The Hirani Mehta Parivar is a direct descendant of Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan of Delhi. Thus, they were Chauhan Rajputs. During the reign of Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan, Delhi was invaded several times. The wars continued for a few years and finally Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated by Mohammad Ghori. Thereafter, the Chauhan Rajput families, along with many other Rajput families of Delhi, migrated to Rajasthan and settled in different parts of the state, including Jhalore. Even after they left Delhi, they were engaged in wars for many years, leaving their families behind. It was during such period of agony that many Rajput families came in contact with influential Jain Sadhus who inspired them to abandon the path of violence, and adopt the peace-loving religion of Jainism.
In course of time, many parts of Rajasthan were also conquered by the Sultans of Delhi. After the conquest, administrators, popularly known as Suba, were appointed. The Chauhan Rajputs, now Jains, took important and prestigious posts as accountant-cum-Karbhari (manager) to the Lohani-Pathan Suba of Jhalore. They came to be known as Mehta.
In course of time, many parts of Rajasthan were also conquered by the Sultans of Delhi. After the conquest, administrators, popularly known as Suba, were appointed. The Chauhan Rajputs, now Jains, took important and prestigious posts as accountant-cum-Karbhari (manager) to the Lohani-Pathan Suba of Jhalore. They came to be known as Mehta.
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A significant aspect in the formation of the Hirani Mehta Parivar is the story of Lohani Pathan Firoz Khan and his Mehta, Hirachand. The duo captured Palanpur in 1635 AD. Hirachand had brought along with him his ancestral Chauhan Rajput's deity Varaahi Mata, one of the swarups (incarnation) of Chamunda Mataji with him. This goddess or Mataji was worshiped by Hirachand. The local people of Palanpur, not knowing the name of Mataji properly, called it Hirani Mata. As time passed, colloquial usage resulted in it being called by multiple names, such as Hirani Mata and Irani Mata, and descendants of Hirachand Mehta came to be known as Hirani Mehta. All families of Hirani Mehta Parivar follow Sthanakwasi Jain religion. In a year, Hirani Mehta families do five pujas of Mataji known as "jeti" on Akhatrij, Raksha-Bandhan, Dussehra, Dhanteras and Diwali. Inaugurated in April 2007, the magnificent Hirani Mata Sthanak mandir and contemporary guest house located on Patthar-Sadak stand as witnesses of the parivar's great devotion. To honour the Hirani Mehta Parivar, the city of Palanpur has christened the square adjoining to the Mandir as "Hirani Mata Chowk".
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Hirani Mata Chowk
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