Ambaji Temple

Ambaji Temple in Banaskantha district, Gujarat, is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and the principal shakti shrine of Gujarat — the state's most visited pilgrimage site. The original ancient shrine was reconstructed in white Makrana marble in 1975 by the Shri Ambaji Tirth trust, and the temple has undergone continuous beautification since. The main garbhagriha enshrines no idol but a sacred geometric yantra (Shree Yantra) — the goddess is believed to be self-manifested as pure energy.

The famous gold-plated copper flag (dhvaja) atop the shikhara is visible from miles away. The Bhadarvi Poonam fair (September full moon) draws over 5 lakh pilgrims in a single night. The Ambaji complex also includes the Gabbar Hill shrine (reached by ropeway), various subsidiary shrines, and the Koteshwar Mahadev temple. It is the centrepiece of a large pilgrimage circuit in North Gujarat.