Divine Shakti Mandir (Mini Ambaji Temple) Giyod, uka : Gandhinagar, rict : Gandhinagar

The Ambaji Mata temple on Mount Arasur in Banaskantha district is the revered deity of Maharana Pratap Singh and a kuldevi (family deity) for many in Gujarat. It is also counted among the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. The Shakti Mandir in Giyod is home to the same Ambaji Mata and hence it is popularly known as ‘Mini Ambaji Temple’. Devotees who are unable to visit the original Arasur Ambaji temple come here to offer their prayers. Over 25,000 devotees bow before the goddess during the Bhadrapad Purnima fair held here annually.

According to local legend, in 1985, a saint named Ravimuni, along with his followers, was transporting an idol of Ambaji Mata in a truck. The truck broke down on a dirt road in Giyod and wouldn’t start despite multiple efforts. Taking it as a divine sign that the goddess wished to reside there, Ravimuni placed the idol on the ground. Miraculously, the truck started afterward. He then requested the locals to take care of the idol and left.

For about three years, the idol stood under the open sky, facing all weather conditions. Eventually, the villagers built a small temple. Over time, as people began to believe the goddess fulfilled vows, the temple gained fame and hundreds of devotees started visiting regularly. After a recent renovation, the temple was given its current form.

Located in Giyod village, just off the Ahmedabad–Himatnagar highway, this temple is about 20 km from Gandhinagar. The village, with a population of about 3,000 people and 550 households, is known primarily for this temple. Being adjacent to the highway, many travelers stop here for darshan before continuing their journey.

In front of the temple is a large tin-roofed mandap (hall) with five intricately carved entrances and paved flooring. The main temple has an open assembly hall (Sabhamandap), an anteroom (Antaral) and the sanctum (Garbhgriha). Four steps lead up to the Sabhamandap, with a small shrine of Ganesha on the left and Hanuman on the right.

Inside, a marble statue of a lion, the goddess’s mount, sits on a high circular pedestal. The domed ceiling of the Sabhamandap features paintings of the Navadurga goddesses. In the inner chambers are idols of Batuk Bhairav and Lord Ganesha. The wooden entrance to the sanctum is flanked by gold-plated semi-pillars.

The sanctum houses a standing eight-armed idol of Ambaji Mata, adorned with golden ornaments, in a finely carved, gold-plated shrine. Her hands hold a trishul (trident), conch, vajra, sword and one hand is raised in a blessing posture. The idol, made from marble, wears a golden crown and is flanked by tridents. On the outer wall of the sanctum are golden niches with idols of Mahakali, Khodiyar Mata and Umiya Mata.

Managed by the Shri Shakti Mandir Ambaji Trust, daily worship and rituals are performed here. Hundreds of devotees visit the temple daily, with larger crowds on Sundays and full moon days (Purnima). On these special days, the temple trust also provides free meals for visitors.

A grand fair is held on Bhadrapad Purnima. On this day, the goddess is bathed and adorned with special decorations, followed by a maha aarti at around 5 a.m. Throughout the day, various religious programs take place. Devotees arrive from Gandhinagar, Kalol, Dehgam, Mansa, Mehsana, Ahmedabad, and beyond—amounting to over 25,000 people. Many start arriving four days before the main event. The temple trust arranges free accommodation and meals during this time. The surrounding area becomes lively with temporary stalls and shops. The Sharadiya Navratri festival is also celebrated with great enthusiasm.

On the ground floor of the three-storey building within the temple premises, there is a dining hall. The first floor serves as a waiting area, while the second floor is used for various religious and ceremonial events. The third floor provides accommodation facilities for devotees. Additionally, the temple trust also operates a free physiotherapy center within the temple complex.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery