Mathania, Jodhpur
Marwar Mathania is a village in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan, India. The town is the site of the oldest Karni Mata temple, constructed by Amaraji Charan in the 15th century. Today, Mathania houses a wide variety of communities. Every year a puja (prayer) and a religious fair are organized on Kartik Poornima in memory of Satharam Parihar, who was killed during the demolition of the disputed Mosque of Babur, or Babri Masjid, in Ayodhya. History. The village was given to Amraji Bapji in 1471 A.D. by King Rao Jodha, the founder of the Kingdom of Jodhpur and Marwar , as a reward for Amaraji Charan's service and loyalty. The tamrapatra, a scripted copper plate mentioning this deed, is still preserved and worshiped as a blessing along with Karni Mata's charan paduka (footwear), by the descendants of Amaraji Charan and others at Karani Mataji's Temple. Solar thermal power project. Asia's largest solar hybrid power project was proposed roughly 20 years ago near Mathania, but it is still awaiting approval. Designed as a unique project to demonstrate the technical and commercial viability of solar technology, it would have been one of the first of its kind in  the world. The planned 140-megawatt power plant, situated roughly 30 kilometers from Jodhpur, would be owned by the Rajasthan State Power Corporation Limited (RSPCL). Economics. In Mathania, a rising number of villagers find work in the public sector while a majority of residents earn a living through agriculture and construction. Mathania is notable for its red chili and onion harvests. However, due to the decline in groundwater levels (approximately 1000 ft to 1200 ft), the planting of chili peppers is avoided by farmers who prefer more lucrative crop yields. Historically, Mathania was distinguished for the industrial production of "mulmul