According to architectural studies conducted recently, it was found that Ambaji temple was constructed around 14th century AD by the Vallabhi ruler, Arun Sen who belonged to the Suryavanshi dynasty. Ambaji temple is quite significant because it is one of the 51 important Shakti Peedams of the country. Shakti Peedams are those places that are considered to be very sacred by Hindus because it denotes the place where Goddess Sati’s body parts fell while Shiva was carrying them. Legend has it that the body parts fell in 51 different places which thereby came to be addressed as Shakti Peedams. It is also believed that Goddess Sati’s heart fell in the place where the Ambaji temple is constructed in Gujarat.

Mode of Worship

An interesting point to note at Ambaji temple is that there is no main deity in the form of an idol or an image. In the main sanctum sanctorum, devotees can find a cave like structure inside the wall in which Holy Shakti Visa Shri Yantra is being installed. This Yantra has around 51 Bij letters inscribed on it. Clicking pictures of this Yantra is strictly prohibited in this temple. The other noteworthy point is that devotees are not allowed to worship this Yantra through their naked eyes. Devotees who come here can worship the Yantra only after wearing a bandage over their eyes.

When do People Visit here in Large Numbers?

Gabber hill is considered to be the seat of the Ambaji temple. This is a reputed mountain that touches the borders of Gujarat and Rajasthan and it is found near the origin of the sacred river, Saraswati. According to Tantra Chudamani, a fragment from Goddess Sati’s heart fell on top of this mountain and therefore this is one of the 51 famous Pauranik Shakti Piths. The temple and the mountain are visited by hundreds of devotees during full moon days. During Bhadarvi Poornima that comes once in a year, the whole area of the temple is in festive moods as there are lots of fairs and events conducted here. Even during the month of September, this temple witnesses lots of devotees. It is an absolutely visual delight to see this temple during Diwali as the whole area is illuminated with colourful lights of different shapes and types.

Other Facts

Gabber Hill also houses a sacred temple at its top which devotees can gain access by climbing a staggering 999 steps along the hill. This Hill temple has a perennial lamp that keeps burning and it is situated in such a way that this lamp faces the sacred Visa Shri Yantra of Ambaji temple. This temple and the hill are few of the major tourist attractions of the state. The fact that Ambaji temple is situated close to famous temples like Kamakshi, Kailash, Manasarovar and Koteshwar, have only increased the devotees flow with every passing year. There are lots of stalls near the main temple selling fine items made of marble and granite as the town of Ambaji is famous for its mines.