Gabbar Hill, Ambaji, Gujarat India

Gabbar hill is a hillock located about 4km away from the Ambaji village on the Gujarat-Rajasthan border and is believed to be the original seat of Ambaji Mata. As per the legend narrated in the 'Tantra Chudamani', a piece of the heart from the dead body of Devi Sati fell on top of this hill. There are 999 steps to climb the hill and reach the temple that rests there. Watching the sunset from the hill top is an experience in itself.

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.

Gabbar hill is located close to the Gujarat-Rajasthan border, near the origin of the Vedic river Saraswati. Climbing the Gabbar hill is an important pilgrimage and attracts lakhs of pilgrims from Gujarat and the neighbouring state of Rajasthan. The small temple on the hilltop is very ancient and is believed to be the original abode of Goddess Ambaji. A holy lamp is constantly burning on the top of the hill temple, facing exactly in front of the Shree Yantra at the famous Nij Mandir or the temple of Mata Arasuri Ambica in Ambaji town. (3km from Gabbar hill) It is believed that the footsteps and chariot imprints seen on the hill are that of the Goddess and her chariot.