Maa Ambika Shaktipeeth Temple or Virat Shaktipeeth Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peeth Temples dedicated to Goddess Sati in the avatar of Ambika. Ambika Virat Shaktipeeth is located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, near Jaipur. Virat temple is located in Virat village, 90 kilometres from Jaipur. Devi’s tiny toes fell here and idols are erected Sati is called ‘Ambika’ and Lord Shiva is worshipped as ‘Amriteshwar’ (nectar of immortality).

Story behind Ambika Shaktipeeth

The goddess of Dakshayani, Sati, Parvati, or Durga—Hinduism’s most important woman and most powerful deity—is referred to as Shakti. Durga Devi, Mahakali, and Gowri are the three main manifestations of Shakti, the power goddess. She is Adi Shakti’s avatar.

Sati was the Prajapati Daksha’s daughter, and she married Lord Shiva despite Her father’s wishes. Prajapati Daksha once put together a massive yagya, but he didn’t call his daughter and son-in-law. Sati was very saddened by Her father’s actions. When she got there, her father ignored the Sati and insulted her. She could not bear the insult to his husband (Lord Shiva) and she jumped into the fire of Yagya and committed suicide. She passed away, but her body didn’t burn. Lord Shiva had taken His Virabhadra Rupa out of rage. Daksha’s head was cut off by him, but in the end, He forgave him by bringing him back to life.

Lord Shiva, devastated, had taken Sati’s body and wandered the universe. Finally, Lord Vishnu used His Chakra to break Sati’s body into pieces. Each body part transformed into Shakti Pitha. The temple had emerged where the body part had fallen to the ground. To safeguard the Shakti Pitha, Lord Shiva created 51 Bhairava for each one.

It is believed that the fingers of the left foot of Goddess Sati fell in the Biraat Nagar, Bharatpur district of Rajasthan. Sati is worshipped here as Ambika Shakti.

History of Ambika Shaktipeeth

The Maa Ambika Shaktipeeth has a long and illustrious history. According to history, the temple was founded by the Hindu philosopher Markandeya, who was a devotee of Goddess Durga. The temple was constructed to honour Maa Ambika, a manifestation of Goddess Durga, the divine mother of the cosmos.

The temple has undergone various reconstructions and restorations throughout the years, yet its inherent charm and beauty have persisted. It is currently a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus from all across India.

Architecture of Ambika Shaktipeeth

The Maa Ambika Shaktipeeth is well-known for its lovely architecture and rich carvings. The temple is constructed in the typical Rajasthani style, complete with a tall shikhar and a lovely entrance. There are also other smaller shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities within the temple complex.

The black stone idol of Maa Ambika is housed in the temple’s inner sanctum. The idol is decked with magnificent jewellery and is flanked by other Hindu deity statues. There is also a yajna shala where religious events are held.

A big garden, which is popular for picnics and family trips, is also part of the temple complex. The garden is well-kept and contains a variety of trees and plants that add to its charm.

Facts about Ambika Shaktipeeth

• Maa Ambika Shaktipeeth is situated in Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India. Bharatpur is also known as “Lohagarh” and the “Eastern gateway of Rajasthan”. The temple is located in Virat village which is 90 km from Jaipur.
• Here the idol of maa Sati is called ‘Ambika’ and the lord Shiva is worshipped as ‘Amriteshwar’ (nectar of immortality).
• The Maa Ambika Shaktipeeth is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
• It is believed that worshipping at this temple can help devotees attain peace, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment.
• According to legend, the demon wreaked havoc on Earth, and the gods begged Goddess Durga to defend them. She then emerged as Maa Ambika and slew the monster, bringing the planet back to peace.
• The temple is especially popular among women, who come here to seek the blessings of Maa Ambika for their well-being and that of their families.
• The temple is also a popular destination for those seeking to overcome obstacles in their lives
• The Maa Ambika Shaktipeeth is known for its vibrant and colourful celebrations, which attract a large number of devotees.

Famous Festivals In Ambika Shaktipeeth

• Durga Puja. (Winter) – Devotees celebrate Navaratri at this temple in the month of Ashwin (Sep-Oct).
• Navaratri. (Summer) – They celebrate other Navaratri in the fortnight of the Chaitra (March-April). Every nine days they worship Navadurga (nine Durgas).
• Diwali – Diwali is one of the most admired and auspicious festivals in the town.
• Mahashivratri– A grand fair is organized at the temple during the occasion of Maha Shivratri.

How To reach Ambika Shaktipeeth

The Ambika Shaktipeeth Temple is located in Virat Nagar Bharatpur near Jaipur City Rajasthan.

By Air: The nearby Airport is in Jaipur and national flights and international Flights are available from here.

By Railway:  Bharatpur has a railway station, which is well connected to major cities in India. There are regular trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, and other nearby cities to Bharatpur.

By Roadways: Bharatpur is well connected by road to major cities in Rajasthan and other neighbouring states. Visitors can take a bus, hire a taxi, or drive their vehicle to reach the Maa Ambika Shaktipeeth.