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Saturday, July 10, 2010

Ambaji Temple

Ambaji temple is located at Ambaji town, in the Banaskantha, state of Gujarat, India. The Ambaji temple is the holy place of Maa Ambe - the Mother Goddess. This temple is a very legendary pilgrim place for Hinduism.

Ambaji temple is considered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas so shakti worship is celebrated in the form of Ambaji Mata (Mother) in India and it is said that the people of Gujarat take the name of “Maa Ambe” in high regard and with pride.

Since the period of pre-Vedic, this main shrine of deity has been worshipped. The goddess is also known as “Arasuri Amba” as it is situated on the Arasur hill, near the source of the “Saraswati River”, in the Aravalli mountain Range in the small town of Ambaji (named after the famous temple). The temple is near Gujarat (Palanpur) and Rajasthan (Mount Abu) borders.

The most fascinating and amazing fact about the holy place is that there is no image inside it. The idol of the goddess is interpreted in the form of a triangle, encrypted with figures and with the syllable (yantra) 'Shree' in the middle and is called as “Vishwa Yantra”. This highlights the fact that the temple is historic, since deity worship became very famous later.

The deity is a reflection of Shiva's associate, Parvati. Ambe Mata is the Adya Shakti- the original and primordial female power, the Goddess Mother.

Above the small temple, there is a red flag which heartily welcomes the silent wind. The original temple was built by Nagar Brahmins with gold cones and white marbles and the doors of the inner sanctum of the temple were silver-plated. The amazing fact about the main gate is that entrance door is in front and small because it is said that Maa Amba has banned for the other door. The temple surroundings an open square where ceremonial havans are performed called “chachar-chowk”.

In the festival of Navratri, a big celebration is organized every year in large scale at Ambaji Temple. During the Navratri festival, a big fair is organized and people enjoy the festival with lots of joy and happiness. In the praise of the goddess, they sing and dance with gracefully.

People also come and visits this holy place in a large range during Purnima fair-on the full moon day, in the month of Bhadrapad, Chaitra and Kartik.

After a short distance, just 3 km away from Ambaji, there is a Gabbar Hill. It is said that Maa Amba exposed herself on the hill and left her feet’s imprints. Even it happens today means the footprints of the goddess Amba have found by some people.

The other temples in Ambaji are Ganapati, Ambikeshwar Mahadev and Varahi Mata temples in the chachar chowk - open square, surrounding the temple and Ajaya Mata, Khodiyar Mata and Hanumanji temples are in the village.

Maa Amba is the prime deity and Ambaji temple is one of the holiest and richest temples in Gujarat. The architectural skill and beauty attracts pilgrims from not only from all over Gujarat and but also from Rajasthan.

It is possible to visit Ambaji temple, all days of the week and the timings are 7:15-11:30am, 12-4:15pm and 6:30-9pm.



Ambaji Temple Photo


Ambaji Temple Image in Gujrat


Ambaji Temple's Area Picture


Decorated of Ambaji Temple


Ambaji Temple Wallpaper

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