The Kuldevi or patron goddess of the Nandwana community is the adopted daughter of Lord Brahma, the Creator of the Universe. Her original name was Viratri, but she has also been worshipped under different names including Pratyangira, Aparijita, Katyaini, Vakrangi Devi and Vankalmata.

The evolution of her name goes as follows. Sage Narad was also Lord Brahma's adopted son. One day, while he was absorbed in his music and dance, Viratri noticed some flaw and laughed at him in a taunting manner. Naradji was furious at this and cursed her so that she had a 'flaw' in her face. Since then she has been known as Vakrangi or 'the one with a crooked body'.

The madh or the abode of Vakrangi Devi is located on the Virana hill in Barmer, Rajasthan,India. This however, is not the original madh. The Original madh was destroyed in a landslide caused by an earthquake. The existing new madh was built by the devotees of Vankalmata after this event.

Another madh was built at the foot of Virana hill for those too old or weak or unfit to climb the hill. Until 50 -60 years ago, this spot was only accessible on camel's back. Today you can drive the car all the way , making the pilgrimage much easier. a

It is said that one of our illustrious ancestors by the name Pitamber Padshah came on pilgrimage to Virani in Rajasthan after the landslide, and found the original statue of Vankal Mata. He took this statue to Malaniad in Gujrat and established it there with proper ceremony and respect. According to the priest at Malaniad, Pitamber Padshah walked all the way from Virani to Malaniad, a distance of more than 1000 miles, carrying the statue of Vankal Mata on his shoulders.