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Ambaji Temple - Weekend Getaway From Ahmedabad

Route

• Ahmedabad
• Prantij
• Himmatnagar
• Idar
• Khedbrahma
• Ambaji

Distance

Ahmedabad - Ambaji - 200 kms

Type of Destination

Weekend Getaway, Religious.

This is one of the richest and holiest temples in Gujarat attracting pilgrims from all over Gujarat and Rajasthan annually. It is located on the Arasur hill in the Aravalli Range in the small town of Ambaji (named after the famous temple) near Gujarat (Palanpur) and Rajasthan (Mount Abu) borders. The temple is considered to be one of the 51 shakti peeths, which celebrates shakti worship in the form of Ambaji Mata (Mother). The most fascinating fact about the shrine is that there is no idol inside it. The deity is represented in the form of a triangle, inscribed with figures and with the syllable 'Shree' in the center. This is called the Vishwa Yantra. This emphasizes the fact that the temple is antique, since idol worship became popular much later.

It is believed that in ancient times the Ambaji Temple was originally located at a hilltop called Gabbar Hill, which is just 3 kms away from Ambaji temple. Even today the hill bears imprints of the goddess’s visit in the form of her footprints. Some even claim to have found the imprints of the chariot of Ambaji. The temple of Ambaji is quite old and it is said that Krishna worshipped Shiva and Ambika at Ambikavana and that Rukmani worshipped Ambika here prior to her marrying Krishna. Legend also has it that the tonsure ceremony of Krishna the child was performed here at Ambaji. Hence, Ambaji Temple is a must visit for every devout Hindu.

Though you may travel to the Ambaji temple any time of the year, yet the best time is to enjoy the fullest is visiting the temple during the Navaratri celebrations. During the festival, a huge fair is organized here every year, which attracts tourists from various parts of India.

The other occasion to visit the temple is on Purnima, when a huge mela or fair is organized for the devotees.

For those who are planning to visit Gabbar Hill while at Ambaji Temple you may use the Maa Ambaji Udankhatola (ropeway) to reach the hilltop in just 3 mins. This is especially beneficial for children, aged and handicapped pilgrims who wish to visit the original site of the temple. The ropeway operates from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.

Reaching There

Ambaji is situated at a very advantageous location as it is near to almost all the major cities of Gujarat and Rajasthan. It is only 180 kms from Ahmedabad and 45 Kms from Mount Abu. Even if you are planning to come from Delhi then it is at a distance of 700 Kms.

The nearest railway station is Abu Road Station in Rajasthan from where Ambaji city is just 20 kms away.

The nearest airport is at Ahmedabad.

Staying There

Hotel Akash Ganga
Phone: 02749-262764

Balaram Resort
Phone: 02742-84278

Visiting other religious places near Ambaji

If you have time while visiting Ambaji, then you may visit Goddess Amba temple in Ambaji town, Koteshwar temple, and Maa Kamakshi temple.

There is very old (800 years) Jain temple named Kumbhariaji near Ambaji.