This little-known temple in Jagat village, about 50 km southeast of Udaipur, dates to 961 AD. Its numerous fine sculptures are in an excellent state of preservation. Ambika Mata is a Devi (Goddess) temple, with images of Durga and many other female divinities. Ambika, the principal image in the shrine, is a form of the mother goddess who is associated with Durga through her lion mount. She is also connected to the Jains through a vision in which she advised Vimala about building his Adinath temple at Mount Abu. Ambika Devi, a form of Goddess Durga is the presiding deity of the temple. The temple, located in a cleft of rock possesses a number of inscriptions. The earliest one, dated 961 AD, refers to a repair made to it. Today, the temple is preserved by the State Department of Archaeology and Museum, Rajasthan.
About Ambika Mata Temple in Udaipur :
Ambika Mata Temple is a small shrine made in crevice of a rock. The temple dedicated to Goddess Ambika (a form of Goddess Durga). Being located at the village called Jagat in Rajasthan, the temple is also known as Jagat Temple. The shrine is comfortably positioned at a distance of 58kms in the south-east of Udaipur. Built in 961 A.D, the Jagat Temple is renowned for its intricate carvings in the exteriors.
The village Jagat is popular with the term of ‘Khajuraho of Rajasthan’ and the place is particularly famous for its well-preserved temple of the 10th century. Though Ambika Mata Temple is not very big, but its splendid architecture makes it different from others. The main shrine has an image of Ambika, a form of the Hindi Goddess Durga. The goddess is worshipped as Shakti (Power) that is a primitive source of energy. Goddess Ambika is linked with Maa Durga due to the presence of Lion as her mount.
Dating back to the Pratihara period, the temple comprises an elevated altar. The principal image of the Goddess is placed here. The temple contains a mandapa (columned prayer hall) that has projections on two of its sides and a small loggia in obverse. The hall has windows that are ornamented with beautifully carved panels. The ceiling rises in the shape of a pyramid with the additional alcoves. The loggia is also covered by a shelter.
The doorway of the temple is beautifully carved with exotic etchings, which drape the whole temple with their delicate charm. The ceiling panel of the ‘mandap’ is carved and decorated with multi-lobed motifs. The prayer hall also comprises a remarkably carved panel of dancing Ganesha. The outstanding architecture of the Temple boasts of various sculptures, ranging from Gods and Goddesses to the dancers and singers of the divine court.
The façade of the Temple has ornamented allegorical panels set in alcoves that depict scenes from the mythological stories. These alcoves contain various forms of Durga with her attendant maidens in aesthetic postures. It is remarkable to find that these sculptures are under the protection of numerous miniature eaves. The outstanding structure of the temple gives the impression of heavenly chamber of the Almighty and is definitely worth a visit.
History Of Ambika Mata Temple in Udaipur :
The Jagat Temple is renowned for its intricate carvings in the exteriors. The construction of Ambika Mata Temple in Udaipur can be traced back to 961 AD. Udaipur’s Ambika Mata Temple was possibly constructed during the reign of either Rawal Allat or Rawal Narwahan, by Samvapura, son of Valluba. The temple is dedicated to Ambika, the Hindu Mother Goddess with the lion as her mount.This temple is dating back to the tenth century with images of Durga and many other female divinities. Ambika, a form of the Hindu Goddess Durga, is the principal image in the shrine and worshipped as Shakti, a primeval source of energy. She is associated with Durga through her lion mount and is connected to the Jains through a vision advising Vimala about building his Adinath temple at Mount Abu.Dating back to the Pratihara period, the temple comprises an elevated altar. The principal image of the Goddess is placed here. The temple contains a mandapa (columned prayer hall) that has projections on two of its sides and a small loggia in obverse. The hall has windows that are ornamented with beautifully carved panels. The ceiling rises in the shape of a pyramid with the additional alcoves.
Architecture Of Ambika Mata Temple in Udaipur :
In this architectural detail, heavenly musicians play the flute and vina. The figures are set into finely carved rondels within a curling vegetal motif that is undercut from the plane of the surface to give the effect of a screened platform or balcony. The temple is also known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan.There are many fine sculptures in the temple which have been excellently preserved. This pentagonal temple, enclosed by a massive rampart wall, has 17 turrets and a pagoda-like gabled roof. Exquisite details appear high on the exterior walls of the temple, above larger sculptures of gods or goddesses, with musicians, dancers, and singers of the heavenly court, as well as countless beautiful women. The richess and arrangement of the carving often has a curling vegetal motif. The theme is of a mountain palace, a heavenly abode of the gods. The tower is covered with intricate motifs, including clouds, and is surrounded by small shikhara towers which echo the surrounding mountain peaks. The architecture of the mountain palace, as the heavenly abode of the gods, echoes the temple which is their earthly residence.
Festivals :
The major attraction of fair and festival celebrated in Udaipur is that of Mewar festival that is the traditional manner of welcoming spring with folk songs, dances, processions, devotional music and firework displays.
Best Time to Visit :
Udaipur climate is ideal for the tourists during winter i.e. from the beginning of September till March. It is better to travel Udaipur in the wintertime than in summer.
How to Reach :
By Air : The airport at Udaipur air connect it with other major cities of India like Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad, and Mumbai. Maharana Pratap Airport Udaipur is located at Dabok, 22 km away from the heart of Udaipur city. Many domestic airlines connect the city to most of the major cities in India including Kolkata, Jaipur, Delhi and Mumbai. Regular flight services are available from Udaipur to Delhi and Mumbai
By Rail : The railway network connects Udaipur with Delhi, Chittor, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Ajmer, and Jodhpur. Udaipur is located in the main broad gauge railway line and the railway station is connected to all other railway stations in India.
By Road : Udaipur can be easily reached by road as well. Rajasthan Roadways operates public bus services between Udaipur and other major cities in Rajasthan. There are well-maintained roads linking it to tourism destinations in Rajasthan and neighbouring states of Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Location: 58 kms in the south-east of Udaipur, in Jagat village
Built in: 961 A.D
Dedicated to: Goddess Ambika (form of Durga)
Highlights: Intricate carvings on the exteriors