Mata Karma: Saint of Devotion and Social Reform

The story of Mata Karma is one of unwavering devotion, courage, and service to society. An ardent follower of Lord Krishna, her life stands as a shining example of feminine strength, spiritual dedication, and social reform. Through her teachings and actions, she inspired people to rise above social evils such as untouchability and conservatism, while spreading the message of unity and compassion.

Early Life and Devotion

Mata Karma was born on 12 April 1016 in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, to Ramshah and Leelavati, a deeply religious couple known for their philanthropy and devotion to Lord Krishna. From her childhood, Karma displayed a natural inclination towards spiritual practice, offering prayers with sincerity and reverence. Her life was rooted in faith, service, and the pursuit of divine grace.

Journey of Faith

She was married to Chaturbhuj Shah, and after his passing, she dedicated herself to raising her son. Later, after arranging the marriage of her elder son and entrusting him with family responsibilities, Mata Karma set out on a sacred journey in search of the blessings of Lord Krishna.

Her pilgrimage took her through Nagari and Sihava in Chhattisgarh, where she received blessings from saints. She then travelled to Rajim, a prominent spiritual centre, where she was warmly welcomed by the Sarathi community. Revered as a saintly figure, she shared her message of devotion and harmony from a village platform before resuming her journey by boat towards Jagannath Puri.

Offering of Khichdi at Jagannath Puri

According to tradition, upon reaching Puri, Mata Karma was asked by the temple servants to cook khichdi, a simple offering of rice and lentils. Lord Krishna is said to have accepted this offering, thereby establishing the tradition of presenting khichdi as bhog at the Jagannath temple. This act of devotion immortalised her place in the sacred traditions of Lord Jagannath’s worship.

Mata Karma spent the last four years of her life in Puri, completely immersed in devotion to Lord Jagannath. On 27 March 1064 (Vikram Samvat 1121), she attained a divine vision of Lord Krishna and peacefully left her mortal body, merging with the eternal divine presence.

Legacy of Devotion and Social Reform

Mata Karma’s life was much more than personal devotion. She stood against social evils of her time and worked to promote unity, compassion, and inclusiveness in society. Through her efforts, she demonstrated that devotion to God and social service can go hand in hand. Her teachings reflected the belief that women, as carriers of wisdom and courage, could guide communities towards the path of righteousness and harmony.

Even today, Mata Karma is revered as a saint, reformer, and devoted follower of Lord Krishna, whose message of love and service continues to inspire generations.

A Philatelic Tribute

In recognition of her extraordinary contribution to society and her enduring legacy of devotion, the Department of Posts is proud to issue a commemorative postage stamp on Mata Karma. This stamp serves as a lasting tribute to her saintly life, carrying her message of compassion and unity to people across India and beyond—just as her teachings once travelled across villages and spiritual centres.