The Maa Ambika Shaktipeeth Temple, or Virat Shaktipeeth Temple, is a holy place dedicated to Goddess Sati in the form of Ambika and part of the revered 51 Shakti Peeth Temples. It lies serenely near Jaipur city in Bharatpur district at Rajasthan state, India; accessible from Jaipur with an approximate 90 km drive towards its namesake village called Virat.
Devi’s little toes were said to have fallen in this place, hence why the goddess Sati is known as ‘Ambika’ and Lord Shiva is venerated as ‘Amriteshwar’, or the Nectar of Immortality. Across the globe there are fifty-one Shakti Peetas, four of which are considered Adi Shaktipeeths and eighteen that fall into what can be classified as Maha Shakti Peethas.
During the most sacred festivals of Navaratri, Diwali and Makar Sankranti, devotees from all over gather to seek blessings at Ambika temple. Furthermore, Sharad Purnima, Ram Navami and Somvati Amavasya are also revered occasions for worshippers. Twice a year – once in April (Chaitra month) and another in September-October (Ashvin month), people celebrate the nine day long festival of Navratri with enthusiasm by fasting throughout its duration. Apart from these, Maha Shivratri is also celebrated with full enthusiasm and Lord Shiva (Amriteshwar). The idol is being offered abhishekam with milk and Bail (bilva Patra) leaf. Special Poojas and Yagna are also being conducted during Navratri and Maha Shivratri.
The Shakti Peethas are divine sites venerating the Mother Goddess. To honor Her, Lord Brahma performed a yajna and was rewarded with an appeased Shiva and an empowered Shakti who separated from Him to help in creating the universe. In response, Brahma decided to give back Sakhti as bride to Shiva; leading Daksha, Sati’s father, to perform multiple sacrifices in order for his daughter could become His wife. But once Sati married Shiva against her father’s wishes – Daksha completely disowned their relationship by not inviting them both to another arranged ritual of his own. After much pleading on Sati’s behalf however , Shiva agreed for her visiting . Daksha’s disrespect towards Shiva was too much for Sati to bear, so she immolated herself. To avenge the insult against her husband, Lord Shiva took on his wrathful form of Veerabhadra and destroyed Daksha’s yagna. Shattered with grief, he carried Sati in his arms as he wandered throughout Aryavartha; his rage manifested itself into an intense dance of destruction known as the Tandav. Lord Vishu, with the aim of stopping the Tandav, used his Sudarshana Chakra, which cut through the Sati’s corpse. The parts of Sati body fell at varroas spots all through the Indian and neighboring country and these Sacred sites came to be called Shakti Peethas .
By Road
Bharatpur offers great road connectivity making it easy to reach the temple. Whether you prefer a taxi, cab, private or public bus, or even driving your own vehicle -all options are available for transportation to Bhartpur which is located just 220 km away from Delhi’s national capital.
By Rail
The city of Bharatpur has its own railhead, Bharatpur Railway Station, which has good connectivity of rails with all the major cities of the country.
By Air
The Jaipur International Airport, situated roughly 190 kilometers away from the city center, is easily accessible via public transportation. Making it an ideal destination for travelers to begin their journey!
