Amba Mata Temple
“Love has the face of a Goddess, but the Talons of a Lion”. – Ivan Panin.
Hindu Goddess holds a special place amongst her disciples. In fact, India is one of those countries where feminine vigor is worshipped as sacredly as the male power. Known as “Devis”, they are considered as The Supreme Deity, responsible for the creation, protection and destruction of the world.
Welcome to Amba mata Mandir, situated in the heart of the city Udaipur. It is considered as one of major places of worship. Devoted to Ma Amba , this temple holds a significant place in the land of Mewar.
History
As per the legend, back in the era 1652-1680, then Maharana Raj Singh had been suffering from a severe eye problem which no Raj Vaidya (doctor) could heal. The king was advised to visit the Ambika Mata mandir in Gujarat to find a cure. Just a day before leaving for Gujarat, Ma Amba visited the Maharana in his dream and advised him not to visit the temple as SHE would be visiting him. Maa also guided the Maharana towards the place where she would arrive.
Next morning, the Maharana ordered to dig that place and to everyone’s astonishment, as the digging progressed, eyesight of Maharana started improving. Surprisingly, the idol was found at the same place and SHE was successfully brought to the land, Maharana’s eyesight got completely cured.
Maharana then ordered to construct an idol similar to the one extracted. In 1664 AD when the idol was completed it was along with the other idol was placed majestically in the temple.
About the Temple
The mandir is constructed on a 20 ft platform within a tall wall compound. As you enter the temple you will find a huge courtyard and a Charan Paduka platform. The Charan Paduka is a place where the original idol had first put her foot, it is still there near the Neem tree outside the temple. Devotees first bow there and then proceed to the temple.
The steps lead to the temple from the front, above the main gate there is “Nakkar Kana” with gold lion statues on either side. The image of “Dwarpals” and “lions” welcome you to the grand mandap. The entry is through door which is adorned with colored glasses.
Below the “Nakkar Kana” on the west is the east facing main temple which abode the two idols. The smaller one is the original that had appeared. It is decorated with sindoor every six months.
One of the unique things that you find in the temple is the roosters. Roosters are usually used for divine sacrifice, but here they enjoy freedom and live happily in the temple. These are left by the people whose wishes are fulfilled by the goddess.
Faith is what binds the people in the temple. There are many miracle stories attached to this temple, one of them is of the florist who sits outside the temple. As per his story, it was Amba ma who guided him to start the business of flower. They were very poor and he had a big family of 2 sons and 3 daughters to take care of. One night, in his dream, Ma Amba came in form of little girl and suggested this piece of occupation for him. Today he has a big shop which has sufficed all his needs. There is a strong belief that if you want to start a new work or anything auspicious, you first offer your worship here. Once your wish is granted, the families come back and after a night prayer make Swastik with Sindoor, Mehindi etc.
Festivals
Festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm in the temple. In the large lawn various functions and festivals like Gavri, Ger and Garba dances are held. The campus is flooded with devotees in the month of Navratri. These devotees play garba in the mandap. The royal family of Udaipur also visits the mandir on the second day of the Navratri.
Darshan Timings
6 AM to 10 PM
How to reach
The mandir is in the heart of the city Udaipur , very close to the famous Lake Fateh Sagar. It is very easy to reach by a car / taxi or even an auto rikshaw. So plan your visit when you are sightseeing the lake and then after darshan you can take a circular round of Rani road along the Lake Fateh Sagar.
So “Bolo Ambe Mata Ki Jai”…