The song ‘Mama Mari Padmaane Kejo’, sung by Gujarati singer Pankaj Mistry, has recently taken the internet by storm. With its viral spread on YouTube, the timeless love story of Veer Mangdawala and Sati Padmavati has once again captured public attention.
The Love Story from 700 Years Ago Comes Alive
Around the year 1325, Bhan Jethwa ruled Ghumli, a village in Barda Dungar, Devbhoomi Dwarka. Bhan Jethwa was a just ruler, and Veer Mangdawala of Dhatravad was his nephew, who took care of his gardens. One day, while going to a fair, Mangdawala’s life changed when he encountered Padmavati, a resident of Patan.
Padmavati Saved by Mangdawala
One day, while Padmavati was sitting with her companion in a dense forest area near Patan, a wild elephant approached her. At that moment, Mangdawala, heading to the fair on horseback, spotted the scene and immediately rushed to save Padmavati. He controlled the elephant and, during this event, their eyes met, sparking the love that would lead to their eternal connection.
Mangdawala’s Martyrdom
The couple’s love story took a tragic turn when outlaws attacked Mangdawala’s cattle. When his maternal uncle Jethwa went to confront them, a battle ensued on the banks of the Hiran River. During this, Mangdawala made a pact with Padmavati to live and die together. However, in the ensuing conflict, Mangdawala was betrayed by the enemies and martyred.
Mangdawala’s Ghost Becomes the Groom
After his martyrdom, Mangdawala’s unfulfilled desire to marry Padmavati kept him wandering as a ghost. His spirit, known as the Bhootvad, remained tied to Padmavati. When she was forced into a marriage with another, Mangdawala’s spirit, in the form of a groom, finally came to claim her. He got absorbed in the banyan tree after fulfilling his unfulfilled wish.
‘Bhootvad’ Banyan Tree
This sacred banyan tree, now called ‘Bhootvad,’ became the site where Mangdawala and Padmavati’s spirits intertwined. Newlyweds visit this tree to seek blessings and complete their marriage rituals.
Pankaj Mistry’s ‘Padma’ Song
Pankaj Mistry’s soulful rendition of ‘Padma’ has become immensely popular, resonating with love-struck hearts and bringing attention to this immortal love story.
This timeless tale of love and sacrifice continues to captivate hearts, reminding us of the enduring power of true love.