Sri Ambe Ma Temple

Overview

Ambaji Ambe Mata temple is also considered as one of the most popular Shakti Peethas in Gujarat, India.The temple is located on the Arasur hill in the Aravalli Range Maa Amba is the prime deity and Ambaji Mandir is located at Ambaji town, in the Banaskantha District.It is situated at a distance of approximately 65 kilometres from Palanpur, 45 kilometres from Mount Abu and 20 kilometres from Abu Road and 185 kilometres from Ahmedabad 50 kilometer from Kadiyadra near the Gujarat and Rajasthan border. Ambaji is one of the 51 ancient Shakti Peetha Tirtha in India.

Important Shakti Peetha

There are 12 main Shakti Pith Tirth, significant places of pilgrimage for the worship of Shakti, namely, Ma Bhagwati Mahakali Maha Shakti at Ujjain, Ma Kamakshi at Kanchipuram, Mata Bramaramba at Srisailam, Shri Kumarika at Kanyakumari, Mataji Ambaji at AnarGujarat, Mata Mahalaxmidevi at Kolhapur, Devi Lalita at Prayag, Vindhya Vasini at Vindhya, Vishalakshi at Varanasi, Mangalavati at Gaya and Sundari at Bangal & Guhyeshwari Temple in Nepal. Ambaji is an important temple town with millions of devotees visiting the Ambaji temple every year.This temple is a very legendary pilgrim place for Hinduism. The seat of Ambe Mata – the Mother Goddess, is a Famous visitor place for Hindus.

The original seat of Ambaji mata is on gabbar hilltop in the town. A large number of devotees visit the temple every year especially on Purnima days. A large mela on Bhadarvi poornima (full moon day) is held. Every Year from all over the country people come here walking all over from their native place just to worship MAA AMBE in September. The whole Ambaji is lighted up as the whole nation lights up at the festive time of Diwali. The Navratri festival celebrations are organized on a large scale in the Ambaji temple trust. Every People sing and dance in praise of the glory of the Goddess Ambe maa. She is even considered the prime Goddess of the region. This has made the place a best pilgrim for the Hindus in the Gujarat and India. This very reason has made the Hill a major Tourist Attraction.

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.

The temple is not very crowded except on weekends and 9 days each during Navratri (Around Sept End and Oct first half) and Chaitra Navratri (Around March). The Bhadrapadi Poornima is the main festival celebrated here. Navratri and Diwali are the other important festivals. Jain Pilgrimage centre of Kumbhariyaji is located right near Ambaji Temple. There are several Jain Pilgrimage centers situated nearby such as Neminathji Temple, Mahavir Swami Temple, Parshwanathji Temple, Sambhavnathji Temple and Shantinathji Temple.

About the temple

The Shakti Peethas are mostly worshiped by tantra practitioners. The red flag above the small temple dances welcomingly in the wind. Made of white marble with gold cones, the temple was originally built by Nagar Brahmins. There is a main entrance in the front and only a small side-door, because it is believed that Mataji (another name for Ambaji) has forbidden the addition of any other door. The temple is surrounded by an open square called chachar chowk where ceremonial sacrifices called havans are performed.

Architectural style

The Main Temple of Ambaji is short and small but there is a huge Mandap and there is a Holy Gokh of Mataji in the Garbh- Gruh, and in front of this there is a big Chachar Chowk. So Mata Ambaji is also known as Chachar Chowkwali too.All the ritual worships of Ambaji is performed in Chachar Chowk The Temple has a glorious Suvarn Kalash Shikhar,  shining at 103 feet height on the top of the temple, weighing more than 3 tones as a whole. It is specially made from a single marble, brought out from the mines of Arasur Hill and has been plated with pure gold, attached with The Holy Long Flag of Ambaji & Trishul.

There is also an Akhand Divo - a Holy Lamp in Chachar Chowk, which has been burning since many years i.e. since the period of Akheraj , a merchant and the devotee of Mata Ambaji as per the legend. The same Holy Lamp is still burning in front of Mata Ambaji and the devotees use to fill Ghee therein and keep it burning before Mataji.

The inner sanctum of the temple has silver-plated doors. There is a gokh, or niche, in the wall on which is fixed a old-plated marble inscription of the Viso Yantra, a Vedic text on sacred geometry, which is the main focus of worship. There is no idol of the goddess, perhaps because the temple is so ancient that it predates idol-worship, but the priests decorate the upper portion of the gokh in such a way that it looks like an idol of a goddess from a distance.

The newly constructed Main Temple Nij Mandir is worth seeing all time for its holy significance in Shaki Sampraday - the worship of the supreme power of cosmic energy and is also for its wonderful carvings on artistic renovation displaying an Indian traditional culture.

Suvarn Kalash Nritya Mandap

The lower parts from the Golden Top (Suvarn Shikhar) of Nij Mandir which are known as Ambalsaro having diameter about 13 feet is  plated with Gold at the cost of Rs.27.21 lakhs, in order to glorify the Nij Mandir and attached Nrutya Mandap. Another 288 Suvarna Kalash are also fitted on the Nrutya Mandap in addition to 56 existing Kalash on Shikhar & allied parts.

Gabbar Tirth (Rope Way)

In order to develop Ambaji Pilgrimage as a Hill Picnic Place of Gujarat, Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust has recently in 1998 installed and inaugurated Shri Amba Devi Udan Khatola Facilities , that is to say, a Rope Way on the mountain of Gabbar, with the help of Usha Breco Co. of Calcutta on a lease basis, so that more and more pilgrims can visit and enjoy the beauty and holiness of Gabbar with so ease and joy, just by reaching in time, without any trouble. Rope way on Gabbar Hill has in fact encouraged more and more tourists and pilgrims, especially the aged and infirmed and senior citizens people from all corners of the world to come and sit in Rope Way in order to swing in the arms of the Beauty of Holy Gabbar Hill and its rocky surroundings.

Shakti Dwar

A long and broad Fly Over Bridge, 120 meters long and 17 meters broad with total marble floorings, costing at about 1(one) crore rupees, for the purpose of direct passage for the tourists, is constructed at the instance of Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust, under the auspice of its huge and promising Renovation Project for the Temple Complex and its surroundings. This Fly Over Bridge Facilities will help the devotees to come and reach in front of the Main Temple into Chachar Chowk directly from State Highway, without any rush and difficulties through this Fly over bridge.

Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust has been constructed a big Decorative Shakti Dwar, like that of Gopuram style which shall be 71 feet long and 18 feet broad, parallel to state highway in centre at the western end of this fly over bridge, containing total five gates in a whole structure, at the estimated costs of Rs.1,99,31,200/-. The whole Shati Dwar shall be made from Bansi Pahanpur Stone, attached with 10 feet high compound wall at its both ends. The Design Border of this page is also a piece of this gate.

About the Deity

The Visa Yantra in the Gokh of the inner wall of the Nij Mandir or Temple of Mata Ambaji is here worshipped and there is no idol of Devi Arasuri Ambica. A Gold Plated Holy Shakti Visa Yantra is fixed on a marble plate. The ornaments and holy attire are placed in such a way and manner that it looks like an idol of Mataji Ambaji. As per the Indian Scriptures and legends, this Gold Plated Shakti Visa Yantra is entirely a holy Shree Yantra. This golden Yantra has kurma back with gold and is connected with that of the original Yantras of Nepal and Ujjain Shakti Piths and has 51 letters therein this Shakti Shree Yantra. It is also believed that the worship of this Visa Shree Yantra is done only after tying a bandage on the eyes as it is prohibited to look at it. This Yantra is also worshiped ritually with Nav Chandi Yagna and with other traditional Sodashopchar Puja, on each eighth day of every month. It is also considered as Kalpavruksha, because of which this Devasthan has also flourished like anything. So it is strictly prohibited to take any snap or photographs of Nij Mandir or of the Holy Idol of Mata Ambaji.

The Shringar of Mata Ambaji here in the Nij Mandir is changed according to different Darshan hours, such as it is of a virgin Kumarika Devi during morning hours, that of a blonde young woman during noon hours and that of an old lady during evening hours every day. In the main temple the silver sandals or Paduka of Mata Ambaji are also worshiped. There is also a big idol of a Holy Lion in front of Gokha of Mata Ambaji, and the devotees use to worship this holy lion with Kanku Puja, which is also a traditional symbol of Indian married woman who use to keep Kanku on the front of the middle of her head and hairs, for the sake of her happy matrimonial life.

There is no discrimination of any caste, creed or religion in front of Mata Ambaji. The Darshan of Mata is available to all kinds of people. But nobody is allowed to worship the Holy Yantra, except the priests of the temple and the family members of the former rulers of Danta State, after taking ritual baths and in silk apparels only. There is always worships of Goddess of Mata Ambaji with Durga Path, Mantras and stotras of Bhawani.

Legend and stories

Lord Brahma performed a yajna (Vedic ritual of fire sacrifice) to please Shakti and Shiva. Goddess Shakti emerged, separating from Shiva and helped Brahma in the creation of the universe. Brahma decided to give Shakti back to Shiva. Therefore, his son Daksha performed several yagnas to obtain Shakti as his daughter in the form of Sati. It was then decided that Sati was brought into this world with the motive of getting married to Shiva.

However, due to Lord Shiva's curse to Brahma that his fifth head was cut off due to his lie in front of Shiva, Daksha started hating Lord Shiva and decided not to let Lord Shiva and Sati get married. However, Sati got attracted to Shiva and finally one day Shiva and Sati got married. This marriage only increased Daksha's hatred towards Lord Shiva.

Daksha performed a yagna with a desire to take revenge on Lord Shiva near munimandala present Muramalla andhra pradesh. Daksha invited all the deities to the yajna except Lord Shiva and Sati. The fact that she was not invited did not deter Sati from attending the yagna. She expressed her desire to attend the yagna to Shiva, who tried his best to dissuade her from going. Shiva eventually relented and Sati went to the yagna. Sati, being an uninvited guest, was not given any respect at the yagna. Furthermore, Daksha insulted Shiva. Sati was unable to bear her father's insults toward her husband, so she immolated herself.

Enraged at the insult and the injury, Shiva in Virabhadra avatar destroyed Daksha's yagna, cut off Daksha's head, and later replaced it with that of a male goat as he restored him to life. Virabhadra didn't stop fighting he kept raging with anger gods prayed to lord vishnu,he came there and started fighting him. Still immersed in grief, Shiva picked up the remains of Sati's body, and performed the Tandava, the celestial dance of destruction, across all creation. The other Gods requested Vishnu to intervene to stop this destruction, towards which Vishnu used the Sudarshana Chakra, which cut through the Sati's corpse. The various parts of the body fell at several spots all through the Indian subcontinent and formed sites which are known as Shakti Peethas today.

At all the Shakti Peethas, the Goddess Shakti is accompanied by her consort, Lord Bhairava (a manifestation of Lord Shiva). Shakti is an aspect of the Supreme Being Adi parashakti, the mother of the trimurti, the holy trinity in Hindu religion and scriptures.The shrine of Amba is regarded as a revered shrine by the Shakta Shaktism sect of Hinduism. It is believed that the Heart of Sati Devi has fallen here.

Legend of Holy Hill Gabbar in Devi Bhagvat

According to the Indian Scriptures Gabbar Tirth, situated on the bank of the origin of the Vedic virgin river SARASWATI, in the hills of Arasur in Ambica forest, towards south-west side to old hills of Arvalli is one of the Fifty One (51) famous Ancient Pauranik Shakti Piths in India.

In Accordance with the legend in Devi Bhagvat, Mahisasur was a dangerous demon to the whole universe, therefore all the Gods under the leadership of Tridev Bhrahma (Lord of Creation), Vishnu (Lord of Maintenance) & Mahesh (Lord of Destruction) ultimately went to the final recourse to the Mahadevi Adhya Shakti, the Supreme Original Cosmic Power of The Universe and worshiped her for rescue and help. And then Adhya Devi Shakti incarnated on earth with weapons surrounded by a bright circle of sunny rays, so as The Atomic Energy emerges from its origin and Devi killed and absolved the demon Mahishasur by her holy sword and since then she became known in the world as " Mahisasur Mardini ".

Gabbar in Ramayan

As per a legend said in Ramayan, Lord Rama and Laxman came to Ashram of Shrungi Rushi in search of Sitaji, where they were told to worship Devi Ambaji at Gabbar. And Rama did so and Jagat Mata Shakti (The Mother of Energy of the whole Universe) Devi Ambaji gave him a miraculous arrow namely "Ajay", with the help of which Rama conquered and killed his enemy Ravan in the war.

Mundan of Lord Krishna

It is also a legend that the hairs of holy child Lord Krishna were also removed here on this Gabbar hill , as a holy ritual ceremony of hair removing Mundan, in presence of his foster parents Nand and Yashoda, who had worshiped Devi Ambaji and Lord Shiva, during the period of Dwapar yug.

Sword of Rana Pratap

The Well Known Rajput King of Mewar, Maha Rana Pratap was a true devotee of Arasuri Amba Bhawani. He was once saved by Mata Ambaji, so he had gifted and dedicated his famous sword to the holy feet of Mata Arasuri Ambaji.

Ambaji at Gabbar & Akhand Deep

Wherever any of the 51 holy parts and ornaments of the dead body of Devi Sati fell on this earth, all such places are known as famous 51 Shakti Pith centre of cosmic power . Thus Shri Arasuri Ambaji Shakti Pith is one of them where the heart of Devi Sati fell at the top of the Gabbar, as described in scripture "Tantra Chudamani".

The Legend of Maha Maya

It is also said that Mangal and his wife, a devotee couple of Mata Ambaji used to go for cow grazing near Gabbar Hill, where they saw an unknown white cow, usually grazing near their ones and then disappearing over Gabbar Hill. So one day they followed this cow and went on the hills of Gabbar and reached at night to a big ground, floored with marbles and wonderful pillars and Torans with the doors of heaven which were opened simply by the voice of this holy cow Kamdhenu and they found the Goddess Devi Adhya Shakti siting in her palace. So these cow grazing couple requested for remuneration from Amba Mata, for the service of cow grazing job for that wonderful white cow and Mataji gave them some grains of Jav ( Barley), but they carelessly thrown the invaluable grains on the hills of Gabbar but in the morning they found some of the grains made of gold. So they repented and went back on the hills to see Mata Ambaji and worshiped for mercy without any grind. Ultimately Mataji pleased and graced to reincarnate as their daughter in future. And then, this couple born again as Nand & Yashoda, the foster parents of Lord Krishna. And Mata Ambaji reincarnated as their daughter Maha Maya, who disappeared in jail, after warning Raja Kans.

Origin of Navratri Festival

As per Mahabharat, on  the Full Moon Day Purnima of the month of Bhadrapad (Bhadarva Mas) Princess Rukshamani had worshiped her Kul- Devi Mata Ambica on the mountain of Gabbar Hill, in order to invite her beloved Lord Krishna, to abduct her from her Swayamvar to marry and Mata Ambica gave her a boon to achieve her goal to marry Lord Krishna, as against the wish of her brother and relatives and other kings. And Princess Rukshamani wedded with the Lord Krishna and became Pat-Rani, the main Queen and had celebrated the well known Indian Festival of Navratri, for the first time on this earth, in the Garbh- Deep Nrutya in Gujarati Garba Style, with her friends & relatives in Dwarka.

Temple Growth

After the foundation of Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust of Ambaji, (SAAMDT) in the year 1963, as per the final order of the court in 1960, as against the former rulers of Danta State, this temple trust is being completely controlled and administered by The District Collector of Banaskantha and the full time administration is being handled by a Deputy Collector as the administrator of the trust, duly appointed by the Government of Gujarat, since its foundation and there is a special Trust Committee to supervise its administration, which includes 20 distinguished members from the different sectors and fields of Gujarat.

Ambaji Development Committee was founded in 1972 and it had recommended renovating the total Ambaji temple complex. Therefore in the year 1975, on the basis of the various recommendations of Ambaji development Committee, the temple trust has initiated the long lasting giant works of total renovation of the temple complex, which has been scheduled to be concluded in three parts, phases and period of time.

In the beginning during the period of 1975 to 1988, in the first phase of this project, Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust has constructed and renovated in the inner parts of the Main Temple Nij Mandir, replacing the old structures, floors, domes and ceilings totally with the beautiful piece of marble and wonderful pieces of carvings, under the guidance of the well known architect Shri. Prabha Shanker Sompura, the Padma Shree Award Winner Dignitary and all this renovation of Nij Mandir has been done as per the Shashtras and religious rituals, keeping the Old Gokh and Visa Yantra intact as it was in past.

From the year 1986 to 1989, the top of the main temple, at the height of 103 feet, has been replaced with a highly Suwarn Kalash Shikhar a decorative single piece marble Top coated with Gold, weighing at about 3 ton, donated by one of the mine owners, attached with the holy Trishul and Big Flag prepared under the auspice of a donor from Bombay. It is coated with gold plates, donated by one donor from Niarobi, in a beautiful traditional conical shape.

On the eve of Kalash Vidhi on the top of the temple, a worship of Ma Ambaji was carried out in 30 Yagna Kunda, in a quite Vedic rituals and holy traditions with the help of more than 145 Brahmins, invited from all over India, Nepal and Kashmir.

Festivals

On the eighth day of each month as per Vikram Samvat year, a traditional Nav Chandi Yagna as per Vedic Rituals is also done by Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust itself, through Brahmins, in front of the Nij Mandir near Chachar Chowk, where a huge Yagna Shala is also constructed. Whereas on each month of Asho, Chaitra, Maha and Ashadh, the worship of Jagadamba and Visa Shakti Yantra is carried out by means of Satachandi Yagna ,during the time of Nav Ratri.

On Dusshera, a rathyatra is held here with beautifully decorated four raths (chariots) that is run by the people and the idol of Ma Ambaji is kept on a silver rath. Ma Ambaji's ratha yatra which is run by the people is conducted on every dussehra and it provides a beautiful sight. The whole Ambaji is lighted up as the whole nation lights up at the festive time of Diwali.

The Rath Yatra is marked by a procession of 4 decorated chariots adorned with flowers and garlands and the goddess idol is placed on the chariot which is fully decorated with silver colour. The occasions like Navratra, Navchandi yagna, Sahastra chandi yagna, Annakut, Shreebhog, diya darshan (deep darshan), Chosath khand are also celebrated with much pomp.

Bhadarvi Poonam

Usually on each fifteenth day of Full Moon Day of each month as per the Vikram Samvat, year of Indian Hindu calendar, Ambaji celebrates a spontaneous Religious Fair and Festival with "Lok Mela" and the big mass of devotees use to come here to worship Maa Ambaji on each day of Poornima during the year. But on the fifteenth day ( Full Moon Day ) of the months of Asho, Kartik, Chaitra and Bhadrapad , the Spirit of Festival and Religious Fairs increases at their peaks, due to the significance of these holy days in the worship of Shakti Swaroopini Mata Ambica. The people and devotees also enjoy all these Four Festivals of purnima, with Darshan, Ohm Havan and Traditional Garba Dances. Moreover, the cultural shows of Gujarati Bhawai, a purely ancient folk dance and  "Play of Gujarat" is also the prime attractions of these festivals. More specifically to say Bhadrapadi Purnima is the main festival when a big fair of devotees is spontaneously done here in Ambaji and more than 15 lakhs of devotees use to come to worship Maa Amba on this eve and thousands of them come here in community like Padyatri Sangh with the spirit of faith simply by walking from far distant areas situated even at the other ends of Gujarat and from all parts of India. Hundreds of such Padayatri Sangh use to come here to celebrate a Big Religious Fair of Shri Ambaji Mata.

Chaitri Navratri Festival in Ambaji

In Ambaji, there are Four Navratri Festivals, namely, Sharad (in Ashwin Month), Vasantik ( in Chaitra) Maha and Ashadh, ritually celebrated as per the Shakti Sampraday Traditions. The ritual worships of Ambaji is usually performed with Sat Chandi Yagna and other worships, in Yagnashala of the Chachar Chowk, which is decorated and illuminated with colorful lightings from all corners, during these period of Navratri . The devotees also enjoy Devi Darshan, Ohm Havan and Traditional Garba Dances. More Specifically during the period of Vasantik Navratri (in Chaitra Month), all the eight days and nine nights have its own importance as per Shakti Sampraday and hence the celebration starts from the first day of Chaitra Month, by breading Jawara, one kind of Holy Grass in and over a pot with Garbh Deep, burning therein and the devotees use to dance and enjoy Garba Nritya around these Garbh Deep, with the Garba songs of Mata Ambaji.

For all Nine Days of Chaitri Navratri an Akhand Dhoon of "Jai Ambe Ma jai Ambe" for days and nights continuously is organized by the Sangs of Pilgrims from Mehsana District every year in Chachar Chowk, since more than 60 years.

Diwali

In Ambaji, the Festival of Diwali is really worth seeing. During Diwali, the Nij Mandir and the Chachar Chowk, which is decorated and illuminated with colorful lightings from all corners. And on the New Year Day as per Vikram Samvat Hindu Calender Year, the Nutan Varsh Festival Celebration from Kartik Sud Ekam to Kartik sud Labhpachami carri(Fifth day of month kartik) carried out tradittionally and A Big Annakoot is also organized by Shri. Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust at Nij Mandir of Ambaji on the New Year Day as per Hindu Vikram Samvat Calender Year on Kartik Sud Akam and more than 12 to 15 lakhs of devotees of Ambaji use to come to Nij Mandir of Ambaji during first five days of every new year, in order to ask for a grass of Mata Ambaji for their business progress.

Navratri

In Ambaji, there are Four Navratri Festivals, namely, Sharad (in Ashwin Month), Vasantik ( in Chaitra) Maha and Ashadh, ritually celebrated as per the Shakti Sampraday Traditions. The ritual worships of Ambaji is usually performed with Sat Chandi Yagna and other worships, in Yagnashala of the Chachar Chowk, which is decorated and illuminated with colorful lightings from all corners, during these period of Navratri. Devotees also enjoy Devi Darshan, Hom Havan and Traditional Garba Dances. More specifically during the period of Sarad Masi Aswin Navratri (in Ashwin Month). All the eight days and nine nights have its own importance as per Shakti Sampraday and hence the celebration starts from the first day of Aswin Mas. By breading Jawara, one kind of Holy Grass in and over a pot with Garbh Deep, burning therein and the devotees use to dance and enjoy Garba Nritya around these Garbh Deep, with the Garba songs of Mata Ambaji. On the eight day of the Navratri, the heirs of the Rulers of Danta State use to sit and celebrate Nav Chandi Yagna and distribute prasad and traditional gifts.

Poshi Poonam

Birthday Celebration of Mata Ambaji.

Aarti and Pooja

Usually Mata Ambaji is worshiped with Arti Puja and Naivedya everyday in morning and evening during Sandya Kal, except in summer time when Mataji is worshiped with Three Arti Puja & Naivedya every day. Moreover there is a special arrangement for Annakoot and Thal of Devi Bhagawati, for which Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Temple Trust and the priest Bhattji makes all the necessary arrangements at the request of any devotees, seeking to perform this Special Seva of Annakoot and Thal of Devi Bhagawati.

Temple Timings

Aarti Timings

• Morning - 07:00 am to 07:30 am
• Evening - 07:00 pm to 07:30 pm

Darshan Timings

• Morning - 07:30 am to 11:30 am
• Afternoon - 12:30 pm to 04:30 pm
• Evening - 07:30 pm to 09:00 pm

During Summer

• In Morning from 07:00 am to 10.45 am
• In Noon from 12.30 pm to 04.30 pm
• In Evening from 07:30 pm to 09:15 pm

During Monsoon

• In Morning from 07:00 am to 11.30 am
• In Noon from 12.30 pm to 04.30 pm
• In Evening from 07:00 pm to 09.00 pm

During Winter

• In Morning from 07:00 am to 11.30 am
• In Noon from 12:30 pm to 04:00 pm
• In Evening from 06:00 pm to 08:30 pm

Tourist Accommodation and Facilities through Temple Trust

After the foundation of Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust of Ambaji, in the year 1958, the temple trust has taken some landmark steps to provide more and more amenities and accommodation to the coming visitors and pilgrims of Mata Ambaji Tirth. Though there are hundreds of big and small private Hotels and Guest House, Dharmasala in Ambaji, yet in furtherance of providing more facilities, accommodation and comforts to the tourists and pilgrims and with a view to furnishing more and more lodging, boarding facilities and comfort, Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust has built and established some Guest Houses and Holiday Homes, Dharmashala and Bhojanalay in the heart of city of Ambaji, and thus Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust at present provides and administers the following lodging and boarding facilities, which include all kinds of modern facilities and traditional Gujarati Cuisine and breakfasts.

Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust has also founded and established special Public Toilets and Bathing Facilities for the Devotees, near the temple complex as well as in Ambica Bhojanalay, with the help of Nasa Foundation and the people at large, coming to Ambaji also use these public facilities, provided by the temple trust, simply for a nominal token rate of Rs.2 /- per user. Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust has also constructed a big Locker Rooms for keeping the luggage of the tourists and some big Parking Plots near Ambaji temple as well as at Gabbar Taleti ( Bottom), for the vehicles of the tourists.

Features

1.Temple does not allow cameras, cell phones and leather items.
2.wheelchair facility for aged is available.

Best time to visit

October to May.

Time Required for Sightseeing

Minimum 30 minutes.

Rare facts

In Arasuri Ambaji, there is no image or statue of goddess the holy "Shree Visa Yantra" is worshiped as the main deity. No one can see the Yantra with naked eye. There are two forms of darshans at the Ambaji Temple. If the purpose of your visit is to beseech the Goddess for a wish to be fulfilled then you’ve got to stand in the ‘mannat’ (wish) line. The wait period for the darshan here can last over there-four hours. However, general visitors are immediately granted darshan as the queue here is minimal.The difference is that those standing in the ‘mannat’ queue get to touch the Mata’s feet while the others get to see the deity from a short distance. Legend has it that Maharaj Shivaji had came here to offer prayers to Ma Ambaji after winning a war.

Gabbar Parikrama Path: Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devsthan Trust has developed a parikrama way circulating the Gabbar hill. The 51 shaktipeeth temples are constructed on this Parikrama marg. The temples are made as same as they are at their original locations. One can darshan all 51 shaktipeeth by doing Parikrama of Gabbar hill.

Guinness World Record and Other Records

This temple set a world record in Guinness book for the largest incense stick is 19.51 m (64 ft 0.1 inch) long which is in the temple premises on 17 October 2015. This temple also set a record in India Book of Records for most people participating in Maha Arti on the occasion of navratri, where 25,000 devotees lit 25,000 mud lamp using 500kgs ghee for 7 minutes on October 18,2015 each mud lamp is measuring 3”x3” inch.

Significance

People used to visit the temple for fulfillment of their wishes.

Nearby Places to Visit

Gabbar Hill

Pretty much 4. 5 km Gabbar hill is located on the outskirts of Gujarat and Rajasthan, close to the stream of the starting point of the celebrated Vedic virgin waterway Sarasvati, on the slopes of Arasur in timberland, towards south-west side to antiquated slopes of Arawali, at the height of around 480 meters, at around 1,600 feet (490 m) high from ocean level, having at 8.33 km2 (3.22 sq mi) zone all in all, and it is truth be told One of the 51 acclaimed Ancient Shakti Peeths and it is spot of where the heart of the dead Devi Sati fell at the highest point of slope of Gabbar according to the legend described in the "Tantra Chudamani". The Mountain or Hill of Gabbar has additionally a little sanctuary sustained from the western side and there are 999 stages to go up to the mountain and achieve this heavenly sanctuary at the highest point of Gabbar Hill. A Holy Lamp is continually smoldering on this slope sanctuary confronting precisely before Visa Shree Yantra of Nij Mandir of Mata Shri Arasuri Ambica. There are numerous more delightful touring Places on Gabbar together with a nightfall point, Cave and Swings of Mataji and Trips through a ropeway. According to late study Ambaji Temple was built by the Suriyavans Emperor Arun Sen, the leader of Vallabhi in fourth Century A.D.

Kamakshi Mandir

This Holy Temple of Kamakshi Devi is not run by Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust (SAAMDT) but is run and administered by another institute.Just 1 km away from Ambaji near Kumbharia Jain Temple on Khedbrahma Highway, there is a modern architect of Kamakshidevi Temple Complex, where all the 51 Shakti Pith, the centre of cosmic power are reconstructed and installed in a single complex so as to give total information to the visitors and devotees of the great Shakti Sampraday about the various incarnations of Adhya Shakti mata.

Kailash Hill Sunset

Kailash Tekari: Just one and half km away from Ambaji on Khedbrahma Highway, there is a beautiful Shivalaya on the hill named "Kailash tekari" , where one can go only by climbing the steps and walking on a wonderful hilly area of Kailash Tekari. The exploring Kailash tekari is always a pleasant experience for visitors, along with its beautiful Sunset Point. Moreover, The Temple Trust has recently constructed a big Artistic Stone Gate at the Temple of Mahadev on Kailash Tekari, which is also administered by Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust.

Koteshwar

Just 5 km away from Ambaji near the Origin of the Vedic Vargin River Saraswati, there is an ancient temple of Shri Koteshwar Mahadev, attached with a Holy Kund and the flows of river Saraswati from the Mouth of Cow (Gaumukh) , incurved in a rock.As per a legend there was an Ashram of Rushi Valmiki, the author of Ramayana, near Valmiki Mahadev temple and the King of Mevad, Maha Rana Pratap had renovated this holy temple, It is said that during the Mutiny of Independence in 1857, Nana Saheb Peshwa had taken his abode in the cave of this temple. This Place is a beautiful & peaceful in forest.

Kumbharia Dera

Just a kilometer away from Ambaji near the state High way, another important historical place, with beautiful marble carvings and piece of a wonderful architect Kumbharia Jain Temples cannot be left or avoided to visit. As per a legend, Mata Ambaji had suggested to Sheth Vimal Shah to build and construct 360 Jain Temples to the dedication of Jain Tirthankers, but when he was frequently asked about who had built these temples, he disregarded the holy grace of Mata Ambaji, hence Mataji became furious over Vimal Shah and destroyed all the 360 temples except 5 five which are undoubtedly marvelous jain temples, made of marbles and artistic architecture. It is said that Vimal Shah had repented for his fault and he had installed the idols of Mata Ambaji as Shashan Devi, Goddess of Empire, in his all other Jain temples, situated in Mount Abu and other places.This Holy Jain Temples of Kumbharia are not run by Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust (SAAMDT) but is run and administered by another institute.

Mansarovar

Man Sarovar is behind the main temple. It is said to have been constructed by Shri Tapishanker, a Nager Devotee of Ambaji from Ahmedabad, from 1584 to 1594. There are two temples on two sides of this holy tank, one is of Mahadev and another is Ajay Devi, who is believed to be the sister of Mata Ambaji. The visitors and devotees use to take holy bath in this Man Sarovar. It is also an important source of history of Ambaji that there is an ancient Monument of Scripts Writings and Old Carvings on Rock Stone "Shilalekh" of Raja Maldev, dated Hindu Calendar Samvat year 1415, in Ajay Devi Mandir. The Temple Trust has also undertaken the renovation projects in respect of Holy Man Sarovar, and its temples and surroundings, behind the main Temple.

Kumbhleshwar Mahadev

Just 3 km away from Ambaji near Kumbharia Jain Temple there is an ancient Kumbheshawar Mahadev Temple which has been built as per Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian Science of Architecture, with wonderful pieces of architect and Holy idol Ling of Ashutosh, and Jaladhari made from marble, continuously pouring holy water on the Shivlinga.

Mangalya Van

A centre of aforestation Movement. This wonderful place of natural beauty is run by Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust (SAAMDT).

Rinchhadiya Mahadev

Just 1 km away from Kumbharia Jain Temple, in the beautiful surroundings with a Dam Site, there is also an ancient Shivalay Rinchhadiya Mahadev which is on the bank of Astakoni Vav, a wonderful piece of Architect to visit.This Holy Temple of Richhadia Mahadev is not run by Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust (SAAMDT) but is run and administered by another institute.

Someshwar

Just 1 km away from Kumbharia Jain Temple in the village of Jetwas village of Danta Taluka, there is an ancient place of Someshawar Mahadev Temple which is also on the bank of a water spring. And near to this site seeing place, there is an ancient temple of Maa Chamunda on the back of river.

Accessibility

Airport

There are no regular flights from other major cities of the country to Ambaji. Nearest airport is Dabok Airport. Ambaji is 95 km away from the Dabok airport (UDR), Udaipur, Rajasthan. The nearest International Airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad which is 179 km far from Ambaji Temple Town.

Railways

Ambaji does not have an train station. Nearest option is Abu Road.The nearest Railway station of Gujarat is at Palanpur Junction which comes under the administrative control of Western Railway zone of the Indian Railways. It has direct rail links on the broad gauge to the cities of Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Mysore, Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Delhi, Dehradun, Muzaffarpur, Bareilly and Jammu. It is connected to most of the cities and towns in Gujarat such as Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodra, Bhuj, Rajkot, Jamnagar and Porbandar. Indian Railways’ proposal to double the broad gauge line between Palanpur and Samakhiali has received government backing. The doubling will benefit the districts of Kutch, Patan and Banaskantha in the state of Gujarat. The other way of nearest Railway station is at Abu Road which is 22 kilometers away from Ambaji. Ambaji is 18 km away from Maval in Rajasthan.

Road

Ambaji is 179 kms by road from Ahmedabad.

Temple Address

Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust (SAAMDT),
Trust Reg. No. A-497 (B. K.),
Ambaji , Pin : 385110 ,
Dist: Banaskantha,Gujarat (India).