Veer Mangdavalo:This is the story of a young man who did not care for his own life when it came to fulfilling his love, and who kept his love alive even after death. Gujarat is a land of countless historical tales, many of which still feel relevant today. Among them is the immortal love story of Veer Mangdavalo.
The Love Story of Veer Mangdavalo and Padmavati
Centuries ago, in present-day Bhanvad taluka of Devbhumi Dwarka district, the Jethwa Rajputs ruled over Ghoghla near Bardadungar. Veer Mangdavalo, a native of Dhatarvad village in Gir, was the nephew of Bhan Jethwa and looked after the royal flower gardens.
The First Meeting of Veer Mangdavalo and Sati Padmavati
One day, while on his way to a fair, Mangdavalo saw Padmavati of Patan passing by with her friend Veldu. At that moment, an elephant suddenly went berserk and tried to attack Veldu. Riding on his horse, Mangdavalo bravely controlled the raging elephant. Injured in the process, he was cared for by Padmavati, who tore a piece of her veil to bandage his wound.
From that very moment, Mangdavalo and Padmavati went to the fair together, and love blossomed between them. Padmavati too fell in love with Mangdavalo at first sight.
The Vow of Love and Devotion to Lord Shiva
Padmavati had firmly resolved that she would marry only Mangdavalo. She regularly visited Lord Shiva’s temple, taking a vow that until she married Mangdavalo, she would continue her prayers and worship.
Why Did Veer Mangdavalo Lose the Battle?
Mangdavalo was a devoted follower of Goddess Harshiddhi and once went to visit her shrine at Miyani. During his absence, invaders attacked Ghoghla, plundering wealth and cattle. When Bhan Jethwa pursued them, a battle broke out on the banks of the Hiran river.
Hearing of this, Mangdavalo rushed from the shrine to join the battle. On the way, he stopped at Lord Shiva’s temple in Patan, where he unexpectedly met Padmavati again. She confessed her deep love and asked him if he would marry her. Mangdavalo promised by holding her hand that he would.
But when he went to the battlefield, thoughts of Padmavati’s love filled his heart. His tender emotions weakened his fighting spirit, and treacherous enemies struck him from behind. Mangdavalo was martyred in the battle.
How Did His Love Succeed Even After Death?
Because of his unfulfilled wish, Mangdavalo’s spirit lingered. When Padmavati learned of his death, she was heartbroken. Under family pressure, she agreed to marry the son of a wealthy merchant from Una.
On the way to the wedding, the procession halted under a large banyan tree. Mangdavalo’s uncle Arshi was among the chiefs present. From atop the tree, Mangdavalo’s ghost shed tears of blood that fell upon Arshi. Revealing his sorrow, Mangdavalo pleaded with his uncle to let him take the bride himself.
As a spirit, Mangdavalo disguised himself as the groom, married Padmavati, and after completing five wedding rounds, merged into the banyan tree and vanished. That banyan tree is still known today as “Bhootvad” (the haunted banyan).
Mention in Zaverchand Meghani’s Saurashtra Ni Rasdhar
This legendary tale is beautifully described in Zaverchand Meghani’s Saurashtra Ni Rasdhar. Some verses narrate Mangdavalo’s pain, tears of blood, and his undying love for Padmavati.
Gujarati/English
સૌ રૂવે સંસાર, એના પાંપણીયે પાણી પડે
The whole world weeps, and tears fall like rain,
પણ ભૂત રૂવે ભેંકાર, એના લોચનીચે લોહી ઝરે
But when a spirit cries, it bleeds in pain.
પાઘડીયું પચાસ, પણ આંટીયાળી એકેય નઈ
Fifty turbans may adorn the crowd, yet not a single bridegroom stands,
ઈ ઘોડો ને ઈ અસવાર, હું મીટે ન ભાળું માંગળા
Horse and rider, both I seek—
But Mangda, I find not in these lands.
પદમા તારો પ્રિતમ, આજ હિરણ ની હદ માં રીયો
Padma, your beloved, rests today by Hiran’s side,
ઝાઝેરા કે'જો જુહાર, એમ મરતા બોલ્યો માંગળો
“Send him my salute,” Mangda whispered,
As he fell with honor, though betrayed in pride.
ઘોડો આવે ઘુમતો, માથે સોનેરી સરતાજ
A golden-crowned horse comes wandering near,
પણ એકલળો અસવાર, હું મીટે ન ભાળું માંગળા
But no rider sits upon it—
Mangda, I cannot find you here.
The Place of Veer Mangdavalo – Bhootvad
The site of Veer Mangdavalo is located in Bhanvad of Dwarka district. Even today, people come to worship there. The banyan tree, nearly 700 years old, is still called Bhootvad. It is believed that even today, Veer Mangdavalo blesses visitors. Whenever weddings take place, couples visit the site, offer coconuts, and perform rituals in his memory.
Songs and Films Based on Veer Mangdavalo’s Story
Recently, singer Pankaj Mistry released a song titled “Padma”, which has become very popular. It narrates the eternal love of Veer Mangdavalo and Sati Padmavati.
There is also a Gujarati film “Veer Mangdavalo” by Saurabh Rajyaguru and Komal Thakkar, based on this story.
A Tale of Love, Courage, and Devotion
The love story of Veer Mangdavalo and Sati Padmavati is not just a romantic saga but a symbol of valor, devotion, and pure love. Even today, “Bhootvad” and the tale of Mangdavalo inspire lovers, proving that true love lives beyond death.
ગુજરાતીમાં વાંચો:-વીર માંગડાવાળો ઇતિહાસ: શું તમને ખબર છે વીર માંગડાવાળો કેમ ભૂત બનીને ને આવ્યા હતા? આવો જાણીયે આજ થી 500 વર્ષ જૂની આ અમર પ્રેમકથા વિશે જે ખુબ પ્રચલિત છે
