The sacred town of Ambaji in Gujarat was a big attraction with a large number of believers attending the yearly Bhadarvi Purnima fair in all its enthusiasm. On the second day of the great religious festival, over 3.85 lakh followers crowded the respected temple of Ambaji to get the blessings of Maa Jagadamba. The grounds of the temple and the adjoining properties were full of chants, spiritual songs and the spiritual charge of the lakhs of pilgrims who had flocked in Gujarat, in neighbouring states and even further away.
One of the 51 Shakti Peethas is called Ambaji and is of great religious importance to the goddess followers. Sacred Shree Yantra is held inside the temple, and it is presumed that a darshan in this place brings tranquillity, wealth, and satisfaction of desires. There is also the Bhadarvi Purnima fair, which is held with much pomp and circumstance each year and attracts lakhs of pilgrims who come walking, in groups and with families, to attend the rituals and festivities. And this year was not an exception, as long lines of devotees were visible since the early morning, waiting patiently till their turn came to have a glimpse of Maa Jagadamba.
The rush on the second day of the fair was unprecedented, but the whole proceeding was characterized by orderliness through elaborate preparations on the part of the trustees of the temple and the local administration. Various exits and access points were efficiently controlled to prevent congestion, and volunteers made sure that the elderly faithful and women with children were free to enter the temple. Drinking water, rest facilities, and medical facilities were specially arranged to manage the large number of visitors.
Besides darshan in the temple, people also went to Gabbar Hill, which was a nearby place, and was said to be the original seat of Maa Amba. Several pilgrims had gone up to the hill and offered prayers and lit diyas in the customary ceremonies. Devotional shows and cultural performances further enhanced the religious atmosphere, as they transformed the fair not only into a religious convention but also into a festival of religion and tradition.
The vision of the lakhs of devotees bowing their heads in worship generated a magnificent spiritual ambience in the temple town. Pilgrims felt that the darshan of Maa Jagdamba was not only a ritual but a heart-warming experience and a form of divinity, which gave them the feeling of peace and satisfaction. Footfall is likely to increase further as the fair goes on, and the last day of the fair would probably have the most visitors. The Ambaji Bhadarvi Purnima festival again proves to be a radiant show of devotion, unity and the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat.
