Shakambhari Mata Temple

Getting there

• By road

  Sambhar town is about 70 km from Jaipur on NH-8 and RJ SH 57, and 99 km from Ajmer. The temple is 28 km from the town.

Why devotees come here

Shakambhari Mata Temple is 28 km from Sambhar town in Jaipur district, Rajasthan. It is dedicated to Shakambhari Devi, a form of Durga and the tutelary deity of the Chauhan Rajputs. The temple is described as about 2500 years old.

Shakambhari Devi is a form of Durga and the tutelary deity of the Chauhan Rajputs. Her name means she who bears vegetables. The Uma Samhita of the Shiva Purana identifies Shakambhari as a manifestation of Parvati. Her festivals include Navaratri, Durga Puja and Durga Ashtami.

Legend says the asura Durgamasura tried to plunge the earth into drought and scarcity, and a century of suffering followed. Legend says she then appeared with vegetables, fruits and roots. Legend also says Shakambhari Devi created Sambhar Lake. The name of the lake stems from a variation of Shakambhari, which happened around the sixth century. Sambhar Salt Lake is India's largest inland salt lake.

Sambhar is a town and municipality in Jaipur district, surrounded by the salt lake. Its official name is Sambhar Lake Town. The temple is described as about 2500 years old and lies 28 km from Sambhar town. Before the 12th century, Sambhar was the capital of the Chahamanas of Shakambhari. Visitors can spend hours at the temple in solitude, and the views are at their best at sunset.

Festivals

• Festivals of Shakambhari Devi, a form of DurgaNavaratri, Durga Puja and Durga Ashtami

  These are the festivals linked with Shakambhari Devi. Ask the temple for local dates.

Tips for your visit

• Go towards sunset, when the views from the temple are at their best.
• Visitors can also visit the religious sites Naraina and Bhairana on the way to Sambhar.

Questions people ask