The Bhavani Mataji Temple in Bhavani Vad, Surat, is associated with a nearly 450-year-old tradition of street Garba and the city’s rich religious and cultural heritage. The temple is also linked to local folklore about Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
According to local folklore, Shivaji Maharaj visited the temple to seek the blessings of Bhavani Mataji during his final campaign against Surat. It is also believed that he raised the slogan ‘Jai Ma Bhavani’ on the temple premises.
The temple continues to hold significance for residents, who see it as a symbol of old Surat’s cultural identity. Its long-standing Garba tradition reflects the city’s enduring devotion and the importance of preserving its historical and cultural heritage.