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

It is said to have been constructed by Shri Tapishanker, a Nager Devotee of Ambaji from Ahmedabad, from 1584 to 1594.

According to the legend, there was a devoted couple named Mangal and his wife who used to graze their cows near Gabbar hill, in the vicinity of Mata Ambaji’s abode. One day, they noticed a mysterious white cow that grazed alongside their own cows but would always disappear over Gabbar Hill. Intrigued, they decided to follow this enigmatic cow and ventured up the slopes of Gabbar Hill. Upon reaching the hill’s summit, they were astonished to discover a magnificent palace. To their amazement, the doors of the palace swung open upon the cow’s utterance. Inside, they found Adi Shakthi, the Divine Mother, seated in all her glory. Overwhelmed by the divine presence, the couple expressed their desire for some form of reward for their service in grazing the white cow. In response, Mata Amba Mata offered them a handful of barley grains. However, the couple, in a moment of ignorance, flung these grains onto the hills of Gabbar without recognizing their true value. To their astonishment, when they returned the next morning, they discovered that some of the grains had miraculously transformed into pure gold. Deeply regretting their previous actions, they hurried back to the hills of Gabbar to seek Mata Ambaji’s forgiveness. Overwhelmed by their sincere remorse and devotion, Mata Ambaji was pleased with them and granted them the divine boon that they would be reborn as her own daughter in the future. As per her divine promise, the couple was reincarnated as Nand and Yashoda, who became 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 illustrates the deep spiritual connection between devotees and the divine Mother, as well as the cyclical nature of life and rebirth in Hindu belief.

Ambaji. The divine Mother Ambaji showered her blessings upon them and granted them various gifts to aid them in their challenging journey. To Bhimsen, she bestowed a powerful garland known as Ajaymala, which was believed to bring victory and invincibility in battles. This divine garland provided Bhima with 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 hiding at the court of King Virata, Goddess Ambaji provided divine costumes. These costumes allowed Arjuna to assume the identity of Brihannal, a eunuch, and remain incognito, ensuring the Pandavas’ safety during their time in Virata’s kingdom. These divine blessings and gifts from Goddess Ambaji played a crucial role in the Pandavas’ journey during their exile and helped them face various challenges and adversities with courage and confidence.

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.