Ambamata Temple

Ambamata Temple
Ambamata Temple Location in Udaipur
Name
Proper name	Ambamata Temple
Geography
Coordinates	24°34′54.9462″N 73°39′59.9508″E / 24.581929500°N 73.666653000°E / 24.581929500; 73.666653000Coordinates: 24°34′54.9462″N 73°39′59.9508″E / 24.581929500°N 73.666653000°E / 24.581929500; 73.666653000
Country	India
State	Rajasthan
District	Udaipur district
Locale	Udaipur
History and governance
Date built	Samvat 1721

Ambamata Temple, a large Hindu temple in the middle of Udaipur in Rajasthan, is considered as one of the major places of worship in Udaipur.^[1] This temple has fascinating story behind its construction by Maharana Raj Singh of Udaipur. It is assumed that he built this temple on instructions of Goddess Amba Mata in Gujarat.^[2]

General

Ambamata Temple is constructed on a high pedestal enclosed with a high compound wall. It is constructed on a 20 ft high platform. Inside the main compound wall, there is a courtyard and a Charan Paduka platform. There are around 8 steps in front, leading to the temple. Above the main gate of the compound wall is "nakkar khana" with Gold Lion statues on the either side. On the west side of the Nakkarkhana is the east-facing main temple. The temple is made of white stone and having a moderate architecture.

History

It is believed that Maharana Raj Singh (1652-1680) suffered from severe eye trouble, and even efforts made by Raj Vaidya could not cure him. He was then advised to visit the Ambika Mata temple in Arbudancha hills of Gujarat. But before starting the journey, the Maharana saw the Goddess in his dream and was told that he need not make the journey as the Goddess herself was coming to Mewar. Based on the instructions provided in dreams, the Maharana and his courtiers start digging a place where they found an idol of goddess Ambamata. Immediately on the extraction of the idol from the ground, Maharana was also fully cured from his ailment. Maharana started construction of a temple at the same location. The temple was completed in Vikram Samvat 1721(1664 AD).^[3]

Access

The Ambamata Temple is located on the Ambamata Temple Road, near Fateh Sagar Lake, around 3 km from the city center and 5 km from Udaipur City railway station. Visitors can take local auto-rickshaws, taxis or personal vehicles to reach Ambamata Temple.

References