Ambaji Shakthi Peeth Temple, Gujarat

Address

Ambaji, Banaskantha, Gujarat – 385 110

Phone: +91 2749 262 136

Amman

Ambaji

Introduction

Ambaji Temple is dedicated to Goddess Sakthi, located in Ambaji Town in Banaskantha District in Indian State of Gujarat. Ambaji Town is situated in between the borders of North Gujarat and Abu Road of Rajasthan

Puranic Significance

Puranic Significance of Ambaji Temple

Construction and Origins:

The Ambaji Temple is believed to have been constructed by Shri Tapishanker, a devout Nager from Ahmedabad, between 1584 to 1594.

Legend of Mangal and His Wife:

According to legend, there was a devoted couple named Mangal and his wife who lived near Gabbar Hill, close to Mata Ambaji’s abode. They used to graze their cows in the vicinity of the hill.
One day, they noticed a mysterious white cow grazing alongside their own cattle. The cow would always disappear over Gabbar Hill, prompting the couple to follow it.
Upon reaching the summit, they were astonished to find a magnificent palace. As the cow approached the palace, the doors opened on their own. Inside, they discovered Adi Shakthi, the Divine Mother, seated in her glorious form.
Overwhelmed by the divine presence, the couple expressed their desire for a reward for their service in grazing the white cow. In response, Mata Amba offered them a handful of barley grains.
In ignorance, the couple flung these grains onto the hills of Gabbar. To their astonishment, the next day, they discovered that some of the grains had transformed into pure gold.
Deeply regretful, the couple rushed back to the hills to seek Mata Ambaji’s forgiveness. Pleased by their sincere remorse and devotion, Mata Ambaji granted them a divine boon: they would be reborn as her own daughter in the future.
As per her promise, the couple was reincarnated as Nand and Yashoda, the loving foster parents of Lord Krishna. Mata Ambaji herself reincarnated as their daughter, Maha Maya, who would later vanish from her prison cell after delivering a warning to King Kansa.

This legend highlights the deep spiritual bond between the devotees and the Divine Mother, as well as the cyclical nature of life and rebirth in Hindu belief.

Divine Blessings to the Pandavas:

The divine Mother Ambaji showered her blessings upon the Pandavas during their exile. She granted them several powerful gifts to aid them in their journey:
- To Bhimsen, she bestowed a garland known as Ajaymala, which was believed to provide victory and invincibility in battles. This divine garland gave Bhima immense strength and courage, making him an even more formidable warrior.
- To Arjuna, who had to live in disguise during the last year of their exile while staying at the court of King Virata, Goddess Ambaji provided divine costumes. These costumes allowed Arjuna to assume the identity of Brihannal, a eunuch, enabling him to remain undetected and ensuring the safety of the Pandavas during their time in Virata’s kingdom.

These divine blessings and gifts were pivotal in helping the Pandavas overcome various challenges during their exile, contributing to their success in the battle and their ultimate triumph.

Special Features

The Temple Complex consists of a foot hill temple, original temple at hill top and Gabbar Parikrama Path.

The Ambaji Temple, situated at the foothills, features a prominent main entrance at the front and a small side-door, as it is believed that Mataji forbade any additional entrances. Surrounding the temple is an open square named Chachar Chowk, where ceremonial havans (sacrifices) take place. Inside the temple, there is a Havan Shala that houses a main Havan Kund along with 8 smaller Havan Kund. The presiding deity is Arasuri Ambaji, and interestingly, there is no image or idol of the goddess in the sanctum. Instead, the sanctum has a cave-like structure in the inner wall, which holds a gold-plated convex-shaped Shakthi Vishwa Yantra adorned with 51 Bijapatra letters. This Yantra is revered as the primary deity, and devotees are required to cover their eyes with a bandage while worshipping it, with photography of the Yantra strictly prohibited. The sanctum is crowned with a golden-colored Shikara that reaches a height of 61 feet and is adorned with a flag and Trishul. The top of the Shikara is capped with a Kalasha. Additionally, close to the temple, there is a large rectangular Kund named Mansarovar, featuring steps on all four sides.

Hill Top:

The Shakthi Peeth itself is located atop Gabbar Hill in the town. To reach the temple at the summit of Gabbar Hill, one must climb approximately 999 steps. Inside the sanctum of this hilltop temple, a perpetual Holy Lamp burns, facing the Yantra at the temple situated at the foothills. Notably, the footprints of the Goddess are etched onto Gabbar Hill, and you can also find imprints of her chariot here. For the convenience of devotees, there is a cable car service available to facilitate access to this temple. A visit to the Ambaji Temple at the foothill is considered incomplete without paying a visit to this sacred shrine.

Festivals

Bhadarvi Poornima, Chaitri Navratri, Diwali, Navratri, Poshi Poornima, Kartik Sud, Posh Sud Poornima, Shravan Vad Amas, Bhadrapad Sud Poonam Mela, Aswin Sud Navratri, Janmashtami, Dusshera, Rath Yatra of Ashadha and Sud Bij are the festivals celebrated here. Bhadarvi Poonam is one of the most popular festivals for visitors to the temple. An estimated 18—20 lakh pilgrims visit during the festival.