At a distance of around 50 km from Udaipur, rests a rarely known gem of a temple which is known as Ambika Mata temple. The village named Jagat houses the architectural temple. Ambika Devi, who is the form of Goddess Durga is the chief deity of the temple. Goddess Ambika is worshipped as goddess Shakti is believed to be the primordial source of energy. She is associated with Durga through her lion mount and is connected to the Jains when a vision from the temple advised Vimal Shah, a minister of the Chalukya King of Gujarat, Bhimdev I, about building a temple of Lord Adinath at Dilwara, Mount Abu.
This ancient temple is said to be constructed in 961 AD, the period when Laxman Mandir at Khajuraho was being constructed. An inscription on the temple suggests that a person named Sabpura who is the son of Vellur has restored the temple in Vikram samvat 1017. The beautiful idols, the posture of the idols, ornaments and the Nagar architectural style of the temple resembles that of Khajuraho temple which is why it is also called – The Khajuraho of Mewar.
There are innumerable inscriptions on the pillar and the wall of the temple which charms the eyes of every visitor. The unmatched and eclectic sculptures include Mahishasurmardini, Navdurga, Veenadharini, Saraswati, Ganpati in the dancing posture, Yama, Kuber, Vayu, Indra, erotic sculptures and other figures engaged in their chores. As a Devi temple, most of the temples here represents Goddess Durga, Goddess Laxmi, Brahmani, and other goddesses.
The temples have been perfectly preserved by the State Department of Archaeology and Museum, Rajasthan. It has a pentagonal shape with a gigantic rampart wall in its surroundings which makes it completely exhilarated. One surprising thing about the architecture of the temple is that the unique architectural style doesn’t belong to its surrounding region in any manner. There is no solid evidence of North Indian Hindu temple architectural features or any Rajasthani architectural characteristics in it. It isn’t also blended with local or regional architectural features and characteristics.
Apart from the beauteous architecture and sculptures the temple own, it is famous for the fair that is conducted here during the time of Navratri and other functions during Durga puja etc. Along with the religious people all around the world, the temple holds a unique significance for the people interested in archeology, sculptures, and idols.
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