Ambreshwar Shiva Temple, Ambernath

Introduction to the Ambreshwar Shiva Temple

The Ambreshwar Shiva Temple is on a hill at Ambarnath, Thane, Maharashtra. It is on the banks of the Vrindavan (Valdhuni) River. "Ambarnath" literally means "Sky lord." The village was initially known as Hallyacha Pada and was later renamed Ambarnath. Local excavations showed the existence of Ambarnath as early as 200 BC. It is one of the 218 cultural heritage sites in the world, declared by UNESCO. Of these 218, India has 25, with 4 in Maharashtra.

Ambreshwar Shiva Temple is a protected monument under the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) maintenance.

Legend of the Ambreshwar Shiva Temple

According to beliefs, the Pandava brothers of the epic Mahabharata were said to have constructed the Ambreshwar Shiva Temple during their exile. They could not complete it. Even today, there is no roof above the temple's sanctum.

Pandavas also used a km-long passageway to escape from here, which is locked now.

The Architecture of the Ambreshwar Shiva Temple

The Ambreshwar Shiva Temple blends Hemadpanti and Chalukya architectural styles and is built entirely in black basalt stone. The Shilahara king Chittaraja built the temple in 982 AD. His son, Mummuni, is said to have rebuilt it in 1060 AD. It is often compared to the Dilwara temples of Mount Abu for their similar quality of architecture and ornamentation.

The tower of the Ambreshwar Shiva Temple is a stepped pyramid that reflects the Nagara style of architecture. A dancing image of Shiva is on the top of the tower.

Visitors can access the entrance hall of the Ambreshwar Shiva Temple through three porches in the north, south, and west. It measures 60 ft in length. The main entrance is in the west, where an idol of Nandi (divine vehicle of Shiva) is placed. Ambreshwar, the presiding deity of Ambreshwar Shiva Temple, is an incarnation of Shiva.

Devotees descend 20 steps to reach the square-shaped sanctum, which enshrines Ambreshwar as Swayambhu under the open sky. Its door is 9 ft high and 4 ft broad. The Mandap of the Ambreshwar Shiva Temple has a bell-shaped roof supported by pillars. It has four richly carved pillars forming a square in the centre.

Both the Sanctum and Mandap are square. There are many beautifully carved supporting pillars in the Ambreshwar Shiva Temple. The carved images of Shiva, Nandi, Ganesha, hermits, and heavenly nymphs on the outer walls reveal the creativity and craftsmanship of the skilled workers. An image of an eight-armed Mahakali is in a fierce form in the north. The temple also houses idols of Ganesha, Vishnu, and Durga. Guru Nanak visited the temple in 1415.
A hot water tank and a cave are near the sanctum, which is said to lead to Panchavati.

Festivals in the Ambreshwar Shiva Temple

Shivratri is the most significant festival celebrated at the Ambreshwar Shiva Temple with great zeal. On this occasion, special Poojas and rituals are performed for the deity. Devotees throng the temple to worship and receive the blessings of Shiva. Brahmotsavams, Sri Subramanya Shashti, Navratri, Diwali, Holi, and other Hindu festivals are also celebrated.