Ambaji

Situated on the Arasur hill near Mount Abu, Ambaji is one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Gujarat, built of the finest quality of marble. It is the principal shrine of the goddess-Amba and is recognised as one of the original Shakti Pithas. It attracts pilgrims in numbers beyond comprehension and large number of devotees assemble at this temple on the occasions of four purnima fairs held every year on the full moon day of Kartik, Chaitra, Bhadrapad and Aso. In the vicinity of Ambaji are the well-known Jain temples of Kumbhariya and Gabbar, a steep hill on the peak of which are footprints of Goddess. During the holy month of Bhadrapad, devotees trek hundreds of miles on foot to reach the temple.

The deity in the temple is represented not by an idol but by a triangular Vishwa Yantra, inscribed with figures and the syllable 'Shri' in the centre.

Built of the finest quality of marble, this is recognised as one of the original Shakti Pithas where, according to the ancient scriptures, the heart of the Goddess Ambaji fell to earth when her body was dismembered. It is the principal shrine of the Goddess in Gujarat whose actual origins are still unknown. The fact that this temple does not have an idol is indicative of it antiquity, since the worship of images of deities became popular much later.

It is one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Gujarat and is also known as Amba Bhavani or Arasuri. Arasur is the seat of Ma Ambaji. Almost all communities believe in Ambaji. It is one of the many important places of pilgrimage for Jains. The temple is very old and there is no idol in the main hall. The seat of the deity is there. The dress and ornaments are arranged in such a way that an illusion of total 'Darshan' is created. The atmosphere is live with the chanting of 'Jay Ambe'. It is this Goddess whose grace enabled Rukmini to secure Krishna, as her Pati (husband). It is also believed to be the site where the tonsorial ceremony of Lord Krishna was performed. Ambaji is also a famous trade centre for forest products like honey, wax and timber. There are marble mines near Ambaji. Copper is also found among some other minerals Round the year, on every Purnima the town Ambaji celebrates a spontaneous religious fair Lok Melo as a huge gathering of devotees reach there to worship Ma Ambaji. Mighty rulers and renowned saint-singers are drawn towards her feet, since time immemorial and that made this holy kshetra one of the most visit-worthy shrines both by Sakteyas and bhaktas of every sect and brand.

During the 9 days of Navratri, prayers are performed and dances can be witnessed in the forecourt. Agriculturists from all over Gujarat go to the temple for this festival along with members of their family. There is a large fair on this occasion while in the evening, performances of Bhavai are held, and Garba programs are organised. The devout attend readings of the Saptashati, the seven hundred verses in praise of the goddess. As the devotees come to this temple on the Bhadrapadi Purnima, there is a tradition to visit a nearby place called Gabbargadh, a small hill two miles west of Ambaji. There is a pipal tree, at the top of the hill, which pilgrims circumambulate to show their respect to nature. The Gujarat type of dolling up the deity with colorful flowers etc., bends the head of every visitor invariably. On the full and new moon Ashtami days of every month, several kinds of special Pujas are offered to the Mother. So, every day is a special day, rather every moment an auspicious moment in this holy shrine, which is only to be seen and enjoyed than clothed in words.