Aambika Bhawani Mandir or AMI in Chapra is the place where according to mythology when lord Shiva carried the dead body of "Sati" from the holy yagnakund of Daksh Prajapati, the trunk of Sati's body fell. This pyre is believed to be still present within the compound of "Ambika Sthan temple". Though the exact date and time of establishement of this Shakti Peeth is unknown, reference of the shrine can be found in the Shiv Purana.

Location Bihar, Saran, Patna

Legend

Per legend and references from Shiv Puran, it is said that when the proud King Prajapati Daksh, son of Brahma rebuked Lord Shiva in front of Sati, his daughter during the occasion of the Daksha Yajna that he had arranged. It was intolerable for SatiDevi to listen to the mal words uttered by Daksha against Her husband- Lord Shiva and so Sati sacrificed Her life.

When Mahadev came to know about His beloved Sati's sacrifice, He started the Tandava by carrying the corpse of Mata Sati on His shoulders. It is believed that it was here in "Ami" where the trunk of Sati's body fell and hence the holy Shaktipeeth 'Ambika Sthan' was established. This shrine is believed to be the highest Shiva Tandava Dance stage across the world.

Architecture

The fort-shaped temple is situated by the River Ganga at Saran, which is popular for its annual flood. But it is believed that  the flood water never touches the temple. The locals also believe that if the flood water touches the shrine, the temple will turn blood red. Near the temple there is a garden and a deep and broad well which never dries up.

Culture

Over the ages, Bihar has been the center of attraction regarding its involvement since the days of Ramanayana and the Mahabharata. The capital of the mighty Mauryan Empire was also at Pataliputra- which lies in the present day Bihar.  Even today, many important relics of Emperor Chandra Gupta Maurya, Bindusara and the mightiest of them all Emperor Ashoka are found.

Moreover, Bihar proudly houses the centers of learning like the famous Nalanda University and the prestigious Vikramshila University during the ancient times.

The state boasts on its flagship religious culture, the enriched heritage that grew up associating different popular shrines in Bihar.  Alongside, Bihar's culture extends to the vibrant Madhubani art and Manjusha art.

Darsan Info

Devotees can visit the temple early morning on empty stomach, if they want to offer puja to Mata. Inside the Aami temple, photography is not allowed.

Darsan Dresscode

No strict dresscode is followed to visit this Aambika Bhawani Temple.

Famous Festival

March -    Shivratri   

October - Navratri, Dussehera

Temple Rituals

At Ambika Sthan Temple, the idol of the Devi is created with the soil known as "Pinda". Daily the Devi is worshipped by Vedic mantras and holy chants along with several rituals of snana, bhoga distribution and regular aarti offerings.

Special Rituals

Pilgrims visit this place mainly during the Navratri- the main festival of the Ami Mandir besides Dusserra, Shiv-Parvathi vivah and Shiv ratri. Besides the regular puja, the devotees indulge themselves in Jagaran or Jagratha- a bhajan tradition of worshipping Mata Bhawani.

Additional Info

 

Eateries near Aambika Bhawani Temple-

Hotel Raj Darbar

Maurya Patna

 

 Supermarket : Available