Ambaji Templeअंबाजी मंदिर

About Ambaji Temple

The Arasuri Ambaji Temple stands in the town of Ambaji in Banaskantha district, north Gujarat, close to the Rajasthan border at the southern end of the Aravalli hills. It is dedicated to Amba, the Mother Goddess, and is one of the most visited Devi shrines in western India. Families from Gujarat and Rajasthan come here for vows, first haircuts and blessings, and the town fills with pilgrims during Navratri and the full-moon fair of Bhadarvi Poonam.

Ambaji is widely counted among the Shakti Peethas. Tradition says that the heart of Sati fell here when Lord Vishnu's discus divided her body as Shiva carried it in grief, though different lists of the peethas name different places and parts. Local belief holds that the goddess's original seat is on Gabbar hill, a short distance from the town, and many pilgrims visit both. Legends also link Ambaji with Krishna, whose first-haircut ceremony is said to have taken place here, and with Rama, who is said to have received a divine arrow from the goddess. The shrine has been honoured by Rajput and later rulers of the region for centuries, and the complex has been greatly enlarged in modern times.

The main temple is built of white marble with a tall shikhara crowned by gold-plated kalashes. Inside the sanctum there is no idol. The goddess is worshipped through the Visa Yantra, a sacred geometric diagram on a gilded plate that is kept out of direct view and dressed each day with clothes and ornaments, so that it appears as the figure of the seated Mother. Devotees are not allowed to photograph or look at the yantra itself. A large courtyard, the Chachar Chowk, is used for havans and celebrations.

Ambaji Temple timings & aarti

Usually open from about 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with darshan paused for short periods around the aartis and in the early afternoon. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.

Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.

How to reach Ambaji Temple

Festivals at Ambaji Temple

• Bhadarvi Poonam fairAug/Sep
• Sharad NavratriSep/Oct
• Chaitra NavratriMar/Apr
• Diwali and Gujarati New YearOct/Nov

Visitor tips

Dress code

Modest traditional clothing is recommended. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops; shoulders and knees should be covered.

Entry

Free darshan. Ropeway rides to Gabbar hill are ticketed separately.

• Visit Gabbar hill as well as the main temple; it can be reached by steps or by ropeway.
• Photography is not allowed inside the sanctum, and the yantra itself must not be photographed.
• During Bhadarvi Poonam many pilgrims walk to Ambaji on foot from distant towns, so roads and the temple are very busy.
• Weekday mornings are the calmest time for darshan.
• Carry water and a cap if you plan to climb Gabbar in the warmer months.

Places to visit near Ambaji Temple

• Gabbar HillHill believed to be the goddess's original seat, reached by steps or ropeway, about 4 km away
• Kumbhariya Jain TemplesGroup of carved marble Jain temples, about 2 km away
• Koteshwar MahadevShiva shrine near a sacred spring linked with the Saraswati river, about 8 km away
• Mount AbuHill station with the Dilwara Jain temples, about 45 km away

Frequently asked questions