Shaktambika Mataji temple

Gujarat, Patan, Gandhinagar

Shaktambika Mata temple dedicated to the divinity of Goddess Ambika, is situated at Paswadal near Sidhpur in the Indian state of Gujarat. She is Kuldevi or "Family Goddess" of Gautami sect Brahmins, who are believed to be the descendants of Sage Gautam. The temple is believed to have been built around 1000 years ago by these Brahmins during the Solanki dynasty rule. Over the years, due to various reasons, the place where the deity resided, was evacuated and became deserted. 800 years back, people re-established the village. The rehabilitation of the deity was done in 1971, after which her fame spread wide and far with devotees flowing in to worship her.

Legend

King Mulraj Solanki who ruled over North Gujarat, decided to build a Rudra Mahalaya in Siddhpur and invited 1037 holy Brahmins for the same. Among those Brahmins were Gautami sect Brahmins who were carrying the deity of their Goddess in a caravan along with them. The caravan suddenly stopped in this city named Pushpawati which was located nearby Siddhpur and Gautami Brahmins established her in this city. The Goddess came to be known by the name of Shaktambika. The king donated the whole city to the Gautami Brahmins to live there along with their Goddess.

Architecture

The main shrine or the Mataji Mandir consists of tiered roofs supported by carved pillars. Inside the sanctum, enshrined in the silver and gold background is the idol of Shaktambika devi. She is adorned with clothes, beautiful jewellery and a crown. The deity is seen on a different animal each day depicting the different forms of the Goddess. Idol of the revered Hindu sage Gautama can also be seen in the temple.

Picture Courtesy : commons.wikimedia.org

Darsan Info

Temple timings :- 6.00 AM to 7.00 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire.

Famous Festival

October - Navratri, Garbha
November - Annakut ceremony on Kartaksud 1(Gujarati New Year)

Culture

Siddhpur is a town in the Patan district in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is a historical place believed to be located on the bank of the Sarasvati River. This place is famous for holy funeral process of human body after death and is believed to be one of the sacred places where a human can attain moksha.

Temple Rituals

The priests perform the regular pujas and rituals to the deity.

Special Rituals

The deity is seen on a different animal each day depicting the different forms of the Goddess.
Sunday - On Tiger - In form of Ambika
Monday - On Cow - In form of Parvati
Tuesday - On Lion - In form of Shaktambika
Wednesday - On Aeravat- In form of Indra
Thursday - On Eagle - In form of Vaibhavi
Friday - On Swan - In form of Saraswati
Saturday - On Elephant - In form of Laxmi