One of the largest centers for Navratri celebrations in the state, the Ambaji Temple in Gujarat, sees thousands of people descend on this religious city to enjoy some festive fervor and faith. Read more
This Shakti Peeth in Gujarat does not have any idol inside the shrine
A two-hour drive from Mount Abu takes you to the holy city of Ambaji, situated near the border of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Once here, you will rub shoulders with hundreds of devotees all heading in one direction: the Ambaji Temple. Dedicated to Arasuri Amba, the goddess who gets her name from the temple’s location in the Arasur Hills, the temple is one of the most important Shakti Peeths in India.
The legend behind Ambaji temple, Gujarat
Goddess Amba, an incarnation of Shakti, is the resident deity of this temple, which is believed to predate idol worship. The temple is believed to be one of the sites where parts of Goddess Sati’s body fell during the cosmic Tandav or dance of destruction of Lord Shiva. According to legend, Sati’s heart is said to have fallen at this very spot, marking Ambaji as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.
However, there are two temples in this area. Another temple, located on Gabbar Hill, about 5 kilometers from the existing temple, is believed to be the original resting place of the goddess. Legend has it that this temple remained a place of worship for millennia until the King of Danta, tired of climbing the hill, asked the Goddess to move to Danta. She agreed, on the condition that he not stop or look back during the trip. However, when the King, hearing no sound of anklet, turned to check, the Goddess took root in that spot. This became the site of the Ambaji Temple we know today.
One of the most unique aspects of this temple is that it does not house an idol but rather worships the ‘Shree Visa Yantra’, a symbol of the goddess, which remains covered by a veil. Devotees are not allowed to see the Yantra, but the temple priests have decorated the shrine to make it look like an idol.
Navratri Celebrations At Ambaji Temple Ambaji Temple becomes a spiritual epicenter during Navratriwhen it is beautifully adorned with lights, flowers and garlands. Devotees come here to perform aartis (they have to tie a white cloth around their eyes before worshiping the yantra) and Garba, a traditional Gujarati folk dance, performed as part of the nine-day Ambaji Dance Festival.
While the temple receives a constant flow of pilgrims throughout the year, the Bhadarvi Poonam fair, held annually during the full moon of the month of Bhadrapada (August-September), is an exceptional celebration and one of the most important in this shakti peeth. Thousands of devotees throng the temple to witness the grandeur of the festivities, which include folk music, devotional songs and vibrant processions.
If you are in Ambaji during Navratri, you can also explore the Kumbharia Jain temples, a group of five Jain temples dating back to the 11th century and famous for their exquisitely carved marble pillars.
How to reach Ambaji temple
The nearest airport is Ahmedabad, which is 175 kilometers away.
The nearest railway station is Abu Road, which is 21 km away.
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