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 goddess.
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