Ambaji and Pavagadh, Gujarat’s two most popular Shakti Peetha temples, are attracting several lakhs of people during Durga Navratri. During Navratri 2009, the biggest festive season of the year, on the first day of the fest, 19th September, over 2.5 lakh of devotees visited Ambaji Temple and on 20th September, the second day, over 4 lakh devotees thronged to the temple.
The similar crowd has been experienced in Pavagadh Mahakali Temple. On seventh and eighth day, Saptami and Ashtami, both the Shakti Peethas may experience more crowds.
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Bhadrapad Purnima or Bhadra Poornima is observed on the Full Moon day during Bhadrapad month, mainly in Gujarat. Bhadrapada Purnima is also known as Ambaji Bhadra Purnima or Bhadrapad Poonam or Bhadarvi Poonam. In 2009, the date of Bhaadra Poonam is September 4, Friday. Ambaji Bhadra Purnima is dedicated to Goddess Ambaji consecrated at Ambaji village at the foothills of Aravali Parvat (Mount Aravali) in Banaskantha district. Goddess Ambaji is also called as Goddess Ambika or Amba Bhavani.
Ambaji Mandir – Amba Bhavani Temple at Ambaji Village in Gujarat:
Ambaji Mandir has a significant feature – the temple has no idol of the Goddess inside it. Ambaji is represented with a triangle. In between the triangle there is a sign of Shree. This form of Ambaji is referred as Vishwa Yantra. Ambaji is one of the 51 powerful Shakti Peeths. There is a belief that when Goddess Sati was dismembered, her heart fell in Ambaji village. According to another legend, Lord Sri Krishna was celebrated his tonsorial ceremony in Ambaji.
Bhadra Purnima Rituals – Bhadrapadi Purnima Puja:
On the day of Bhadra Purnima or Bhadrapadi Poornima, a large number of farmers attend the fair held at Ambaji shrine. They worship the Goddess with various stotras and mantras. They perform various cultural forms in the praise of Amba Bhavani to please her. The main cultural art forms include – Bhavai, a folk drama of Gujarat and the Garba dance, special and occasional dance form of Gujarat. Devi Saptshati, a prayer of seven hundred verses in the praise of Amba Bhavani is also recited in Ambaji Temple. A huge fair is also celebrated near the temple.
Bhadrapad Poonam is also celebrated as Indra Pournami in some other regions of India. On Indra Pournami, Lord Indra is worshipped.