the members of Patel Community to connect socially.
Festival Celebrations
Umiya Mataji Sanstha Chicago Midwest celebrates Holi festival in Joliet. More than 500 people joins to celebrate Holi every year. This festival signifies the victory of good over evil. This festival celebration is split into two events – Holika Dahan and color Holi. In Holika Dahan, wood and cow dungs are burned in a symbolic pyre to signify good defeating evil. The next morning, people gather in open space at the temple to take part in Rangwali Holi, where people put colored powders and colored water, on each other in celebration of spring. At the temple in Chicago, snacks and dinner are served in the free event as children and families participate in this event. In addition, the devotees also pray, dance, and sing devotional songs.
Influence on Politics
As the election comes near, the politicians start campaigning. In India, politicians target the individual's belief and religion. The politicians go to Umiya Maa Temple to start campaigning to show the citizens of India how much they care about their religion. Politicians also try to woo religious leaders to gain the support of their millions of followers. In Gujarat, Umiya Maa Temple is used to gain votes and trust of Patels. In order to get votes from the Patel community, the politicians need blessing from this Temple. For instance, two years ago, congress vice presidentRahul Gandhi visited the Umiya Mata temple in Unjha town of Mehsana district and offered prayers ahead of his rally. He went to temple first and performed aarti at Umiya temple in Unjha. Gandhi's visit to Umiya Mata temple at Unjha, holds significance in the wake of the tension by Patel community for reservation under Other Backward Class category.
Umiya Dham Ahmedabad
community, the major contributor of Umiya Temple in Unjha, also developed Umiya Dham. Umiya Dham is going to be located in Ahmadabad. It is likely to be inaugurated on January 30 or during the first week of February. This project nearly costs Rs 1,000 crore. There is going to be stone laying ceremony where millions devotees are going to attend. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to lay the foundation of the Umiya Dham. Along with Ma Umiya Temple, the project will have a Non-resident of India guest house, a convention hall, boys/girls hostel, senior citizen care facilities, medical facilities, recreational/sports facilities, and career development facilities.
