BHAGAWAN PARASURAM OF PHEDE

AMBARNATH

Ambarnath-a holy Saiva Kshetra situated in a lovely valley - a grand colourful spectacle of the Nature's enchanting beauty enjoys a pride of place among the centres of pilgrimage in the state of Maharashtra. Its plus points are many, and position enviable. Its location on the bank of a small river, surrounded by evergreen 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, throbbing 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 11 th century A.D. It is a shilahara gift to the nation and was built between eighth and ninth centuries. Several royal dynasties like Chalukyas, Shilanras endowed it in many ways, and it tested the fury of Portugese also.

Like any Hlindu temple, it has a garbhagriha, porches, pavilions and towers. It faces the west. The towers arc richly carved and ornamented lending majesty to the whole construction. The exquisite images carved on pillars, porches and ceiling cast enhancement. The images of Mahishasura Mardin and Kamadeva in dancing poses are examples of best craftsmanship and the taste of the patrons.

The swayambhu linga - the archamurthi 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 zenith. This august Sivalinga resembles the famous Jyotirlinga of Omkara at Mandhata to the Madhya Pradesh. Inscriptions shed enough light on the builders, and its is concluded that it was built in 1000 A.D. by Mamvani, a shilhara Mahamandeleswara of the Konkan region of Maharashtra state. It is a visit- worthy shrine that confers bliss munificently and for ever.

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