Ambājī

Goddess Ambā · Arāsur hills, Banaskantha district, Gujarat

Ambājī, near the Gujarat–Rajasthan border, is the most important Goddess shrine of Gujarat. There is no image in the sanctum: a sacred yantra, the Viśa Yantra, is worshipped, decorated so that it appears like the Goddess, and devotees are traditionally asked not to photograph it.

Nearby Gabbar hill is regarded as the original seat of the Goddess, reached by steps or ropeway. The Bhādarvī Pūnam fair (Bhādrapada full moon) draws huge numbers of walking pilgrims, and Navarātri garbā is celebrated with great energy. October to March is the best season.

Pīṭha tradition says Satī’s heart fell at Ambājī. Tradition also says the young Kṛṣṇa had his first haircut (muṇḍana) ceremony here, and that Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa received the Goddess’s blessing on their search for Sītā. For many Gujarati families, a child’s first haircut at Ambājī remains a cherished custom.

Gujarat · Viśa Yantra · Bhādarvī Pūnam · Navarātri

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