The full moon of Bhadrapad is one of the four most important festival days of the year, when farmers and agriculturists come to Ambaji, a place that derives its name from Goddess Ambaji whose shrine is located here. On this occasion, a large fair is organized on full moon days. In the evening, performances of Bhavai, the folk drama of the state is held and Garba programmes are organized. The devout attend readings of the Saptashati, the seven hundred verses in praise of the goddess and visit the temple for a darshan (worship) of her. Bhadra Purnima, Bhadra Purnima fairs-festivals, Bhadra Purnima travel, Bhadra Purnima tourism.
The Ambaji shrine is the principal shrine of the goddess in Gujarat and its origins are still unknown. The Temple of Ambaji is recognized as one of the original Shakti Pithas (religious texts) where, according to the ancient Scriptures, the heart of the goddess Ambaji fell to earth when her body was dismembered. A triangular Vishwa Yantra, inscribed with figures and the syllable ‘Shree’ in the centre, represents the deity. There is no idol, which in fact testifies the temple’s antiquity. Idol worship became popular much later.
The most fascinating fact about the shrine is that there is no idol inside it. The deity is represented in the form of a triangle, inscribed with figures and with the syllable ‘Shree’ in the center. This is called the Vishwa Yantra. This emphasizes the fact that the temple is antique, since idol worship became popular much later. It is also regarded as one of the original Shakti peeths. According to the scriptures, when the body of Goddess Amba was dismembered, her heart fell onto this place on the earth. Another belief regarding the place is that the tonsorial ceremony of Lord Krishna was held here.
This has added to the religious significance of Ambaji. The festival is organized on the full moon day of the Bhadrapad, according to the Hindi Calendar. A number of farmers and agriculturists assemble here to worship at the shrine. Bhavai, the folk drama of the state, and Garba performances are organized to celebrate the occasion. Saptshati, the seven hundred verses in the praise of the Goddess are read in the temple. Devotees attend these assemblies and worship the Goddess to seek Her blessings. A huge fair is also held here at this occasion.
This has added to the religious significance of Ambaji. The festival is organized on the full moon day of the Bhadrapad, according to the Hindi Calendar. A number of farmers and agriculturists assemble here to worship at the shrine. Bhavai, the folk drama of the state, and Garba performances are organized to celebrate the occasion. Saptshati, the seven hundred verses in the praise of the Goddess are read in the temple. Devotees attend these assemblies and worship the Goddess to seek Her blessings. A huge fair is also held here at this occasion.
Excursions
There are other holy places around Ambaji, which pilgrims usually visit on such occasions. One such place is Gabbargadh, a small hill two miles west of Ambaji. There is a Pipal tree at the top, which pilgrims circumambulate.
Kumbhariya, although a small village, is famous because it holds five Jain temples dedicated to different Jain Tirthankaras. Koteshwar, three miles away is famous because the hill near the temple of Koteshwar Mahadev is the source of the Saraswati River. Pilgrims usually bathe in the Kund into which water from the Saraswati flows
