Ambika Mata Temple

Overview

This is one of the more revered religious regions in Rajasthan. It is situated about 50 kms to the south east of Udaipur. The construction of Ambika Mata Temple in Udaipur can be traced back to 961 AD. The temple is dedicated to Ambika, the Hindu Mother Goddess with the lion as her mount.

About the temple

In this architectural detail, heavenly musicians play the flute and veena. The temple is also known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan. There are many fine sculptures which have been well preserved. This temple, enclosed by a massive rampart wall, has 17 turrets and a pagoda-like gabled roof. Exquisite details appear high on the exterior walls of the temple, above the more larger sculptures of gods or goddesses, with musicians, dancers, and singers of the heavenly court, as well as countless beautiful women. The richess and arrangement of the carving often has a curling vegetal motif. The theme is of a mountain palace, a heavenly abode of the gods. The tower is covered with intricate motifs, including clouds, and is surrounded by small shikhara towers which echo the surrounding mountain peaks. The architecture of the mountain palace, as the heavenly abode of the gods, echoes the temple which is their earthly residence.

Legend and stories

Ambika Mata has a Jain and a Hindu connection. So far as legend goes, the goddess is said to have manifested in a vision in which she had instructed Vimala to build a temple in Mount Abu. Udaipur's Ambika Mata Temple was possibly constructed during the reign of either Rawal Allat or Rawal Narwahan, by Samvapura, son of Valluba. The shrine has borne the brunt of the ravages of time and is now in a dilapidated state.

Festivals

The major attraction of fair and festival celebrated in Udaipur is of the Mewar festival that is the traditional manner of welcoming spring with folk songs, dances, processions, devotional music and firework displays.

Pujas

The temple conducts daily pujas along with Hovan, Yagna on the special occasions.

Best Time to Visit

Udaipur climate is ideal for the tourists during winter i.e. from the beginning of September till March. It is better to travel Udaipur in the wintertime than in summer

Accessibility

Udaipur is connected by air with other major cities of India like Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad, and Mumbai. Maharana Pratap Airport Udaipur is located at Dabok, 22 km away from the heart of Udaipur city. Many domestic airlines connect the city to most of the major cities in India including Kolkata, Jaipur, Delhi and Mumbai. Regular flight services are available from Udaipur to Delhi and Mumbai. The railway network connects Udaipur with Delhi, Chittor, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Ajmer, and Jodhpur. Udaipur is located in the main broad gauge railway line and the railway station is connected to all other railway stations in India. Udaipur can be easily reached by road as well. Rajasthan Roadways operates public bus services between Udaipur and other major cities in Rajasthan. There are well-maintained roads linking it to tourism destinations in Rajasthan and neighbouring states of Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Temple Address