ambaji-hill | Ambaji Hill | HillStation in Gujarat

Tuesday, 06 October 2009 04:46

Ambaji & Gabbar Hill

About:

Ambaji Hill, also known as Gabbar Hill, is a sacred hill located near the town of Ambaji in Gujarat, India. It is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, as it is believed to be the place where the heart of Goddess Sati fell, making it one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The hill offers a serene environment, panoramic views, and a spiritually enriching experience for devotees and travelers.

The Mountain or Hill of Gabbar has also a small temple fortified from the western side and there are 999 steps to go up to the mountain and reach this holy temple at the top of Gabbar Hill. A Holy Lamp is constantly burning on this hill temple facing exactly in front of Visa Shree Yantra of Nij Mandir of Mata Shri Arasuri Ambica. An aerial ropeway also connects the temple at the hilltop.The fort was made in the 15th century near the joining (confluence) of two holy rivers. One can see the local tribal villages working as silversmiths, potters, arrow makers as well as basket weavers.

Location info:

Address:Ambaji & Gabbar Hill

District: Banaskantha

Nearest City: Palanpur

Langauge: Gujarati,Hindi,English

Best time to visit: October - March

Climate/Weather:

Summers 23°- 44°C. Winters 10°-36°C

History:

Ambaji Hill holds immense religious significance in Hindu mythology. It is believed that Goddess Sati's heart fell on Gabbar Hill when Lord Shiva carried her body across the universe. Since then, it has been considered a Shakti Peetha, attracting pilgrims for centuries. The hilltop also features a small temple dedicated to Goddess Ambaji, with many devotees climbing the 999 steps to reach the shrine.

The Mountain or Hill of Gabbar has also a small temple fortified from the western side and there are 999 steps to go up to the mountain and reach this holy temple at the top of Gabbar Hill.A Holy Lamp is constantly burning on this hill temple facing exactly in front of Visa Shree Yantra of Nij Mandir of Mata Shri Arasuri Ambica. There are many more beautiful Site Seeing Places on Gabbar together with a sunset point, Cave and Swings of Mataji and Trips through Ropeway.

Interesting things to do:

Jami Masjid:
The Jami Masjid, located at Malan in the Palanpur district is an important historical place. Built during the Sultanate period by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1423 A.D, the stately mosque stands on a high pedestal with 260 pillars supporting 15 domes.

Interesting things to Visit:

Ambaji temple:
The Ambaji temple located at the foot of the Aravalli Mountains and at the mouth of the Saraswati River is a revered place. The original abode of the goddess Ambaji is considered to be on top of the Gabbar hills. It is believed to be the place where Goddess Sati's heart fell while Lord Shiva was carrying her burning body from the sacrificial fire of Daksha's yagna. The temple is considered a major Shakti Peeth of India and a large number of devotees throng here every year especially on Purnima (full moon) days. A large mela is also held here on Bhadarvi Poornima.

Agricultural University:
The town is most famous for its marble quarries and copper deposits. It also houses one of Gujarat's prestigious universities called Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University. The headquarters of Banaskantha is Palanpur, the origin of the diamond industry in India.

Mobile range info:

Mobile network coverage is generally good in and around Ambaji Hill, but it might be weak or intermittent in some areas on the hill.

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:Abu Road railway station

Nearest Airport:Ahmedabad. airport at180 kms

Road Transport:There are many private as well as state buses that connect Ambaji.At a distance of 65 Kms from Palanpur and 45 Kms from Mt. Abu.

Nearest Visiting places:

Balaram Ambaji Wild Life Sanctuary:
Undulating hills of Aravali, supporting the dry deciduous forests of North Gujarat, provide an unimaginable beautiful ambience to Balaram-Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary derives its name from two historical temples- Balaram and Ambaji, situated at the opposite corners of the sanctuary. This picturesque area was constituted as a Wildlife Sanctuary by Government of Gujarat on 7th August' 1989 for the purpose of protection, propagation and development of wildlife and its environment.

The area is characteristically rich in floral diversity- particularly medicinal plants. It has numerous floral and faunal species of global conservation significance. The rare flora comprises Kadaya (giving medicinal gum), Gugal, and Musali etc. The predominant trees are- Khair, Salai, Modad, Dhavada, Khakhara, Timru. During late winters (February-March) Khakhara- the flame of the forests- known by many different names such as- Palash, Tesu, Kesudo, Dhak etc. is generally in bloom with its striking red colour resembling flames in the forests.

Palanpur:
This place was previously the capital of this princely state and today as the district headquarters has its credits that still speak about historical values from centuries together. This old city is blessed with nature around like encamping hillocks and Aravali Mountains that accelerate tourist visit every year from all over the world. The name Palanpur was given after the name of Palansi Chauhans who dwelled here during the 14th century, later the city came under control of Muslim legends till India’s independence. Palanpur began to prosper during the reign of Nawab Shaeb Sher Khan Lohnai and Nawab sahib Talej Muhammed Khan Lohani in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Mansurbhai Mohasinbhai Master Petrol Pump:Palanpur,Banaskantha,Gujarat,India

Shiv Shakthi Petrol Pump:Palanpur,Banaskantha,Gujarat,India

RM Petrol Pump:Patan,Gujarat,India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Raajkamal:Rajendra Marg,Near Taxi Stand, Mount Abu,GujaratIndia,Ph:02974 238134

Hotel Samrat International:Near Taxi Stand,Mount Abu,Rajasthan,India,Ph:02974 238391

Hotel Hilltone Mount abu:Taxi Stand,Opp. Polo Ground,Mount Abu,Rajasthan,India,ph:02974 238391

Things to carry:

Comfortable trekking shoes Water bottles and snacks Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen Light woolens for winter evenings Camera or smartphone for photography

Tips & Suggestions:

Visit during the cooler months (October to February) for a comfortable experience. Start your trek early in the morning to avoid the heat, especially in summer. Respect the sanctity of the place and follow temple rules and guidelines. If taking the ropeway, ensure you reach early, as there may be long queues during peak seasons. Carry sufficient cash, as not all establishments may accept digital payments. Help Line/Phone Number:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:100

Nearest Hospital:Sanand Heritage:Near Govt Hospital,Mount Abu,Rajasthan,India,Ph:02974 238241

Society/Community Phone Number:

Link:www.bharatonline.com

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Ambaji Temple

At a distance of 65 Kms from Palanpur and 45 Kms from Mt. Abu near Gujarat Rajasthan border the religious town of Ambaji is located. This town is famous for the Maa Ambaji temple, one of the richest and holiest temple in Gujarat attracting lakhs of pilgrims from Gujarat and neighbouring Rajasthan every year. The original seat of Ambaji Mata is on Gabbar Hilltop, which is 3 Kms away from Ambaji town. Ambaji Mata temple is one of the 51 shakti peeths where it is believed the heart of Goddess Parvati fell.....more

Dantiwada Dam

Dantiwada Dam is located on the outer reaches of Dantiwada in Banaskantha District of Gujarat. The dam stands across the Banas River and was built in 1965. The primary aim behind building the Dantiwada Dam was flood control and providing water for irrigation projects in the state. The dam is 61 m high and 4,832 m long. The reservoir encompasses an area of about 40 sq km.The dam currently a prime tourist attraction of the district and pulls hoards of visitors to its scenic surroundings and natural beauty. Balaram Ambaji Wild Life Sanctuary is located nearby which forms the separation point between the Dantiwada Dam and Dharoi Dam....more

Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary

Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Banaskantha District of Gujarat, along Gujarat Rajasthan border.Ambaji Bhadra Purnima is celebrated in Gujarat with pomp and grandeur. The main event takes place at the shrine of goddess Ambaji near the foothills of Aravalli mountain ranges. Ambaji Bhadra shrine is one of the oldest and attractive shrines in Gujarat. The festival takes place on the full moon night in the month of August or September. The festival and the fair attract tourists from different corners of the country as the devotees have a strong belief on the goddess.Undulating hills of Aravali, supporting the dry deciduous forests of North Gujarat, provide an unimaginable beautiful ambience to Balaram-Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary derives its name from two historical temples- Balaram and Ambaji, situated at the opposite corners of the sanctuary.....more

Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Wildlife tour of Gujarat will bring you close to the diverse and colorful flora and fauna of the state. Out of several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Gujarat, Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is the most popular. The sanctuary is located in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat and is famed for its population of Sloth Bears.The Jessore hills of Aravali ranges cut across the fringes of the sanctuary, from which it derives its name. The area was officially declared a sanctuary in May 1978. It is a transition zone between the desert ecosystem and the dry deciduous forest ecosystem.Sloth Bears, unlike other species of bears, move in groups. Other than these the next most important animal found at Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Gujarat is the Leopard. There are a number of other animals too that thrive in these forests including Rhesus Macaque, Indian Porcupine, Indian Civet Cat, Striped Hyena, Wild Boar, Fox, Jackal, Blue Bull, Hare and Langur....more