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