"Maa Pava Te Gadh Thi" is a very popular and traditional Gujarati Garba dedicated to Mahakali (or Kalika Maa), whose main temple is located atop Pavagadh hill near the city of Champaner in Gujarat.The song narrates the Goddess's descent from her mountain abode and celebrates her presence in the town below, detailing the various gifts and offerings presented to her by different communities of tradespeople.
Maa Pava Te Gadh Thi Utarya Mahakali Re,
Mother Mahakali descended from Pavagadh hill,
Vasavyu Champaner, Pava Vaadi Re.
She settled the town of Champaner, the one from Pavagadh.
Maa Pava Te Gadh Thi Utarya Mahakali Re,
Mother Mahakali descended from Pavagadh hill.
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Ma Champaner na chaar chauta Mahakali Re,
O Mahakali, at the four crossroads of Champaner,
Sonide mandya haat, Pava Vaadi Re.
The goldsmith has set up his shop, O one from Pavagadh.
Ma, Sonido toh laave rudhi jhanjhari Mahakali Re,
O Mahakali, the goldsmith brings beautiful anklets,
Maari Ambe Maa ne kaaj, Pava Vaadi Re.
For the sake of our Mother Ambe, O one from Pavagadh.
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Ma Champaner na chaar chauta Mahakali Re,
O Mahakali, at the four crossroads of Champaner,
Malide mandya haat, Pava Vaadi Re. The gardener has set up his shop, O one from Pavagadh.
Ma, Maliido toh laave rudha phoolda Mahakali Re,
O Mahakali, the gardener brings beautiful flowers,
Maari Kalika Maa ne kaaj, Pava Vaadi Re.
For the sake of our Mother Kalika, O one from Pavagadh.
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Ma Champaner na chaar chauta Mahakali Re, O Mahakali, at the four crossroads of Champaner,
Doshide mandya haat, Pava Vaadi Re.
The shopkeeper has set up his shop, O one from Pavagadh.
Ma, Doshido toh laave rudhi chundi Mahakali Re,
O Mahakali, the shopkeeper brings a beautiful stole/scarf (Chundi),
Maari Tulaja Maa ne kaaj, Pava Vaadi Re.
For the sake of our Mother Tulaja, O one from Pavagadh.
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Ma Champaner na chaar chauta Mahakali Re,
O Mahakali, at the four crossroads of Champaner,
Gandhide mandya haat, Pava Vaadi Re.
The perfume/spice seller has set up his shop, O one from Pavagadh.
Ma, Gandhido toh laave kankuda Mahakali Re,
O Mahakali, the spice seller brings saffron/vermilion (Kankuda),
Maari Bahuchar Maa ne kaaj, Pava Vaadi Re.
For the sake of our Mother Bahuchar, O one from Pavagadh.
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Je gaaye sheekhe ne je saambhle Mahakali Re,
O Mahakali, whoever sings, learns, or listens to this Garba,
Teni Ambe Maa purjo aash, Pava Vaadi Re.
Our Mother Ambe fulfills their wishes, O one from Pavagadh.
Key Themes and Cultural Context
Pavagadh and Champaner: Pavagadh is one of the most significant Goddess temples in Gujarat, and the song roots the Divine Mother firmly in the regional landscape.
The Goddess as the Patron: The Mother's name shifts through the verses (Mahakali, Ambe, Kalika, Tulaja, Bahuchar) to show her as the one universal Divine Mother, encompassing all her forms.Devotion through Trade:
The song is a beautiful example of folk piety, where different professional communities (Sonido/Goldsmith, Malido/Gardener, Doshido/Shopkeeper, Gandhido/Spice Seller) show their devotion by offering the best of their trade. This highlights that all work is sacred when done in devotion to the Divine.
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