The Ambika Mata Temple, also called Jagat Temple, sits in Jagat village, Udaipur district, Rajasthan, 50 kilometers southeast of Udaipur. Dedicated to Ambika Devi, a form of Goddess Durga, it’s famous for its intricate carvings. Nestled in a rock crevice in the Aravalli hills, it’s called the “Khajuraho of Rajasthan” for its art. Built in the 10th century under the reign of Rawal Allata of Mewar, it draws devotees and travelers seeking Shakti’s blessings.
History of Ambika Mata Temple
The Ambika Mata Temple was constructed around 961 AD under Rawal Allata of Mewar. However, a 961 AD carving notes repairs, suggesting an older shrine, possibly from the 7th century, per archaeological records. Local lore says Ambika Devi appeared in a dream to a Gujarati minister, Vimal Shah, guiding him to build the Adinath Temple at Mount Abu, linking it to Jainism. The temple faced damage during Mughal times but was restored in the 1800s by local rulers. A tale tells of a barren woman blessed with a child after praying here, spreading the temple’s fame. The State Department of Archaeology and Museum, Rajasthan, now protects it. Around 3000 devotees visit the temple daily and around 10,000 during Navratri.
Architecture of Ambika Mata Temple
The temple spans 1 acre in Jagat’s rocky hills, surrounded by thorny bushes and a stream. Built in the Maru-Gurjara style, it uses white marble and red sandstone. The pentagonal shrine, 30 feet high, has a pagoda-like roof with 17 turrets. A 10-meter rampart wall encloses it, with a 5-meter eastern gate. The sanctum, 8 meters by 8 meters, holds a 4-foot Ambika idol on a lion mount. The prayer hall, or mandapa, spans 12 meters, with 12 pillars and carved windows. A 100-meter courtyard has a small kund for holy dips. The temple being constructed from marble keeps the temperature cool in the summer heat.
Sculptures and Carvings
The temple’s sanctum sanctorum houses the presiding deity depicted by a 4-foot Ambika idol, a white marble Durga with four arms, holding a sword and lotus, riding a lion. Draped in silk and vermillion, it glows under lamps. The mandapa’s 12 pillars, 6 feet tall, show dancers, musicians, and gods, each unique. Wall panels, 1 meter by 0.5 meters, depict Mahishasurmardini slaying a demon, Saraswati with a veena, and Navdurga forms. The ceiling, 8 meters high, has a lotus motif with 12 petals. A 3-foot Chamunda idol, fierce with a skull garland, stands in a side niche. Due to Islamic raids, no older relics remain, but the carvings rival Khajuraho’s, say scholars. The gate’s 4-meter arches show apsaras and Gandharvas.
Rituals and Worship
The Ambika Mata Temple is a key center for Durga worship, especially during Navratri (September/October) and Chaitra Navratri (March/April). Ambika, as Shakti, blesses devotees with strength and protection. Priests perform daily pujas, starting with abhishekam, bathing the idol with milk and water, followed by flower and rice offerings. Three daily aartis use 200 ghee lamps, with chants of Durga Saptashati. Navratri sees the idol adorned with gold crowns, and 500 kilos of rice are offered yearly, per trust logs. Homams, or fire rituals, burn 100 kilos of wood during festivals. The quiet halls are perfect for meditation.
Things to Do at Ambika Mata Temple
Visitors can enjoy faith, art, and village life:
Join Rituals: Attend aartis or Navratri homams to seek blessings and get rice prasad.
See the Temple: Study the Ambika idol, pillar carvings, and Chamunda statue; the courtyard is good for photos.
Walk the Grounds: Stroll the kund path, where peacocks roam near the stream.
Visit Nearby Sites: See Eklingji Temple (30 km), a Shiva shrine, or Sahastra Bahu Temples (35 km) for Vishnu.
Try Local Items: Buy puja flowers or eat vegetarian thalis at stalls, rich with Rajasthani spices.
Visiting Information for Ambika Mata Temple
How to Get There
The temple is in Jagat, 50 kilometers from Udaipur, with several travel options.
By Plane: Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, 60 kilometers away, links to Delhi (1.5 hours, ₹3000–8000) and Mumbai (2 hours, ₹4000–10000). Taxis or buses take 1.5 hours.
By Train: Udaipur Railway Station, 50 kilometers away, connects to Delhi (12 hours, ₹250–1000) and Jaipur (7 hours, ₹150–600) via trains like the Mewar Express. Taxis or autos take 1 hour.
By Road: NH-58 joins Jagat to Udaipur (50 km, 1.5 hours) and Chittorgarh (70 km, 2 hours). Buses cost ₹50–100 while taxis cost ₹800–1500. Autos charge ₹50–100.
Best Time to Go
October to March, with cool weather (10–25°C), is ideal. Navratri draws 10,000 visitors, per trust logs, with vibrant fairs. Early mornings, especially Fridays, are calm. Summers (April–June, 30–40°C) are hot and monsoons (July–September) make roads muddy but hills green.
Rules for Visitors
Men need to wait shirts and trousers or dhotis and women need sarees or suits with dupattas. Shorts or sleeveless tops are prohibited. Remove shoes at the gate, socks help on cool marble. No smoking, alcohol, or non-vegetarian food is allowed. Photography is permitted in the courtyard but banned inside the sanctum. Avoid touching carvings to preserve them.
Cultural Significance
The Ambika Mata Temple is a spiritual center in Rajasthan, linked to Eklingji and Sahastra Bahu temples. Navratri brings Rajasthani folk songs and dances, with women in bright lehengas offering flowers. Stalls sell bangles and sweets like ghevar, blending faith with village life. It attracts pilgrims and artists, preserving Rajasthan’s heritage.
Conclusion
The Ambika Mata Temple in Jagat, Rajasthan, is a sacred shrine of Durga. Its ancient idol, and Maru-Gurjara art draws scholars and devotees. For those seeking Shakti’s blessings or Rajasthan’s art, this temple is a must stop in your travel list.
