Gujarat Minister Harsh Sanghavi offers prayers at Maa Amba Devi Temple in Surat

ANI April 5, 2025 111 views

Gujarat Minister Harsh Sanghavi continued the tradition of paying respects at the historic Maa Amba Devi Temple in Surat during Chaitra Navratri. The temple holds special significance, having been visited by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the past. Sanghavi highlighted the spiritual importance of the temple, especially during Ashtami and Navami. Navratri remains a crucial nine-day festival celebrating the divine feminine energy and seasonal transitions in Hindu culture.

"During Navratri, lakhs of devotees offer prayers at Maa Amba ji temple" - Harsh Sanghavi
Surat, April 5: Gujarat Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Saturday offered prayers at Maa Amba Devi Temple (Ambika Niketan Temple) in Surat on the occasion of the eighth day of Chaitra Navratri.

Key Points

1

Gujarat Minister visits sacred Maa Amba Devi Temple on Navratri Ashtami

2

Temple has historical significance connected to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

3

Navratri celebrates nine forms of Goddess Durga

4

Festival marks changing seasonal transitions

Speaking to ANI, Sanghavi stated that lakhs of devotees offer prayers at the Maa Amba ji temple in Surat during Navratri, especially on Ashtami and Navami.

He further stated that it was the temple where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj offered prayers when he came to Surat.

"During Navratri, especially on Ashtami and Navami, lakhs of devotees offer prayers at Maa Amba ji temple in Surat --a place where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj offered prayers when he came to Surat. Today, I also got the opportunity to offer prayers to Maa Amba Devi," Sanghavi said.

Meanwhile, the morning Aarti was held at Chhatarpur's Shri Aadya Katyayani Shaktipith Mandir in the national capital on Maha Ashtami.

The morning Aarti was also performed at the Jhandewalan Temple in the national capital.

Large numbers of devotees gathered to offer prayers at Delhi's Jhandewalan Temple for Maha Ashtami Navratri.

According to Hindu mythology, the eighth day of Navratri is dedicated to Mahagauri who attained "Gaur Varna" by rigorous penance. The name 'Mahagauri' means the one extremely bright. She mounts on the ox.

Navratri, which means 'nine nights' in Sanskrit, is a Hindu festival celebrating Goddess Durga and her nine avatars, known collectively as Navdurga.

Hindus observe four Navratris throughout the year, but only two--Chaitra Navratri and Shardiya Navratri--are widely celebrated, as they coincide with the changing of the seasons. In India, Navratri is celebrated in various forms and traditions.

The nine-day festival, also known as Ram Navratri, concludes on Ram Navami, which marks the birthday of Lord Ram. Throughout the festival, all nine days are devoted to honoring the nine incarnations of goddess 'Shakti.'

The festival is celebrated with great devotion across India, with rituals and prayers honouring the goddess in her various forms.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Beautiful to see our leaders participating in religious traditions 🙏 Maa Amba Devi temple holds such historical significance! The connection to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj makes it even more special.
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Rahul S.
While I appreciate the minister's devotion, I hope equal attention is being given to improving infrastructure around these temples during festivals. The crowds can get overwhelming and safety should be priority.
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Meena P.
Jai Maa Amba! 🎉 Just visited the temple last week - the energy during Navratri is incredible. So many devotees coming together in prayer is truly inspiring.
A
Amit D.
Interesting historical note about Shivaji Maharaj's connection to this temple. Would love to see more coverage about lesser-known historical sites like this in Gujarat.
S
Sunita M.
The description of Mahagauri gave me chills! Navratri always brings such positive vibes to our community. Blessed to be celebrating this sacred time 🙌

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Harsh Sanghavi Navratri Maa Amba Devi Temple Gujarat Surat Hindu Festival Goddess Durga
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