Ambaji Temple

Getting there

• By air

  The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, about 180 to 190 km away by road.

• By train

  Abu Road is the nearest railway station, about 20 km from the temple.

• By road

  Direct buses run from Mount Abu (45 km), Palanpur (65 km), Ahmedabad and Idar. From the bus station, a roofed walkway of under 1 km leads to the temple.

On the way

• Gabbar Hill lies about 4 km west of Ambaji village.
• Pilgrims climb 999 steps or ride the ropeway, which opened in 1998.

Elderly visitors

• Wheelchairs and assistance centres for senior citizens are available at the VIP Plaza (Main Shakti Gate).
• The walk from the bus station to the temple is under 1 km along a roofed walkway.
• Elderly visitors can take the ropeway to Gabbar Hill instead of climbing 999 steps.

Book and check

Official pages only. We do not sell darshan passes or tours.

• Daily darshan and aarti timingsambajitemple.in
• Gabbar Shaktipeeth pageambajitemple.in

Rules to know

• Mobile phones, cameras and electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited inside the temple premises.
• Plastic bags are discouraged, so carry a cloth bag.
• Queue calmly and keep the temple clean.

Why devotees come here

Arasuri Ambaji Mata Temple is a white marble Shakti Peetha in the Aravalli hills of north Gujarat, near the Rajasthan border. It is counted among the 51 Shakti Peethas, where Sati's heart is believed to rest. There is no idol: Amba is worshipped as a sacred yantra.

Ambaji is one of the most revered Shakti Peethas. By the old belief, this is where the heart of Sati rests. The temple stands in the Arasuri hills of Banaskantha district, and the trust that runs it takes its name from them.

Inside, you will not find a murti. Amba is worshipped as the Shree Yantra, and the trust says devotees pray with their eyes covered as a sign of inner vision and faith. The temple is built of white marble, with golden spires and a red flag. Devotees donated gold to gild it in stages.

About 4 km west of the town, Gabbar Hill is called the original seat of Amba. Legend links it to Krishna's first head-shaving ceremony, held by Nand and Yashoda, and to Rama receiving the arrow Ajay to defeat Ravana. Footprints under a pipal tree are worshipped at the top, and a lamp is kept burning there that can be seen from the main temple at night. You reach it by 999 steps, or by a ropeway that has run since 1998.

Festivals

• Bhadrapada month, August or SeptemberBhadarvi Poonam fair

  The largest fair of the year; in 2026 it ran from 20 to 26 September, with walking pilgrims arriving from many routes.

• September or OctoberNavratri

  Nine nights of Amba worship; timings can change, so check the trust site.

• Each full moonEvery Purnima

  The trust says large numbers of devotees visit on every full moon.

Tips for your visit

• Check the trust's site on the morning of your visit, because the day's timetable is posted there.
• Leave phones and cameras at your hotel, since the temple does not allow them.
• Avoid the Bhadarvi Poonam fair week and Navratri if you want a calmer darshan.
• Mount Abu is 45 km away, with direct buses to Ambaji.
• The nightly light and sound show at Gabbar Hill is on hold, and the trust says it will resume soon.

Questions people ask