History:

Ambaji Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Ambaji. It is located in Banaskantha district of Gujarat in India. The original temple, believed to be founded in the 8th century, is believed to be associated to the Ancient Indian Texts.The present temple was built in 1714 by Maharaja Viramdeo Rao Puar of Idar, who also built other temples at Jagat and nearby villages. The temple complex has several small temples and shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities. Every year on the Dakshinayana (July-August) the festival of Navratri is celebrated here to mark the arrival of Goddess Ambaji from the Himalayas. It is believed that the temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas or divine sites of Shakti and an important destination of the Goddess. Every year pilgrimage to this temple is organized in large numbers. It is not only a place of pilgrimage but also a great source of education and enlightenment. The temples provides various educational and social activities with its worship, rituals and culture. It is one of the best temple in Gujarat which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The Ambaji Temple, located in Banaskantha district of Gujarat, is one of the most important Siddhapeeth of Goddess Ambaji, believed to have been created by Lord Shri Krishna. 2.The main deity of the temple is Goddess Ambaji, who is referred to as Amba or Ambaji. She is considered to be an incarnation of Goddess AdiShakti, the mother of universe. 3. The temple sits atop the holy Arasur Hill, which marks the holy center of the huge Shatrunjaya mountain range. 4. The temple is considered as one of the 51 Shakti Pithas, and is also one of the most popular Shaktipeeths of the world. 5. On the 8th day of Navratri, a grand fair is held at the temple premises known as Basant Panchmi. A huge gathering of devotees visits the temple during the occasion, making it one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. 6. The temple is also famous for its Daily Aarti, which is performed every evening and usually held in the centre of the courtyard. 7. There is a small shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva near the entrance gate of the temple. 8. The temple premises also house a number of holy shrines and places of significant importance. One such shrine is that of Goddess Parvati, also known as Ambaji. 9. On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, a huge fair is held at the Ambaji Temple to commemorate the thread tying ceremony of Lord Krishna and Draupadi. 10. The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus from all parts of the world and is visited by millions of devotees every year. Here are some facts about the Gujarat temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Gujarat

Worship Method:

The Ambaji Temple in Banaskantha has a unique worship style that is based on Hinduism and Jainism. It is considered one of the 51 Shakti peeths, a place of power in Hinduism associated with the goddess Ambaji. The temple is open to all faiths, and all are welcome to come and seek blessings from the deity. The traditional form of worship for the Ambaji Temple includes the chanting of mantras and offering of prayers and devotional songs to the Goddess. Along with the chanting of mantras and prayers, devotees also offer traditional offerings such as flowers, ghee, honey and rice, followed by an aarti and arati. During this time, the devotees also perform pradakshina (circumambulation) around the deity three times. After the pooja is offered, sacred water and Akshata (rice mixed with turmeric and sandalwood) is sprinkled on the devotees as a blessing. This type of worship is similar to that of the other temples in Gujarat. It is a form of devotion that connects the devotees with the deity and brings peace, prosperity and good health. This most visited temple in Gujarat

Opening Timing:

At Ambaji Temple in Banaskantha, Gujarat, the main temple gates open at 4:00am and close at 8:00 pm. There is also a special Darshan time from 5.30 PM to 7 PM, where the doors remain open for longer. top temples in Gujarat

How to reach:

The most convenient and fastest way of reaching Ambaji Temple in Banaskantha District of Gujarat is by air. The nearest airport to Ambaji Temple is Ahmedabad Airport which is located at a distance of approx 148 km from Ambaji Temple. From here one can take a taxi or hire a private car for a drive to Ambaji. Alternatively, if traveling by rail, the nearest railway station to Ambaji Temple is Palanpur Junction which is located at a distance of 60 km. From the station, one can take a taxi or hire a private car for a drive to Ambaji. One can also travel to Ambaji by road. There are frequent buses from Ahmedabad, Mehsana, Modasa, Palanpur and Ambaji. famous temples in Gujarat