In Jasdan, there was a divine mare at the home of a Kathi Darbar. Her fame began to spread throughout Kutch and Kathiyawad. In Kutch, there was a man named Miyana who was a notorious thief. He had a strong desire to steal this high-bred mare, but due to the strict security at the Kathi Darbar’s place, this wish remained unfulfilled. As time passed, Miyana’s end approached. Since his life was not leaving his body, his son asked him what was wrong. He then revealed his unfulfilled wish to steal the mare. His son vowed to fulfill this task, and only then did Miyana’s soul depart.
Later, his son took up a job at the Darbar’s place in Jasdan, taking care of the mare and earning trust. When he got an opportunity, he stole the mare and fled towards Kutch. One day, while the mare was grazing by the seashore, a divine water-horse emerged from the sea and mated with her. Eleven months later, a filly was born – who we know as Manki Ghodi.
Manki was very beautiful and possessed all 36 qualities of ashavaidya. When the king of Bhuj learned about Manki, he bought both Manki and her mother from the Miyana’s son. When the daughter of the king’s prince married Manubha in Minapur, she was given Manki as a gift.
Shreeji Maharaj heard praises of Manki and had Sura Khachar investigate. Kayaji Bapu of Bhensjal, a friend of Sura Khachar, knew Manubha of Minapur. So, on the seventh day of the bright half of Shravan in Vikram Samvat 1868, Sura Khachar and Kayaji took Maharaj to Minapur. As Maharaj entered Manubha’s courtyard, Manki neighed in welcome, as if recognizing an old friend. The four eyes of Maharaj and Manki met, and tears flowed from the eyes of Manki Ghodi.
Maharaj quickly went to Manki and placed his right hand on her head. He stroked her mane, and Manki felt immense peace in her heart. Manubha was not present, but his ten-year-old daughter, Monghiba, saw Maharaj, bowed, and said, “Father isn’t home, but please tell us why you’ve come.”
Sura Khachar and Kayaji Bapu responded, “We want to offer this Manki to Bhagwan Swaminarayan,” Then Manubha’s little daughter, Monghiba, said, “What’s wrong with that? If Bhagwan wants her, I will surely give her.” Saying this, she took hold of Manki’s halter, brought her to Maharaj, and applied a tilak to Maharaj and Manki. Then, she bowed and offered Manki to Shreeji Maharaj. Maharaj, pleased with her, gave her 60 rupees and prasad, saying, “Monghiba! Tame bahu mongha thaso. You will become a queen.” With these words, Shreeji Maharaj blessed her.
Years later, Monghiba married Sangramsinh Bapu, the king of Gondal, later giving birth to King Bhagwatsinhji, who authored the first fully Gujarati encyclopedia titled ‘Bhagvadgomandal’. Queen Monghiba The current Swaminarayan mandir in Gondal was built at Monghiba’s own expense, showcasing her dedication to satsang
Manki Godi walked in line with Maharaj’s wishes. Premanand Swami also praised her speed, saying, ‘Garada lāja lōpī māṇakī ē sō’ī’ (Manki shamed the speed of the eagle). If any natural disaster or untoward event like an attack or riot was about to happen, Manki would know about it forty days in advance.
If any evil being touched Manki, its wickedness would disappear, and sprouts of devotion would emerge in its heart. After Shreeji Maharaj returned to Akshardham, Manki Ghodi gave up food and water. This mare, yearning in separation from her beloved, passed away 13 days after Shreeji Maharaj. A memorial platform (oto) currently stands at Laxmi Vadi in Gadhada, where Manki was buried.