The Mata mandi churio shrine is located Village Choorrio is
located in Deh Choorrio Union Council Peethapur, Taluka Nagarparkar, and
District Tharparkar. The Village is about 41 kilometer away from Nagarparkar
town in the east near to
Thar desert region.
The exact origins of the shrine are unknown, but according to local
folklore, it dates back centuries. The shrine is believed to be dedicated to an
ancient mother goddess or Devi, who is worshipped as Mata mandi churio. Over
the years, the shrine has become an important pilgrimage site for the local
Hindu community, especially during festivals and religious occasions.
The shrine itself is a simple structure built from local stone. At
the center is a stone pedestal which houses the footprint or pada of the
goddess. Surrounding the pedestal are small stone slabs engraved with the
footprints of devotees who come to pay their respects. The footprint is said to
possess special powers and pilgrims circle it three times and offer prayers for
blessings.
Nearby are two sacred pools known as the Kunds. The larger circular
pool is believed to have been created by the goddess herself and is considered
very sacred. Pilgrims take a dip in the cool waters, which are reputed to have
healing properties. The second smaller pool is used by pilgrims to wash their
feet before entering the main shrine area.
The shrine complex also houses the living quarters of the priest or
Pujari who oversees daily prayers and rituals. Local villagers contribute
offerings of food, clothing and other necessities to support the upkeep of the
shrine. During major festivals, community kitchens are also set up to feed
large numbers of visiting pilgrims.
Some of the major festivals celebrated at the Mata mandi churio
shrine include Gangaur, Teej and Holi. In the month of Gangaur, married women
fast and pray for the well-being of their husbands. On Teej, young girls and
women pray and make offerings for a good husband and marital bliss. Holi sees
large colorful celebrations, with devotees smearing each other with colored
powders in the spirit of the festival.
The annual urs or death anniversary of the legendary Sufi saint
Uderolal is also observed with great fervor at the shrine in June/July.
Thousands of devotees, both Hindus and Muslims, gather to pay their respects.
Sufi qawwali music performances and spiritual discourses by Muslim pirs add to
the communal harmony and syncretic culture prevalent in the area.
Apart from religious functions, the shrine is also the site for
important social and cultural activities in the local community. Marriage
ceremonies of village couples are often held here, with blessings sought from
the goddess. Local folk artists perform traditional dances and songs to
entertain pilgrims. Annual cattle fairs are organized where livestock is traded
and villagers socialize.
Over the years, the shrine has faced some threats due to the remote
location and lack of basic facilities. Encroachment of lands belonging to the
shrine, lack of regular maintenance and inadequate infrastructure for pilgrims
were major issues. In recent times, the local community and government have
come together to develop the area. Accommodation units, drinking water
supplies, toilet blocks and medical camps during festivals have hugely improved
the pilgrimage experience.
While the shrine remains relatively unknown outside Thar, for the
local Hindu population, Mata mandi churio holds immense religious, cultural and
social significance. It stands as an enduring symbol of their faith and
community ties in this desert region, helping preserve a unique spiritual
heritage. Future generations will hopefully continue cherishing this sacred
site that has served the spiritual needs of pilgrims for centuries.
