Name: Ambaji
Rating: 3.4

Ambe Temple, Ambaji Overview

Located close to Khodiyar Chowk, the Ambaji Mata Temple is a prominent Shakti Peetha in India. Situated at the mouth of the river Saraswati, Ambaji also houses six other shrines; Ambikeshwar Mahadev, Varahi Mata, Ganapati Temples, Khodiyar Mata, Hanuman Temples and Ajayar Mata Temple.

Although dedicated to Arasuri Amba, a Hindu goddess from the pre-Vedic times, this temple does not house any idol of worship. Instead, the revered element is the triangular Vishwa Yantra, inscribed with figures and the syllable 'Shree' in the centre, representing the deity.

Navratri at the Ambaji Mata Temple is a vibrant magnet for devotees for the span of nine days of the celebration. Full moon days or the Bhadarvi Poornima and the Indian festival of lights; Diwali also attracts several believers to the temple. Photography of the sacred text is strictly banned at the Ambaji Mata Temple.

History and Traditions of Ambaji Mata Temple

Believed to house the heart of the Hindu Goddess, Sati, the Ambaji Mata Temple is thus revered as a powerful Shakti Peetha among the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. However, the former site of the presiding goddess of this holy place is said to be atop Gabbar Hill, which is about 3.5 km from the temple.

Long-held beliefs and traditions do not allow any devotee to directly look at the gold plated deity of Shakti Visa Shree Tantra, and thus, would have to be blindfolded. The inscription of the holy words here is said to be a sacred geometric Vedic text. The Ambaji Mata Temple grounds site numerous Shaiva shrines.

Nearby Attractions

There are a handful of places to visit close to the Ambaji Mata Temple:

Man Sarovar
Just about a minute from Ambaji Mata Temple

Kailash Hill Sunset Point and the Kailash Hotel along Danta Road
1 to 1.5 km, needs a 5-minute drive or a 15-minute walk

Kumbhariya
1.5 to 3.5 km, requires an 8-minute drive or a 20-minute walk

Gabbar Hill
3.5 to 4 km, requires a drive of about 10 minutes or a 50-minute walk

Kamakshi Temple at Chikla
3.5 km, needs a 7-minute drive or a 40-minute walk

Koteshwar Mahadev Temple
5.5 km, a 10-minute drive would suffice

How to Reach Ambaji Mata Temple

Located about 20 km from the Danta city centre, the Ambaji Mata Temple can be reached with a 30-minute drive. The Danta Bus Stand is also at quite a distance of about 20 km from the temple. There is a range of shared transport options such as jeeps, autos and taxis.

Shared transport would always turn out cheaper compared to individually booked cabs, which can cost anywhere between INR 1500 to INR 3000 per day. There are plenty of public bus options as well. At the temple are ropeways and stairs if travellers wish to get to the top of Gabbar Hill.