Ambika Mata temple of Jagat, Rajasthan, a fine 10th century Hindu temple

There are  innumerable  historical  Hindu and Jain temples in the state of  Rajasthan and most of them are rich in architecture with fine sculptures  of deities.  Ambika Mata temple in Jagat is  a small, but richly ornamental temple where bhakti worship is in practice. The specialty about this temple's  architecture is  it is  not a conventional one Dravida (South), Nagara (north), Gadak (western Chalukya), Badami (rock-cut caves) and Kalinga (Odisha  and part of  north Andhra). Rather, the style followed here is that of  Māru-Gurjara  developed in Rajasthan several centuries ago and later became popular in Gujarat. Such temples are richly ornate both outside and inside.  


Ambika Mata Mandir (temple) in the small village of  Jagat, about 50 km SE of Udaipur city is one of the Hindu places of worship dedicated to Goddess Durga; the main deity is  Ambika, a form of Shakti.  This being a Devi temple, most of the sculptures  represent the goddess  in benevolent  or in fierce  forms.  A temple of great antiquity - dating back to  961 AD, it is under the control of the state department of  Archaeology  and Museum. The temple came up during  the reign of Rawal Allata of Mewar.


Ambika Mata Temple, Jagat near  Udaipur-Rajasthan in.pinterest.com


Ambika Mata Temple, Jagat nearUdaipur-Rajasthan bharattemples.com

What is unique about this temple is its different style of  temple architecture unheard of in the southern  states, particularly in the southern state.  It  is  early Māru-Gurjara  style   which owes its origin prior to 7th century and  was patronized in the 13th and 14th centuries  in Gujarat and Rajasthan during the reign of Chaulukya dynasty or Solaṅki dynasty.  This design, regional in character,  became not only popular among  Jain temples  across India but also among  the Jain temples in many countries. Lavish interior design, outer walls with projections and recesses and main Shikara with subsidiary towers originating from  side towers, Torana, Kunda and  side entrances with porch are key features of this style that make it stand apart from others.


Ambika Mata Temple, Jagat Rajasthan upload.wikimedia.org


Above image:  Ambika Mata Mandir (temple), Jagat, Gujarat: A fierce form of Devi, Chamunda is depicted as  a frightening, emaciated hag. Her attributes include fangs, a sword, Shiva's trident, skull garland, skull staff, skull bowl, and skeletal corpse which she tramples or sits on. Woman playing eka-tantri vina, far right (Wikipedia). She is supposedly the destroyer of evil forces particularly acting against her true devotees and who repose trust in her power..................................


As common among the Durha, Bhavani or Kali temples across India, here  Shakti worship is given much importance as she is the  primeval source of energy. 


Ambika Mata Temple, Jagat Rajasthan upload.wikimedia.org

Above image:  Ambika Mata temple of  Jagat, Rajasthan : Women  of the Heavenly Court. Fine carvings of goddesses in various postures: holding an Eka-tantri veena, playing a veena (classical string instrument) while supported by an elephant 

 

mbika Mata Temple, Jagat Rajasthan .tourmyindia.com

Bestowed with well preserved sculptures of beauty and fine workmanship,  this temple is called  to Khajuraho of Mewar. Pentagonal in plan, temple with a the richly ornamental   gabled  pagoda  and 17  turrets  is  enclosed by a massive rampart wall.  High on the upper exterior wall, there are intricately fairly large  carved stone figures. The  theme includes  a mountain palace, heavenly abode of gods or goddesses, besides  musicians,  dancers,  singers and innumerable pretty  women  The religious connotation of the theme is  temple represents  an earthly residence with mountains around.

On the temple premises there are stone images of  Durga,  Lakshmi,  Brahmani  and other goddesses in the Hindu pantheon. 

https://www.bharattemples.com/ambika-mata-temple-udaipur-rajasthan

https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/rajasthan/jagat-ambika-mata-temple-udaipur.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambika_Mata_Temple