Shri Ambadevi Temple

Overview

Shri Ambadevi Temple is situated in the Amravati city of Maharashtra. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Ambadevi and lies right in the middle of the city.

About The Temple

Amba Devi Temple is a very prehistoric one, that one cannot find even a single reference of it in the old gazetteers. The temple is held in great veneration by Hindus and people from different corners of not only Maharashtra, but the whole of India come to Amravati to pay reverences to the Goddess.Ambadevi temple complex is bounded with high walls and on entering the compound; there is a huge spacious hall. The left side leads to the courtyard through a number of corridors. The main gates are huge with the looks like that of a fort gate. Above the gate, there is a small compartment also known as the “Nagarkhana” or the drum room. The temple walls are filled with illustrative representation of the Puranas.
The main “Garbagriha” or the “Gabharas” is split into three large arch shaped rooms with sandstone idols of Goddess Ambabai, Lord Ganapati, Lord Mahadev, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Parvati. The central chamber is where Goddess Amba resides with Lakshmi and Narayan. Two silver lamps are seen glowing in front of the deities for 24 hours and 365 days. The western wall of the temple complex has idols and carvings of various Gods and Goddesses. The age of these idols are ambiguous. They are engraved with such detail that they almost look like machine cut. It is still a mystery about the creation of the temple plaster work and ornaments of the deities. There is a local market Outside the temple complex. Tourists can enjoy shopping local knick knacks like Rangoli powder, toys, brass souvenirs and pooja items for home. The Navratri or Navratra festival is celebrated with pomp and grandeur. During those nine days, the temple remains open for public throughout the day. Various cultural and religious programs are performed by famous artistes of the region.
Proper seating facilities are made to enjoy the social and cultural programs. Even “bhog” (holy meal is offered to the public, after being offered to God) is available for free at specific times of the day. The entire area is draped with flowers and colorful papers. Every year a huge “Mela” with varieties of stalls are arranged for the visitors.

About The deity

The Goddess Amba is prevalent amongst the devotees from Vidarbha.

Legend and Stories

There is a very fascinating legend linked with the Amba Devi Temple of Amaravati. It is said that King Bhishmak's daughter Rukmini fell in love with Lord Krishna, after hearing the tales of His courage. However, her brother Rukmiya, fixed her marriage with his friend, King Shishupal of Chedi. It is said that Rukmini was abducted by the Lord just a day before her marriage to Shishupal, when she came to visit the Ambadevi Temple.

Festivals

One of the major attractions of the temple is the Navratri Festival, when the whole temple gets beautifully decorated. Natives and even people from the neighboring cities flock to the festival during this time, to catch a sight of the Goddess. During Navratris, a huge mela (fair) is organized on the grounds of the Ambadevi Temple, in which the devotees contribute with full eagerness. The nearby hotels provide a solution to the accommodation problem faced by the pilgrims.

Accommodation

There are few good hotels and holiday homes nearby the Ambadevi Temple. Advance booking is preferred, as Navratri is considered as the peak season of the entire district

Accessibility

Air

The nearest Air terminal is at Nagpur, which is about 155-km away from Amaravati.

Rail

The closest railhead is at Nagpur on Mumbai-Kolkotta main line. It is 1 Km towards West from Amravati Railway station & 1.5 Km.

Road

There are regular buses that ply between Amaravati and other important towns and cities within the state.

Address

Ambadevi Temple
Gandhi Square,
Amravati, Maharashtra