Amba Mata Temple Udaipur: The Healing Goddess of Mewar

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Location

  • Ambamata Temple Road, near Fateh Sagar Lake, Udaipur, Rajasthan.
  • Just 3 km from the city center and 5 km from Udaipur Railway Station.
  • Nestled within a walled compound on a 20-foot-high platform, offering a serene and elevated spiritual experience.

Presiding Deity

  • Ma Amba (Ambika Mata): A revered form of Durga/Shakti, worshipped as the Kuldevi of Mewar.
  • The temple houses two idols:
    • A smaller original idol that miraculously appeared during a royal excavation.
    • A larger replica idol, commissioned by Maharana Raj Singh in 1664 AD.

Sub-Shrines & Unique Features

  • Charan Paduka Platform: Marks the spot where the goddess first set foot—devotees bow here before entering the sanctum.
  • Nakkar Khana: Ornamental gateway with gold lion statues and colored glasswork.
  • Roosters roam freely in the temple—left by devotees whose wishes were fulfilled, symbolizing gratitude rather than sacrifice.
  • Dwarpals (Temple Guardians) flank the entrance, enhancing the temple’s protective aura.

Temple Significance

  • Miraculous Origin: Maharana Raj Singh, suffering from an incurable eye ailment, was guided by Ma Amba in a dream to excavate a specific site. Upon discovering the idol, his eyesight was miraculously restored.
  • Spiritual Magnetism: The temple is a center of faith, healing, and divine intervention, attracting devotees from all walks of life.
  • Cultural Hub: The temple lawn hosts Garba, Gavri, and Ger dances during festivals, reinforcing its role in local tradition.

History & Legends

  • The temple was built in Vikram Samvat 1721 (1664 AD) by Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar.
  • At the time, the Maharana suffered from a severe eye ailment that no royal physician could cure.
  • He planned a pilgrimage to the Ambika Mata Temple in Gujarat, but the goddess appeared to him in a dream, saying:
    “You need not travel—I will come to Mewar myself.”
  • Following her divine instructions, the king excavated a site in Udaipur and discovered a miraculous idol of Amba Mata. Upon its emergence, his eyesight was instantly restored.
  • Out of gratitude, he commissioned a larger replica idol and built the temple at the same site, placing both idols side by side.

Architecture

  • The temple stands on a 20-foot-high platform, enclosed by a tall compound wall.
  • Key features include:
    • Charan Paduka: A sacred footprint platform where the goddess is believed to have first stepped.
    • Nakkar Khana: Ornamental gateway with gold lion statues and colored glasswork.
    • White stone construction with traditional Rajputana design.
    • Spacious courtyard and lawn, used for cultural events like Garba, Gavri, and Ger dances.
  • The temple houses two idols:
    • A smaller original idol (miraculously discovered).
    • A larger replica idol, crafted under royal patronage.

Rituals

  • Daily Worship:
    • Mangala Aarti at dawn
    • Shringar Aarti during midday
    • Sandhya Aarti at dusk
  • Charan Paduka Bowing: Devotees first bow at the Charan Paduka near the neem tree before entering the sanctum—believed to be the goddess’s first footprint in Mewar.
  • Sindoor Abhisheka: The original idol is adorned with sindoor every six months, a ritual of rejuvenation and reverence.
  • Rooster Offering: Devotees leave live roosters in the temple—not as sacrifice, but as a symbol of fulfilled wishes. These birds roam freely in the temple grounds.
  • Swastika Ritual: Women draw inverted swastikas while praying for wishes. Once fulfilled, they return to correct the symbol, signifying divine completion.

Festivals

  • Navratri (Ashwin & Chaitra):
    • The temple becomes a hub of Garba, Gavri, and Ger dances.
    • Special aartis, bhajans, and cultural programs are held in the temple lawn.
    • The royal family of Mewar traditionally visits during the second Navratri.
  • Diwali: Celebrated with deepa offerings, temple illumination, and community prayers.
  • Sundays: Considered auspicious—devotees gather in large numbers for blessings and darshan.

Beliefs

  • Healing Power: The temple is deeply associated with miraculous healing, especially eye ailments—rooted in the legend of Maharana Raj Singh’s cure.
  • Divine Guidance: Locals believe Ma Amba appears in dreams to guide devotees—many stories recount her helping with life decisions, business, and family welfare.
  • Kuldevi of Mewar: Worshipped as the protective goddess of the Mewar dynasty, her blessings are sought before major decisions and ceremonies.
  • Faith Over Ritual: The temple emphasizes devotion and gratitude over formal offerings—many devotees return simply to thank the goddess.

Temple Hours

  • Open Daily:
    • Morning: 4:30 AM – 12:30 PM
    • Evening: 2:30 PM – 10:30 PM
  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning for peaceful darshan or during Navratri for vibrant devotional energy.

Getting Here

  • Location: Ambamata Temple Road, near Fateh Sagar Lake, Udaipur, Rajasthan.
  • By Road:
    • ~3 km from Udaipur City Centre
    • ~6.3 km from Udaipur Bus Stand
  • By Rail:
    • ~5.4 km from Udaipur Railway Station
  • By Air:
    • ~402 km from Jaipur International Airport
    • Udaipur’s Maharana Pratap Airport (~22 km away) is the nearest domestic option.

Tips

  • Dress Code: Traditional attire preferred—avoid sleeveless tops, shorts, or leather items.
  • Cleanliness: Bathe before visiting; avoid tobacco, alcohol, and non-veg food on the day of darshan.
  • Rooster Offering: If your wish is fulfilled, you may leave a live rooster in the temple as a symbolic gesture.
  • Photography: Allowed outside the sanctum; avoid touching idols.
  • Charan Paduka Ritual: Bow at the footprint platform before entering the sanctum for blessings.

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