A wave of divine feelings run through your body when you hear the chants of “Ambe Maat ki jai!” And you experience divinity itself when you land up at the Ambaji Temple. The Ambaji Temple is to Gujarati’s as the Vaishno Devi Temple is to the Hindus and the Golden Temple is to the Sikhs.
It is the prime pilgrim spot for the Gujarati speaking community all over the country. The feeling of contentment achieved on visiting Ambaji is similar to the one experienced by an individual after being on a Haj, which is the holy pilgrimage for the Muslims.
About Ambaji Temple
The temple of Goddess Ambaji is one of the 12 major Shakti Peeths in India. It was constructed by the Emperor Arun Sen of the Suryavans Empire, the rulers of Valabhi in the 4th Century A. D. It is maintained and controlled by the Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust that was established in 1963. The place is divided into two parts.
In the holy temple of the Arasuri Ambaji, you wont find idol or image of the goddess as just the Shree Visa Yantra is worshipped, as the main deity here. Legend has it saying that no one can see the yantra with the naked eye and taking photos of this yantra is not allowed. The Yantra can be worshipped only after tying a bandage and blindfolding your eyes.
The main seat and idol of Goddess Ambaji is on a hilltop known as ‘Gabbar’ which is in the main town. Thousands of devotees throng the place every year and the number swells up during full moon days which are known as ‘Poornima.’
The crowds know no bounds during the Bhadravi Poornima which is observed in the month of September. The extent of devotion is such that people from all over the country visit the temple that too on foot and not through any means of transport. A huge fair (Mela) is also held during the same festival.
Legend About Ambaji Temple
Legend from the ‘Tantra Chudamani’ has it saying that the 12 Shakti Peeths are formed at places where the remains of the corpse of Sati Devi fell after her self – immolation, when her corpse was carried in sorrow by Lord Shiva.
It is said that the heart of Sati Devi fell in Ambaji which led to it being recognized as one of the major Shakti Peeths of the country. It is considered to be the holiest shrine for the Shaivist Sect of Hinduism. As each Shakti Peeth has a Kalabhairava shrine associated with it, the Kalabhairav of the Ambaji Temple is Batuk Bhairav.
Location of Ambaji Temple
On the borders of the state of Gujarat and Rajasthan, lies the hilltop of Gabbar which is the location of the original seat of the Goddess Ambaji. It is located at a distance of 5 kilometers from the main temple of the Goddess.
According to the Vedas, Gabbar is known as the origin of the Virgin River Saraswati. It is also known as the center of cosmic power of India. It is located at almost 1600 feet above the sea level which makes it quite a steep climb.
In and Around Ambaji Temple
There are also many other places to visit in and around the temple. Just a kilometer away is the Kamakshi Mandir, on the Khedbrahma Highway. A further kilometer away on the same highway is a place known as Kailash Hill which can well be referred to as the sunset point.
Behind the main temple lies the holy water tank which is known as Mansarovar, where the devotees used to have their baths. Such is the magic of the Goddess Ambaji and her temple. To Bolo “Ambe Maat ki Jai!”
Some Quick Information
Planning to visit Ambaji Temple for Mata's darshan? Well, here is some quick info you can use: