Ambaji Temple, this sacred place is one of the greatest places of worship in India, is situated among the peaceful hills of the Aravalli Range in the state of Gujarat. Dedicated to Amba Mata, the Goddess of Power and Strength, it stands among the most significant Shakti Peethas of 51, considered very sacred by Hindus. Throughout history, it has attracted worshipers from different parts of the country because of its religious and mythological value as well as due to a divine aura associated with this shrine.
In this article, we will go through the history, importance, and general information about the Ambaji Temple, including darshan timings, distance to the temple, and divine experiences that attract thousands of pilgrims every year.
About Ambaji Temple
Ambaji Temple is located in the small town of Ambaji, situated in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat, near the Rajasthan border. It is dedicated to Goddess Amba, the goddess which is considered to be one of the forms of Durga. This temple is famous for its spiritual importance as a Shakti Peetha-one of the integral shrines from where parts of Goddess Sati’s body have plunged into Earth. According to the Hindu mythology, as Lord Shiva was carrying the charred body of Goddess Sati, body parts fell at several places on the Earth, and the Ambaji Temple is supposed to be where her heart has fallen.
Ambaji temple is an important place in the Shaktism tradition, which worships the divine feminine energy represented by Goddess Shakti. The deity of the temple is Ambaji Mata, who is considered a powerful and benevolent goddess who grants boons to her devotees. Pilgrims come to Ambaji to seek her blessings for prosperity, health, peace, and spiritual wisdom.
The Legend of Ambaji Temple
The legend surrounding the Ambaji Temple is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. As mentioned earlier, the temple is considered one of the Shakti Peethas, marking the place where Sati’s heart fell after Lord Shiva, in his grief, carried her body across the world. Over time, the place became sacred, and the worship of Goddess Ambaji flourished.
The most popular story associated with the temple is that of a sage named Vashishta, who performed a severe penance to seek the blessings of Goddess Amba. Pleased by his devotion, the goddess appeared before him, offering him divine gifts. To honor the goddess’s presence, the sage constructed a temple at the site, and over centuries, it became a prominent pilgrimage destination.
The history of the temple has been documented in several texts and scriptures, which describe it as an ancient place of great power. The temple has been renovated several times over the centuries, but the original sanctity and significance remain intact.
Ambaji Temple Architecture
The Ambaji Temple is an exquisitely beautiful amalgamation of the traditional Indian temple design and sophisticated craftsmanship. The temple complex is designed in a symmetrical pattern and consists of a main shrine, mandap (prayer hall), and garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), where the main idol of Goddess Ambaji is enshrined.
Unlike most of the temples, in which idols are carved from stone or metal, the Ambaji Temple is singular because the deity is worshiped in the form of a pictorial representation, namely, pattika, said to be the original picture of Goddess Ambaji. It is worshipped with great veneration, and the devotees pay their obsequious offerings by gazing at the sacred picture, as an expression of the goddess’s presence.
The pradakshina path is a circular path for circumambulation around the sanctum within which devotees walk as part of the ritual. Carvings adorn the outer walls, depicting different Hindu deities, mythological stories, and symbolic motifs that enhance the sacred atmosphere of the temple.
Ambaji Temple Darshan Timings
The Ambaji Temple has designed its darshan timings for the large number of devotees who visit the temple every day. The temple is open all day, and specific hours are reserved for various rituals, prayers, and services.
General Darshan Timings for the Ambaji Temple:
Morning Darshan: The temple opens in the morning so that devotees can offer their prayers. Usually, the first darshan is at 5:00 AM.
Afternoon Break: The temple closes for a while in the afternoon. It generally operates between 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM.
Evening Darshan: During the evening, the temple reopens its doors for darshan, that is, from 2:30 PM but will remain open until 9:00 PM.
Night Darshan: Night Darshan That the temple closes at night after final aarti at 9:00 PM.
During special festivals and pujas like Navaratri, Diwali, and Makar Sankranti, the temple is open for extra hours, and special rituals and prayers are held. During festivals, the temple is decorated lavishly, and the number of devotees grows manyfold to make it a more vibrant and spiritually charged ambiance.
Ambaji Temple Puja and Aarti Timings
The temple offers a number of puja services. These include regular daily rituals, special prayers, and aarti ceremonies. Some of the most famous aartis performed in the Ambaji Temple are as follows:
Mangal Aarti (performed early in the morning)
Shri Amba Aarti (evening aarti)
Bhog Aarti (offered during special occasions)
The aarti sessions are considered a special moment for devotees as the rhythmic chanting of hymns and the temple bell create a deep atmosphere of devotion. The grand aarti services take place on important festivals such as Navratri and attract thousands of pilgrims to attend the divine rituals.
Distance of Ambaji Temple and How to Reach
Ambaji Temple is situated in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat and is well-connected by various modes of transport to major cities in Gujarat and Rajasthan. The temple is located in a peaceful environment that adds to the overall experience of spiritual solace.
By Road: Temple is accessible by road from cities such as Ahmadabad, Palampur, and Rajkot. The traveling distance from Ahmedabad to Ambaji is nearly 185 km, which is approximately 3-4 hours by car or bus. Private taxis and buses are also available to commute to the temple.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is Abu Road, 25 km from Ambaji. The station is well connected to the major cities Ahmedabad, Udaipur, and Mumbai. Taxi or local transport can be availed to reach the temple from Abu Road.
By Air: The nearest domestic airport to Ambaji is located in Udaipur, Rajasthan, which is about 165 km away. Udaipur has better flight connectivity with major cities in India. Once at the airport, pilgrims can hire a taxi to reach Ambaji.
Best Time to Visit Ambaji Temple
The best time to visit Ambaji Temple is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for travel. During this time, pilgrims can experience the temple’s serene atmosphere without the scorching heat of summer.
The Navratri festival, which falls in September or October, is the most significant event at the Ambaji Temple. The temple is decorated with lights, flowers, and vibrant colors, and special pujas, aartis, and rituals are performed. This is the most auspicious time to visit the temple for devotees seeking the goddess’s blessings.
Conclusion
The Ambaji Temple is not just a religiously important place; it is an abode where people come with the hope to seek divine blessing, peace, and strength. Whether it is a mythological value, unique timing for darshan, or the overall grandeur in the architecture, Ambaji Temple truly offers a wonderful spiritual experience through its divine power and the surroundings.
If you are planning a visit to the Ambaji Temple, remember to check the temple timings, plan your travel route accordingly, and make sure to participate in the rituals and prayers to fully immerse yourself in the temple’s divine presence.
farhat Nazneen 
vikram singh