The Ambaji Shaktipeeth Temple in Girnar Hills, Gujarat stands as one of the 51 revered and celebrated Shakti Peeth Temples. This sacred temple is dedicated to Goddess Ambaji with Lord Shiva called Batuk Bhairav also residing here. Devi’s Heart fell at this incredible site, which has become a renowned pilgrimage destination for devotees from Gujarat & Rajasthan near Abu Road. The temple honours an ancient goddess who has been worshipped since Pre-Vedic times – making it truly remarkable and extraordinary. She is often referred to as Arasuri Amba, named for the location of the temple in the Arasur hills, near the source of the Saraswati river at the south-western end of the Aravali mountain range.
The red flag atop the petite temple sways in the air, beckoning visitors. Composed of white marble with golden cones, this holy place was constructed by Nagar Brahmins centuries ago. A main entrance is located at its core while a single side-door exists; it’s said that Mataji has forbidden any further openings to be fashioned here. The area surrounding this structure called chachar chowk offers an open square for performing ritual sacrifices known as havans.
Within the secret chamber of the temple lies two silver-plated doors, with a niche on its wall proudly displaying an age-old marble inscription known as Viso Yantra – a Vedic scripture dedicated to sacred geometry. Although there is no tangible idol created for worship within this ancient temple, devotees creatively decorate the top part of the gokh in such an intricate way that from afar it appears to be that of a goddess carved in stone.
As you face away from the goddess and gaze across the temple, be sure to peer at the other temple on Gabbar. This is known historically as Ambaji Temple’s original abode of holiness. A few steps beyond lies a large rectangular kund called Mansarovar that has stairs around its four sides.
Celebrating the joyous festival of Navratri with great enthusiasm, Gujarat reveres Ambaji by performing garba around her. During these nine nights, Nayak and Bhojok communities provide further entertainment through their traditional bhavai theater.
There are six other temples in Ambaji: Varahi Mata, Ambikeshwar Mahadev and Ganapati temples are in the chachar chowk, open square, surrounding the temple, while Khodiyar Mata, Ajaya Mata and Hanumanji temples are in the village There are 51 Shakti Peetas across the country, of these 4 are considered as Adi Shaktipeeth and 18 as Maha Shakti Peethas. Book Tour Package to Vishalakshi Temple Shaktipeeth Temple.
The Shakti Peethas are sacred abodes of the Mother Goddess. After Lord Brahma performed an elaborate yajna in supplication to both Shiva and Shakti, the blessed deity separated from her consort, aiding him in his mission to create the universe. Agreeing that she should be returned back to Shiva, Daksha – Brahma’s son- conducted multiple yagnas for obtaining Sati as a daughter form of Shakti. Sadly however, upon learning about Sati’s marital union with Shiva; he refused to invite them at any of his ceremonies. Despite this affront against their relationship; out of love for her father and respect for tradition;Sati sought permission from her husband who then reluctantly allowed it. Daksha had the audacity to insult Shiva, which proved too much for Sati. Unable to withstand her father’s disrespect towards her beloved husband, she set herself ablaze in sorrowful rage. The powerful Veerabhadra form of Shiva then destroyed Daksha’s yagna and punished him mercilessly for his insolence. In deep anguish from losing Sati, Lord Shiva traversed across Aryavartha with her body on his shoulder and expressed his grief through a devastating dance known as Tandava that crumbled everything in its path. Lord Vishu, with the aim of stopping the Tandav, used his Sudarshana Chakra, which cut through the Sati’s corpse. The parts of Sati body fell at varroas spots all through the Indian and neighboring country and these Sacred sites came to be called Shakti Peethas .
By Road
The Ambaji Temple can be reached through road network across the state. nearest major city is Palanpur, from where direct buses are available from other part of state.
By Train
The nearest Railway station is at Palanpur (65 km), which is connected to most of the cities and towns in Gujarat.
By Air
The nearest International Airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad which is 179 km far from Ambaji Temple Town.
