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{{Short description|Hindu temple and Shakti piths in Gujarat, India}}
{{Infobox Hindu temple|name=Ambaji Mata Temple|native_name=અરાસુરી અંબા માતા મંદિર|country=India|state=[[Gujarat]]|district=[[Banaskantha district]]|location=[[Ambaji]]|deity=[[Shakti]] (Arasuri Amba)|elevation_m=480|architecture=White marble with gold-plated spire|map_type=India Gujarat|map_caption=Location in Gujarat|website=[https://www.ambajitemple.in ambajitemple.in]|native_name_lang=GU|image=0081323 Arasuri Ambaji mandir, Shakti Peeth, north Gujarat 037.jpg|alt=Ambaji Temple at Night|coordinates={{coord|24.33|N|72.85|E|display=inline,title}}|caption=Ambaji Mata Temple}}
'''Ambaji Mata Temple''' (also known as '''Arasuri Amba Temple''') is a prominent [[Hindu temple]] in the town of [[Ambaji]] in [[Banaskantha district]], [[Gujarat]], India.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=2025-07-30 |title=Ambaji set to become model temple town |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/ambaji-set-to-become-model-temple-town/articleshow/122982575.cms |access-date=2025-08-26 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Revered as one of the 51 [[Shakta pithas]], the temple is traditionally believed to enshrine the heart of the goddess [[Sati (Hindu goddess)|Sati]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-11-28 |title=Nita Ambani visits Ambaji temple, boy steals papal audience, and other news in pictures |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/boy-steals-papal-audience-congress-tdp-joint-rally-in-khammam-and-other-news-in-pictures/article25611625.ece |access-date=2025-08-26 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> It is a major pilgrimage destination, particularly during [[Navratri]] and the annual '''Bhadarvi Purnima Fair'''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ambaji Set to Become India's Benchmark Temple Town with Gujarat's New Master Plan |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/religion/ambaji-set-to-become-india-s-benchmark-temple-town-with-gujarat-s-new-master-plan-article-13349431.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730095349/https://www.moneycontrol.com/religion/ambaji-set-to-become-india-s-benchmark-temple-town-with-gujarat-s-new-master-plan-article-13349431.html |archive-date=2025-07-30 |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=Moneycontrol |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-20 |title=From 45 lakh to over 32 lakh, footfall at Ambaji temple records dip compared to last year |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/from-45l-to-over-32l-footfall-at-ambaji-temple-records-dip-compared-to-last-yr-9577860/ |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

== Location ==
The temple stands at an elevation of about 480 metres on the Arasur Hills of the [[Aravalli Range]], near the [[Gujarat]]–[[Rajasthan]] border. It lies roughly 65 km from [[Palanpur]], 20 km from [[Abu Road]], 45 km from [[Mount Abu]], and 185 km from [[Ahmedabad]], near the source of the [[Saraswati River|Saraswati]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ambaji set to be linked with Gabbar Hill as ₹1,632 cr 'Shakti Corridor' master plan launched |url=https://english.gujaratsamachar.com/news/gujarat/ambaji-set-to-become-model-temple-town-under-rs-1632-crore-master-plan |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=english.gujaratsamachar.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Govt unveils master plan for development of Ambaji |url=https://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/govt-unveils-master-plan-for-development-of-ambaji/81896249.html |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=Ahmedabad Mirror |language=en}}</ref>

== Religious significance ==
Ambaji is regarded as one of the principal [[Shaktism|Shakti]] pilgrimage sites. According to tradition, the heart or right arm of Sati fell at this spot following her immolation and Shiva's dance of destruction.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ambaji Shaktipeeth to get Rs 1,191-cr facelift |url=https://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/ambaji-shaktipeeth-to-get-rs-1191-cr-facelift/81886355.html |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=Ahmedabad Mirror |language=en}}</ref> The site is associated with Shaktism and tantric worship. Nearby Gabbar Hill—considered the original seat of the goddess—houses shrines and a light-and-sound show illustrating local legends.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-30 |title=PM Modi offers prayers at Ambaji temple, performs 'maha aarti' at Gabbar Tirth |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pm-modi-offers-prayers-at-ambaji-temple-performs-maha-aarti-gabbar-tirth-2006970-2022-09-30 |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> Unlike many Hindu shrines, Ambaji does not contain an idol; the goddess is represented by the Shree Visa Yantra, a sacred geometric diagram that is veiled and not visible to devotees. Photography inside the sanctum is prohibited.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeshGujarat |date=2023-04-20 |title=2200 kg Shree Yantra to be set up at pilgrim town Ambaji in Gujarat |url=https://deshgujarat.com/2023/04/20/2200-kg-shree-yantra-to-grace-ambaji-temple-in-gujarat/ |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=DeshGujarat |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-11 |title=CM inaugurates 'fulfilment centre' for online delivery of Ambaji temple prasad |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/cm-inaugurates-fulfilment-centre-for-online-delivery-of-ambaji-temple-prasad-9155220/ |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

== Architecture and worship ==
The complex features white marble construction, a gold-plated spire, and silver-plated doors. Daily offerings and multiple ''[[Aarti|āratī]]'' ceremonies are performed, and an eternal flame (''Akhand Jyot'') is maintained in the Chachar Chowk courtyard.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-08 |title=Mohanthal versus Chikki as Ambaji temple 'prasad' |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/mohanthal-versus-chikki-as-ambaji-temple-prasad-1503160529.html |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=The Statesman |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Amarnath K. |date=2015-04-30 |title=The Modi government wants gold idling in temple vaults to be part of the India growth story. The trusts aren't enthusiastic |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/religion/story/20150511-gold-akshaya-tritiya-world-gold-council-temple-818296-2015-04-30 |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-07 |title=Gujarat hosts 51 Shakti Peeth Parikrama Mahotsav at Ambaji: Rituals begin on Feb 9, over 15 lakh devotees expected - Gujarat News |url=https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/local/gujarat/news/gujarat-shakti-peeth-parikrama-ambaji-2024-134431262.html |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=Bhaskar English |language=en}}</ref>

== Festivals and pilgrimage ==
The Bhadarvi Purnima Fair (September) attracts large numbers of devotees, many of whom travel on foot to Ambaji. During the fair the town is illuminated, resembling [[Diwali]]. The temple also hosts extensive [[Garba (dance)|garba]] dances and [[Bhavai]] folk theatre during [[Navratri]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-09 |title=Kashtbhanjan Dev adorned with rakhis from across India: Ambaji, Khedbrahma temples draw massive crowds since early morning - Gujarat News |url=https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/local/gujarat/news/raksha-bandhan-kashtbhanjan-dev-rakhis-ambaji-temple-crowd-khedbrahma-ambika-mataji-celebrations-gujarat-135638650.html |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=Bhaskar English |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-22 |title=Ram Temple Consecration : Ambaji Mandir to provide online prasad to devotees |url=https://theblunttimes.in/ram-temple-consecration-ambaji-mandir-to-provide-online-prasad-to-devotees/39522/ |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=The Blunt Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Govt officials join Gujarat's 'Review Mission' ahead of Ambaji Bhadrapadi Poonam Mela |url=https://www.thehawk.in/news/india/govt-officials-join-gujarats-review-mission-ahead-of-ambaji-bhadrapadi-poonam-mela |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=www.thehawk.in |language=en}}</ref>

== Governance and recent developments ==
In the 2020s, state-led works were announced to develop Ambaji as a "model temple town," including a proposed "Shakti Corridor" linking the main temple with Gabbar Hill and Mansarovar.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ambaji redevelopment project gets green light |url=https://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/ambaji-redevelopment-project-gets-green-light/81884328.html |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=Ahmedabad Mirror |language=en}}</ref> In 2025 a data centre was introduced to support registrations for the Bhadarvi Poonam fair, donations, ''prasad'' distribution and parking systems.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-08-08 |title=Data centre at Ambaji temple in Gujarat inaugurated |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/data-centre-at-ambaji-temple-in-gujaratinaugurated/articleshow/123190029.cms |access-date=2025-08-26 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-11-02 |title=Gujarat: Stairway to Gabbar hilltop at Ambaji to be restored |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/stairway-to-gabbar-hilltop-at-ambaji-to-be-restored/articleshow/87473518.cms |access-date=2025-08-26 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Preparations for the fair have included coordinated cleanliness, safety and traffic measures, alongside an online parking system intended to streamline pilgrim arrivals.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-30 |title=PM Modi prays at Ambaji temple during Gujarat visit |url=https://thefederal.com/category/states/west/gujarat/pm-modi-offers-prays-at-ambaji-temple-during-gujarat-visit-99659 |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=thefederal.com |language=en}}</ref>

== Accessibility ==
Ambaji is connected by road to [[Palanpur]] and [[Ahmedabad]]. The nearest railway station is [[Abu Road railway station|Abu Road]] (about 20 km), with links to [[Delhi]], [[Mumbai]] and [[Jaipur]]. The nearest major airport is [[Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport]] in Ahmedabad.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ahmedabad to Ambaji train set to run in 2027, 20% of track construction complete |url=https://english.gujaratsamachar.com/news/gujarat/ahmedabad-to-ambaji-train-set-to-run-in-2027-20-of-track-construction-complete |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=english.gujaratsamachar.com |language=en}}</ref>

== See also ==

* [[Ambaji]]
* [[Shakti piths]]
* [[Navratri]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

* [https://www.ambajitemple.in Official website]
* [https://www.gujaratindia.gov.in/Home/ambaji-temple Gujarat state portal: Ambaji Temple]
* [https://www.gujarattourism.com/north-zone/banaskantha/ambaji-temple.html Gujarat Tourism: Ambaji Temple]

[[Category:Hindu temples in Gujarat]]
[[Category:Banaskantha district]]
[[Category:Shakti temples]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Gujarat]]

Ambaji Mata Temple - Revision history

AgnesOppen5 at 01:56, 5 February 2026