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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.