AMBARNATH - SIVA MANDIR

Ambarnath - a holy Saiva kshetra situated in a lovely valley - a grand colourful spot of the Nature's enchanting beauty enjoys a pride of place among the centres of pilgrimage in the state of Maharastra. Its plus points are many, and position, enviable. Its location on the bank of a small river, surrounded by ever green forests, grown sumptuous on the slopes of high hills has an added attraction to nature-lovers more than theists. The vicinity of two famous cities - Bombay and Kalyan, pulsating with industrial population has catapulted its glory to the pinnacle both as a holy place and a picnic spot. To add to these, it is a specimen of the Konkan style of architecture - a fusion of North and South in form. It illustrates the excellences of Hindu sculpture of the 11th century A.D. It is a Shilahara gift to the nation and was built between eighth and nineth centuries. Several royal dynasties like Chalukyas, Shilaharas endowed it in many ways, but alas! it tasted the fury of Portugese. So it has lost its former glory.

Like any Hindu Mandir, it has a garbha griha, porches, pavilions and towers. It faces west. The towers are richly carved and ornamented, lending majesty to the whole construction. The exquisite images carved on pillars, porches and ceilings cast enhancement. The images of Mahishasura Mardini and Kamadeva in dancing poses are the examples of best craftsmanship and the taste of the patrons.

The Swamyambhu linga - the archamurti of this famous temple is about two and half a feet in height and is extremely grand to look at. It is adored as Ambareeswar and during the Mahasivaratri day, its glory touches the zeninth. This august Sivalinga resembles the famous Jyotirlinga of Omkareswar at Mandhata in Madhya Pradesh. Inscriptions shed enough light on the builders, and it is concluded that it was built in 1060 A.D. by a Shilahara Mahamandeleswara of the Konkan region of Maharasta state. It is a visit-worthy shrine that confers bliss munificently and for ever.

It lies in Ambarnath town, near Kalyan in the Tana district of Maharastra, enjoying transport facilities.

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