Ambaji & Gabbar Hill |
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Gabbar Hill is in Gujarat, near the Rajasthan border, about 5 km away from Ambaji Temple. It is about 480 m high and has an area of over 8 sq km. This pilgrim center near the origin of the Saraswati River is steeped in legends. It is believed to be the original abode of the Hindu goddess Ambaji. Ambaji's 'footprints' on this hill is a major pilgrim attraction. Devotees are said to hear Ambaji's voice at the cave of Ambaji. On the hill, there is also a small temple. .
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. Ambaji temple is situated at Ambaji town, in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat. The temple, the holy the seat of Ambe Mata - the Mother Goddess, is a popular pilgrim place for Hindus. People of Gujarat take the name of the Goddess in high regard. Ambaji temple is also considered as one of the Shakti Peethas in India. The Goddess is a manifestation of Shiva's consort, Parvati. Ambe Mata is the Adya Shakti- the primordial female power, the Mother Goddess. The Navratri celebrations are organized on a large scale in the Ambaji temple. During the festival, a huge fair is organized here every year. People celebrate the occasion with great pomp and show. They sing and dance in praise of the glory of the Goddess. The temple is located on the Arasur hill in the Aravalli Range. The most fascinating feature of the shrine is that it does not contain any idol. It only has a yantra, made of marble which is engraved at a spot. |
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: |
The famous mountain of Gabbar is situated on the border of States of Gujarat and Rajasthan, near the flow of the origin of the famous Vedic virgin river SARASWATI, on the hills of Arasur in forest , towards south-west side to ancient hills of Arvalli, at the altitude of about 480 meters, at about 1,600 feet (490 m) high from sea level, having at 8.33 km² (5 sq. miles area ) area as a whole, and it is in fact One of the Fifty One (51) famous Ancient Pauranik Shakti Piths - The Centre of Cosmic Power of India and it is the original holy place of Mata Ambaji, where the piece of the heart of the dead body of Devi Sati fell at the top of this holy hill of Gabbar as per the legend narrated in the "Tantra Chudamani".
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: |
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.
Jami Masjid: Agricultural University: |
Mobile range info: |
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: Today, Palanpur is a major trade center and became thickly populated due to its mercantile growth. This is fertile enough because of the Saraswathi and Banas rivers that flows through the city, the places of visit are Kirti stambh, the Rajmahal, Balaram Mehadev temple and the old palace of Nawab. Zoravar palace is known for its beauty,the golden leaf decorative designs ,wall paintings and the sandalwood staircase exhibits the pomp and glory living of mankind those days and now it’s a government official building that works for the people. The other attractions are two Dargahs and an old stepwell, MithiVav with seven galleries on the wall makes the visitors take an awesome wonder to think that “the historians are real legends”. Ambaji: Jessore Sioth Bear Sanctuary: Balaram: Bhildi: Danta: Kondar: Tharad: Adlaj: Indroda Village Deer Park: Koba Teerth: |
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: |
Tips & Suggestions: |
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
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