Jeenmata Temple,Sikar

Jeenmata is a village of religious importance in Sikar district of Rajasthan, India. It is located at a distance of 29 km from Sikar town in south. The population of town is 4359 out of which 1215 are SC and 113 ST people. There is an ancient Temple dedicated to Jeen Mata (Goddess of Power). The sacred shrine of Jeenmata is believed to be a thousand years old. Millions of devotees assemble here for a colourful festival held twice in a year in the month of Chaitra and Ashvin during the Navratri. There are a number of dharamshalas to accommodate large number of visitors. Just close to this temple her brother Harsh Bhairav nath's temple is situated on the top of the hill.

Jeenmata temple is situated near the hill 10 km from village Rewasa. It is surrounded by thick forest.Its full and real name was Jayantimala. The year of its construction is not known however the sabhamandapa and pillars are definitely very old.

The temple of Jeenmata was a place of pilgrimage from early times and was repaired and rebuilt several times. There is a popular belief which has come down to people through the centuries that in a village Ghanghu of Churu, King Ghangh loved and married an Apsara (nymph) on the condition that he would not visit her palace without prior information. King Ghangh got a son called Harsha and a daughter Jeen. Afterwards she again conceived but as chance would have it king Ghangh went to her palace without prior intimation and thus violated solemn vow he had made to the Apsara. Instantly she left the king and fled away with her son Harsha and daughter Jeen whom she abandoned at the place where presently the temple stands. The two children here practiced extreme asceticism. Later a Chauhan ruler built the temple at that place.

Jeen Mata's main followers include the Great Yadavs(Ahir), Brahmins, Rajputs, Jeengars and Meenas alonwith Baniyas of the area. Jeen Mata is the kuldevi of the Great Yadavs(Ahir), Meena's,Shekhawati rajputs (Shekhawats) and Jeengars, a warrior class of Rajasthan. A large number of Jeen Mata's followers reside in Kolkata who keep visiting Jeen Mata temple. People who revere Jeen mata as their mother pray for birth of male child in the family and vow to visit the temple only after a son is born. After the birth of male child the entire family visits Jeen Mata ji and the first hair cut (known as Jadula in Rajasthani) of the kid is offered at the temple premises. Followers also offer offerings of 50 kgs. sweets known as sawa mani at the temple.

Mugal Emperor Aurangzeb wanted to raze to the ground the Mandir of Mata. Being invoked by Her priests, the Mata let out its army of bhairons (a specie of fly family) which brought the Emperor and his soldiers to their knees. He sought pardon and the Kind hearted Mataji excused him from Her anger. Aurangzeb donated akhand (Ever-glow) oil lamp from his Delhi palace. This lamp is still glowing in the sacred sanctorium of the Mata.