Khedbrahma:

Khedbrahma:
One of the few Brahma temples of India, Nana Ambaji temple, it is 27 Kms away.
Polo: (40 Kms) There are 14 temples of Hindu and Jain religion built from 11th to 16th century, spread over area of 10 sq. km of forest. The most interesting ones are: Saraneshwar temple, Lakhena Jain temple, and Shiva-Shakti temple)
Ambaji (famous temple of Goddess Ambaji 73 Kms, Kumbhariya (famous Jain temples) 67 Kms.

KOTESHWAR MAHADEV MANDIR, AMBAJI

KOTESHWAR MAHADEV MANDIR, AMBAJI

The auspicious Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is situated 5 kms beyond the famous temple of Ambaji, 64 kms from Palanpur.



The Aravalli Mountains, the origin of the River Saraswati, and this temple combine to create an aura of holiness and beauty. Situated 64 kms from Palanpur, the Koteshwar Mahadev temple is about 600 years old. The Bhargava Rishi's Ashram and Valmiki Gufa (cave) lend it a historical feel. There is one kund (pond with steps leading to the water) wherein the River Saraswati flows from a Gaumukh (mouth of a cow carved in stone). Pilgrims take a ceremonial bath here.

Nana Fadanvis Maharaja had stayed in hiding here after the fall of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi during the mutiny of 1857.



This temple was restored a few years ago. There is a Vishnu temple nearby where idols of Sapatamatrukas and Vishnu are preserved.

This Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is an ideal place for devotees to spend time at length due to its peace and serenity.

Nearby is another temple named 'Valmikashram'.

DERASAR, KUMBHARIA

DERASAR, KUMBHARIA

Situated 1 km from Ambaji, this temple is a superb example of artistic carving and sculptures which are even comparable with the Dilwara temples at Mt. Abu. This temple was built by Vimalshah, who was the Dandnayak of Chandravati before Bhimdeva. It is also known as Arasan Kumbhariaji.



Kumbharia town was established by Kumbhasana of Chittod, and is named after him. It is believed that during the reign of Bhimdev Solanki, the Dandnayak Jain Vanik of Chandravati, Vimal Shah, had thought of building the Kumbharia Jain Derasars to commemorate his victories.




There are five ancient Jain temples in this pilgrim center. Even older than the Dilwara Temple, these derasars have the idols of Shri Parshwanath Bhagwan, Shri Neminath Bhagwan, Shri Shantinath Bhagwan, Shri Sambhavnath Bhagwan and Shri Mahavir Swami Bhagwan.



There are a total of 94 pillars in the Derasar, out of which 22 have exquisite and intricate carvings, and beautiful idols of Gods, Goddesses and Vidhyadharis installed in them. There are Jharokhas (artistic balconies) in the 'rangmandap'. The artistically carved and highly beautiful terraces and beautiful 'torans' give a clear idea of the grandness of this temple.

MBAJIMATA MANDIR, AMBAJI

MBAJIMATA MANDIR, AMBAJI

One of the most popular pilgrim centres in India is Ambaji, situated in the Aravalli mountain range. It is about 60 kms from Palanpur. Over 30 lakh people visit this temple every year.

According to a story in the Bhagwata Puran, there was a time when Prajapati Daksh organized a yagna called
'Bruhaspatisak'. He invited all the gods but did not invite Lord Shankar, who was his son-in-law. Lord Shankar's wife Parvati went to the yagna at her father's home inspite of Shankar's protest. However, when she heard her father criticizing Shankar, she jumped into the flaming yagna kunda and gave her life. Lord Shankar carried her body on his shoulder and started wandering in the three Loks. On seeing this, Lord Vishnu cut her body into pieces with his Chakra. It is said that parts of Maa Parvati's heart fell at Arasur and that is why this Shaktipith is of special importance. Ma Ambaji is also believed to have rescued the Gods from the torture of the demon Mahisasura.



Her original abode is believed to be 4 kms beyond Ambaji, on the Gabbar Mountain. A fair is organized there every year on Chaitri Purnima and Bhadarvi Purnima. Hundreds of devotees come on foot to pay their respects to the Goddess. Poshi Punam, considered to be the Goddess' birthday, is celebrated with Navratri Garbas. This day sees the highest attendance of devotees.



At Ambaji, it is not an idol, but a Visayantra that is worshipped. It is made of pure gold and consists of 51 letters. It is placed in a Gokh (small hollow). The jewellery of the Visayantra is decorated with the crown and sari in such a manner that it appears as if the Goddess is sitting on her 'Savari'.

The Mahashakti rides a tiger on Sunday, Nandi, the holy cow, on Monday, a lion on Tuesday, an elephant (Airavat) on Wednesday, an eagle (Garud) on Thursday, a swan (Hans) on Friday and an elephant on Saturday.

Looking directly at the yantra is banned. So, the priest performs the pooja blind-folded. This yantra is also considered equivalent to the Kalpavruksha.

Ambaji has many guest houses, holiday homes and good Dharamshalas and hotels

GURUNO BHANKHRO, JALOTRA

GURUNO BHANKHRO, JALOTRA

18 kms down the road from Palanpur to Ambaji, there is a small village called Jalotra. Near this village is a very auspicious place known as Guruno Bhankhro. As it is situated in the midst of the Aravalli mountain range, one has to make one's way through raw rough roads and ditches and climb difficult rocks to reach it. Many devotees, however, make their way through the arduous journey to reach this auspicious place.



An image of Guru Dhudhlinath has been installed in this holy place. It weighs 640 kilograms. It is believed that this idol of Guruji reached the Guru's Gufa (cave) situated at Guruno Bhakhro in seven hours. According to legend, Guru Dhudhlinath had successfully performed this task by taking the form of Guru Motiram. People also believe that ages ago Guru Dhudhlinath had stayed on this Bhakhra, done deep penance and acquired miraculous powers.

The villagers from villages surrounding this Bhakhra often come to pay homage to this Guru. They also take an oath before him for fulfillment of their wishes. There is a practice of doing "Guru's Lot" on the birth of first son.

ASHTABHUJA AMBAJI MANDIR, KHUNIA

ASHTABHUJA AMBAJI MANDIR, KHUNIA

10 kms from Amirgadh is a small temple of Ambaji Mata. There is a beautiful statue of Ma Ashtabhuja Ambaji in this temple.

In ancient times, idols of Lord Shiva and Amba Mata were found in the thick jungle in this area. The devotees considered these statues to be miraculous and thus this area came to be known as Mai Nagar. This area being aboriginal, this temple is mainly visited by tribals.



This temple was built with the assistance of Palanpur Nawab in Khunia, 38 km from Palanpur and 3 km from the highway amidst the mountains. This temple is related to the history of ancient Chandravati.

On the days of Chaitri and Aso Navratri, Ma Amba is worshiped here with traditional Garba. In Khunia, near the Ambaji Mata Mandir there is a beautiful temple of Lord Shiva. Near this is an auspicious peepal tree where there is another grand idol of Hanumanji. Opposite to this is the idol of Kalbhairav. Thus, devotees visit several idols at the same time in this area.

A large fair is held on Chaitri Punam in the temple of Ambaji Mata in Khunia. Devotees and tribals come here in large numbers to enjoy the Bhatigad Sanskriti in colorful clothes.

Ambaji Temple

Ambaji Temple in Gujarat is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths and is visited annually by millions of devotees. The full moon day (Poornima) in the month of Bhadrapada (August – September) is a highly auspicious day at Ambaji Temple. More than a million people travel to the temple on the day, majority of them on foot, carrying religious flags. Bhadrapadi Purnima Festival is also referred as Bhadarvi Poonam festival. In 2010, the date of the festival is September 23.

Shakti Swaroopini Mata Ambika, or Ma Ambaji, is an important female goddess in Shakti Cult and is also known as Amba Bhavani and Arasuri. It is believed that the heart of Goddess Sati fell here, when her body was cut into pieces by Lord Vishnu to stop the intense tapas of Lord Shiva after Sati’s death. There is no idol in the temple and Goddess Ambika is represented by a triangular Vishwa Yantra, inscribed with figures and the syllable ‘Shree’ in the center.

Legend has it that Lord Krishna Mata Ambika here and that Rukmani worshipped here prior to her marrying Krishna. Another legend states that the tonsure ceremony of Child Krishna was performed at Ambaji Temple.

Mata is visited by scores of women devotees who follow the Padyatri Sangh from their region during the Bhadrapad Purnima festival. Ancient folk dance is a major event during the festival, which lasts for four days.

Situated on the Arasur hill near Mount Abu, Ambaji Temple is located in Banaskantha District in Gujarat on the Gujarat – Rajasthan border.

One can reach Ambaji Temple by buses from Ahmedabad and also through Rajasthan Roadways. Ambaji is around 20 km from Abu Road (Rajasthan), 21 km Danta by road and 50 km from Palanpur, an important town in Banaskantha District.

The nearest Railway Station from Ambaji is Abu Road.

Temple of Amba Mata

Temple of Amba Mata

Amba Mata located on top of the peak, this is the temple where newly weds go to worship in order to ensure a happy marriage. The Temple is dedicated to Goddess Ambaji. It is situated on the Arasur Hill, and can be approached by raod from Abu Rd.

In Rajasthan, as well as from all other important places in Gujarat. Folk drama called 'Bhavai' is performed in the courtyards of the temple. The Kumbhariya Jain temples are located just 3 km from here.

Ambaji (Banaskantha district) is the seat of Ambe Mata, the mother goddess. Hers is a household name in the state. People pay honor to her during Navratri in song and dance. Navratri in Gujarat is comparable to the worship of Saraswati in Bengal. Ambe Mata is the Adya Shakti- the primordial female power the mother goddess. The Ambaji temple which is situated on the Arasur hill in the Aravali Range does not contain any idol. It has only a yantra engraved in a niche. The shrine is made of marble. Large number of devotees visit the shrine during the Purnima fairs held on the full moon day of Kartik, Chaitra, Bhadrapad and also Navratri is celebrated on a grand scale here. Ambaji is one of the 64 Shakti Piths. The Shakti Piths have been established at those places where the pieces of Sati's body fell. It came about this way. Shiv's father-in-law Daksha Prajapati felt insulted when the son-in-law did not stand up to receive him. In order to slight him he organized ayagna and did not invite Shiv. Sati went to the yagna uninvited. She too felt slighted when people failed to take note of her presence. According to Puranas she fell into the sacrificial fire. Shiv picked up her body and rushed about in great grief. Vishnu had to intervene. He cut up the body with his discus, so that Shiv may regain his composure. According to tradition one of the pieces fell at Ambaji. A short distance from Ambaji is the Gabbar Hill. It is said that the goddess revealed herself on the Hill and left her footprints.

AMBAJI TEMPLE

AMBAJI TEMPLE

Location : Arasur Hill, Gujarat. Dedicated To: Goddess Amba. Built Of: Marble. Prominent Feature: No Idol. Situated on the Arasur hill near Mount Abu, Ambaji is one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Gujarat because of the famous temple of goddess Ambaji, also known as Amba Bhavani or 'Arasuri'. It is the principal shrine of the goddess in Gujarat and its actual origins are still unknown. The fact that this temple does not have an idol is indicative of it antiquity, since the worship of images of deities became popular much later. Built of the finest quality of marble, the temple of Ambaji is recognised as one of the original 'Shakti Pithas' where, according to the ancient scriptures, the heart of the goddess Ambaji fell on earth when her body was dismembered. The deity in the temple is represented not by an idol but by a triangular 'Vishwa Yantra', inscribed with figures and the syllable 'Shree' in the centre. During the holy month of Bhadrapad, devotees trek hundreds of miles on foot to reach the temple by 'Bhadrapad Poonam'. In the vicinity are the well-known Jain Temples of Kumbharia and Gabbar, a steep hill whose peak bears the footprints of the

Ambaji Ambe Mataji

Posted by Kaushik Patel on September 12, 2010 in Khushboo Gujarat ki | 47 Comments

During the Treta yuga powerful and evil forces had taken control of the world. The combined cries of devotees inspired a divine solution. Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati combined their shanti’s (powers) to produce a Devi powerful enough to free the people of their suffering. That powerful Goddess that they produced is Vaishno Devi.

Vaishno Mata quickly disposed of an evil demon who was preventing devotees from their religious practices. She took a birth in South India so that She could continue with Her divine mission here on earth. After some time She left home to perform austerities and meditate on Lord Rama. At that time Lord Rama was searching for his wife Sita who had been abducted by the evil Ravana. Rama appeared before Vaishno Devi. She asked to be his wife. Rama refused saying that he was already married but if Vaishno Devi could recognize him when he returned next then he would agree to marry her.

After killing Ravana and rescuing Sita Rama returned to Vaishno Devi’s hermitage disguised as an old sadhu. To her disappointment Vaishno Devi did not recognize him. He consoled her saying that he would again take a birth in Kali Yuga (the present age) and then they would get married. Lord Rama told Vaishno Devi to stay in a cave in the Trikuta hills where Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati were staying. There many devotees would come for Her darshan and she would fulfill their desires. He also sent Hanuman to serve Her. Since that time Vaishno Devi has been there, serving the world, and waiting for Lord Rama to return.

टेम्पले

Add your knowledge in this group about gujarat it have a popular tourist destination. Its tourist places located in different parts of gujrat and attract तौरिस्ट्स

– Ambaji

What you see – Ambaji is one of the popular religious places of Hindus where Amba Mata, the goddess of Shakti is worshipped. Ambaji is also called Arasuri Ambaji as it is located amidst the beautiful Arasuri mountain ranges in Banaskanta district some 200 kilometers away from Ahmedabad.

From a distance itself, the red flag standing tall atop the temple can be seen fluttering in the wind. Before entering the temple, you need to deposit your shoes at a counter free of charge. After passing through the security check, you enter the huge premises lined with shops selling pooja items, toys, key chains, idols, silver jewelry and so on. The town produces a lot of marble and granite and so a variety of marble products is also available.

Mangalya Van

Mangalya Van

Photos Mangalya Van

Mangalya Van Nestled atop a hillock i.e. Kailash tekri around a kilometer and half from the Ambaji Temple on the Khedbrahma Highway is Mangalya Van, a unique garden that is of late drawing hordes of tourists. One has to climb steps to reach Kailash tekri and Mangalya Van, which is also surrounded by water bodies. The van was developed by the forest department and its USP is a unique Rashi Van' (astrological garden) within and a garden of plants, which astrologers say have the same effect as stones on one's life. All those who come to Mangalya Van invariably enquire about the effects of plants on sun signs and want to take back home a sapling that favors their zodiac sign. They grow it in their backyard or in the vicinity of their house. Around 700 to 800 people visit Mangalya Van every day and on holidays, the number crosses 1,000. Its popularity is picking up fast. Each of the 12 zodiac signs have been given three plants and are planted in 18x18 meter in this garden.

koteshwar

Koteshwar

Photos Koteshwar

Koteshwar Koteshwar is eight kilometers from Ambaji and it is believed to be the source, or gomukh, of one of the present-day Saraswati rivers. Valmiki Ashram and Shakti Ashram are worth seeing here.

Rani Ki Vav

Rani Ki Vav

Photos Rani Ki Vav

Rani Ki Vav Rani (Queen) Udayamati commissioned this vav or stepwell, in 1063 in the memory of her husband King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty. The vav was later flooded by the nearby Saraswati river and silted over until the late 1980s, when it was excavated by the Archeological Survey of India, with the carvings found in pristine condition. Rani Ki Vav is amongst the finest stepwells in India, and one of the most famous legacies of the ancient capital city. The vavs of Gujarat are not merely sites for collecting water and socialising, but also simultaneously hold great spiritual significance. They were originally constructed quite simply, but became more intricate over the years, perhaps to make explicit this ancient concept of the sanctity of water by carving it out in stone deities. You may thus enter Rani Ki Vav as if it is a subterranean temple. The steps begin at ground level, leading you down through the cool air through several pillared pavilions to reach the deep well below. There are more than 800 elaborate sculptures among seven galleries. The central theme is the Dasavataras, or ten incarnations of Vishnu, including Buddha. The avatars are accompanied by sadhus, brahmins, and apsaras (celestial dancers), painting their lips and adorning themselves. At water level you come to a carving of Sheshashayi-Vishnu, in which Vishnu reclines on the thousand-hooded serpent Shesha, where it is said he rests in the infinity between ages.

Mangalya Van

Mangalya Van

Photos Mangalya Van

Mangalya Van Nestled atop a hillock i.e. Kailash tekri around a kilometer and half from the Ambaji Temple on the Khedbrahma Highway is Mangalya Van, a unique garden that is of late drawing hordes of tourists. One has to climb steps to reach Kailash tekri and Mangalya Van, which is also surrounded by water bodies. The van was developed by the forest department and its USP is a unique Rashi Van' (astrological garden) within and a garden of plants, which astrologers say have the same effect as stones on one's life. All those who come to Mangalya Van invariably enquire about the effects of plants on sun signs and want to take back home a sapling that favors their zodiac sign. They grow it in their backyard or in the vicinity of their house. Around 700 to 800 people visit Mangalya Van every day and on holidays, the number crosses 1,000. Its popularity is picking up fast. Each of the 12 zodiac signs have been given three plants and are planted in 18x18 meter in this garden.