Shri Ambika Devi Shaktipeeth Temple -

Shri Ambika Devi Shaktipeeth Temple

अम्बिका मंदिर, जिसे विराट शक्ति पीठ मंदिर भी कहा जाता है, राजस्थान के भरतपुर में स्थित है, जिसे “राजस्थान का पूर्वी द्वार” कहा जाता है। यह मंदिर देवी सती को “अम्बिका” के रूप में समर्पित है और यह भारत के 51 शक्ति पीठों में से एक है। मान्यता है कि जब भगवान विष्णु ने अपनी सुदर्शन चक्र से देवी सती के मृत शरीर को काटा, तो देवी सती की बाईं अंगूठी यहां गिरी थी। भगवान शिव को यहां “अमृतेश्वर” के रूप में पूजा जाता है।

“ॐ नमः शिवाय
This mantra is a salutation to Lord Shiva, the deity enshrined in the cave. “

― Shri Ambika Devi Shaktipeeth Temple

यह मंदिर धार्मिक दृष्टि से महत्वपूर्ण है, खासकर प्रमुख त्योहारों जैसे नवरात्रि, दिवाली और मकर संक्रांति के दौरान। इन समयों में, देवी अम्बिका के आशीर्वाद की प्राप्ति के लिए बड़ी संख्या में भक्त यहां आते हैं। शरद पूर्णिमा, राम नवमी और सोमवती अमावस्या भी यहां पूजा के महत्वपूर्ण अवसर हैं। नवरात्रि, जो साल में दो बार मनाई जाती है, इस समय भक्त उपवासी रहते हैं और विशेष अनुष्ठान करते हैं। महाशिवरात्रि भी यहां एक महत्वपूर्ण त्योहार है, जब भगवान शिव को दूध और बिल्व पत्र से अभिषेक किया जाता है। नवरात्रि और महाशिवरात्रि के दौरान विशेष पूजा और यज्ञ भी आयोजित किए जाते हैं।

Who is Ambika Mata?

Ambika Mata is the Parashakti that is joined with Shivshakti. Though one, they are referred to as two. Some of Her names are – Sati, Parvati, Gauri, Uma, Bhadrakali, Durga, Minakshi, Kamakshi, Lalita and Annapurna. These are just some, Ambika Mata has names which are uncountable. The goddess is the slayer of demons and protector of the righteous. She is depicted in various ways. Most often, She is seen with two, four or eight arms seated on a lion holding various weapons. Like Her names – Her forms are also countless.
The ten Mahavidyas are all a form of Shakti. The 51 Shaktipeeths across India are storehouses of Divine Energy and Power. The 64 (Chausath) Yoginis are also Her forms. She is also the eight Matrikas who fought Raktabeej, the powerful demon. She is the most loving Mother for devotees and the righteous and also the most ferocious slayer of evil forces.
For Jains She is revered as ‘Yakshi’, also known as Ambai and Kushmandi. She has a golden complexion and is a protector. She is also the mother of two sons – Priyankara and Shubhankara.

Ambika Mata Temple , Jagat (Rajasthan) – Ancient Abode of Shakti

Ambika Mata or Ambe Maa is just one of the names of Adi Shakti, the original power that created the world. Shakti is the female form and is always one with Shiva. Shiva and Shakti are inseparable. Adi Shakti has countless names and forms. She is the Mother of the Creation. She is the Mother of Autumn and Harvest of crops.

Ambika Mata Mandir – Jagat (Rajasthan)

Ambika Mata Mandir is located in Jagat, about 40 km from Udaipur. The temple is within a cleft in a huge rock. This ancient temple’s exact origins are not known but is said to have been renovated in 961 CE. This is confirmed from a number of inscriptions found on rocks. The temple is built in what is known as the Maru – Gurjara style of architecture. It was probably built in the 7th or the 8th century CE. The temple is under the supervision and care of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), but puja is still done. The temple was dedicated to Ambika Mata as the Goddess of Shakti (Power). In the sanctum is a remarkably well preserved Murti of the Goddess beautifully adorned with silk garments and jewellery.

The five cornered temple is by any definition, a work of art and a labour of love. The best part is that the sculptures, carvings and other decorations are in good shape after all these centuries. The temple is enclosed by a fort-like wall which has 16 turrets (Small towers) and a conical roof. The walls are adorned with exquisite carvings of Devis – Devtas, heavenly musicians (Gandharvas), dancers (Apsaras) and much more. It has been designed to look like the celestial abode of God, but on Earth. Most of the sculptures here are of Devi Brahmani, Lakshmi Mata and Ambika Mata (Durga). The prayer Hall (Sabha Mandapa) has sculptures of Lord Ganesh in panels.