Ambaji Temple

Goddess Amba (Shakti)

Ambaji, Banaskantha district, Gujarat

Folktale & Sacred Story

A local legend specific to nearby Gabbar Hill, regarded as the goddess's original seat about 4 km from the main temple, holds that the mundan (ritual first tonsure) of the infant Krishna was performed here by his foster parents Nanda and Yashoda, who are said to have worshipped Devi Ambaji and Lord Shiva at this spot during the Dwapara Yuga. A sacred pipal tree and footprints attributed to the goddess are still shown to pilgrims at the hilltop as part of this tradition.

Most Revered Practice

The single most important annual event is the Bhadarvi Purnima Fair, held on the full moon night of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, when the temple and town remain open through the night and several million devotees, many arriving on foot in organized pilgrim groups, converge on Ambaji over about a week.

Prasadam & Offerings

The temple's official prasad, distributed both at the shrine and via its online prasad service, consists of Mohanthal (a gram-flour sweet) and Chikki (a jaggery-and-peanut brittle).

Temple Speciality

Ambaji is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of India and is unusual for having no idol at all: the goddess is worshipped in the form of the Shree Visa Yantra, a sacred geometric diagram kept veiled and never directly displayed. The temple itself is built of white marble with a gold-plated spire and silver-plated doors, standing on the Arasur hills of the Aravalli range near the Gujarat-Rajasthan border.

Why Pilgrims Visit

Devotees and Shakti worshippers visit to experience one of the most sacred of the 51 Shakti Peethas and its rare aniconic, yantra-based worship, timing their visit to Navratri or the Bhadarvi Purnima fair for the large-scale devotional atmosphere.

History & Legend

One of the 51 Shakti Peethas, uniquely worshipped without an idol -- devotees venerate a visual yantra (geometric symbol) in the sanctum, in a tradition believed to predate temple architecture itself.

Divine Significance

Marks the site associated with Sati's heart, and draws vast crowds during Navratri and the Bhadarvi Poornima fair.

Darshan Timings

Darshan is generally offered in sessions across the day, approximately 7:00 AM-11:30 AM, 12:30-4:30 PM, and 6:30-9:00 PM; hours are considerably extended during the Bhadarvi Purnima fair (please confirm exact timings with the temple before visiting, as they vary by season and festival).

How To Reach

Nearest airport: Ahmedabad (~185 km). Nearest railway station: Ambaji Road / Abu Road (Rajasthan side), then short drive.

Where To Stay

Trust guesthouses and hotels in Ambaji town.

Local Food Nearby

The town has numerous shops selling the temple's Mohanthal and Chikki prasad, alongside simple Gujarati thali restaurants and roadside eateries catering to pilgrims.

Contact & Official Info

Official site: ambajitemple.in

Location Map

View on Google Maps → (24.33, 72.85)