Ambaji Temple is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites in Gujarat. Located in Ambaji town in Banaskantha district, the temple is dedicated to Maa Amba and is traditionally regarded as one of the important Shakti Peethas. The temple attracts devotees throughout the year, with particularly large gatherings during Navratri and Bhadarvi Poonam. If you are planning a visit, knowing the Ambaji Temple timings in advance can help you plan darshan and aarti comfortably.
Ambaji Temple Timings
According to the latest schedule published by the temple authorities, the regular darshan and aarti timings are divided into morning, afternoon and evening sessions.
| Activity | Timing |
|---|---|
| Morning Aarti | 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM |
| Rajbhog | Around 12:00 PM |
| Afternoon Darshan | 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM |
| Evening Aarti | 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM |
These timings can be changed on special festivals, religious occasions and during periods of heavy pilgrimage. Therefore, visitors should check the latest temple announcement before starting their journey.
Ambaji Temple Aarti Timings
Aarti is an important part of the daily worship at Ambaji Temple. The current regular schedule includes a morning aarti from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM and an evening aarti from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Devotees who specifically want to experience the aarti should reach the temple well before the scheduled time because queues may become longer during busy days.
Ambaji Temple Darshan Timings
For general devotees, darshan is available during three main periods:
- Morning: 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM
- Afternoon: 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM
- Evening: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
The afternoon darshan session is especially useful for pilgrims who cannot reach the temple during the morning hours. The revised schedule introduced in July 2026 was intended to provide devotees with additional opportunities for darshan and better crowd management.
Ambaji Temple Opening and Closing Time
The temple does not remain continuously open throughout the day. It follows separate darshan and worship sessions, with breaks between them. Under the current schedule, the evening darshan continues until 9:00 PM. Because timings may vary during major festivals and special events, checking the latest schedule before visiting is recommended.
About Ambaji Temple
Shree Arasuri Ambaji Mataji Temple is situated in the Arasuri Hills of Gujarat. Gujarat Tourism describes Ambaji as an ancient centre of worship and identifies it as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The temple is associated with Maa Amba, an important form of the Divine Mother. One distinctive feature of the temple is that there is no conventional idol of the goddess in the sanctum. Devotees worship a sacred yantra, which is the central focus of the shrine.
Ambaji Temple Location
Ambaji Temple is located in Ambaji town, Banaskantha district, Gujarat, India. The temple is situated in the scenic Arasuri Hills, near the Gujarat-Rajasthan border. It is about 20 km from Abu Road and around 65 km from Palanpur. The famous Gabbar Hill, considered an important sacred place associated with Maa Amba, is also located close to the main temple.
Religious Significance of Ambaji Temple
Ambaji holds a special place in Shakti worship. According to traditional belief, the heart of Goddess Sati is associated with this sacred site. For this reason, devotees consider Ambaji an especially powerful place for prayer and worship. The nearby Gabbar Hill is also highly significant and is traditionally regarded as the original seat of Mata Amba. The hill has become an important part of the pilgrimage experience.
Gabbar Hill Near Ambaji Temple
Gabbar Hill is one of the most popular religious attractions around Ambaji. The hill has 999+ steps, and pilgrims visit it because of its strong association with Maa Amba. The area also offers facilities and attractions connected with the religious heritage of Ambaji. Visitors planning to explore both the main temple and Gabbar Hill should keep additional time in their itinerary.
Best Time to Visit Ambaji Temple
Ambaji can be visited throughout the year, but the experience varies according to the season and festival calendar.
The busiest periods generally include:
- Navratri
- Bhadarvi Poonam
- Poshi Poonam
- Major Hindu festivals
- Special temple celebrations
During these occasions, the number of pilgrims can increase substantially. Gujarat Tourism notes that Bhadarvi Poonam attracts devotees from different parts of the country, while Navratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the region.
For a relatively peaceful darshan, ordinary weekdays outside major festival periods can be a better choice.
How to Reach Ambaji Temple?
Ambaji is well connected by road and can be reached from several cities in Gujarat and neighbouring Rajasthan.
By Road
Regular road connections are available from places such as Palanpur and other parts of Gujarat. Palanpur is one of the important nearby cities from which travellers can reach Ambaji by bus, taxi or private vehicle.
By Train
The nearest important railway station is Abu Road, which is approximately 20 km from Ambaji. From Abu Road, visitors can continue their journey by taxi or other local transport.
By Air
The nearest major airport mentioned by the temple authorities is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, approximately 185 km away. From the airport, travellers can hire a taxi or use road transport to reach Ambaji.
Important Things to Know Before Visiting
Before visiting Ambaji Temple, keep these points in mind:
- Check the latest darshan schedule before travelling.
- Reach early if you want to attend aarti.
- Follow the temple queue and security instructions.
- Mobile phones, cameras and electronic gadgets are not permitted inside the temple premises according to the temple’s visitor guidelines.
- Keep valuables safely with you.
- Wheelchair and assistance facilities are available for senior citizens and differently-abled devotees at the VIP Plaza/Main Shakti Gate.
- Avoid carrying plastic bags because Ambaji is promoted as a plastic-free pilgrimage destination.
Ambaji Temple Nearby Places to Visit
A visit to Ambaji can be combined with several nearby attractions.
Gabbar Hill
Gabbar Hill is one of the most important religious places near the main temple and is strongly connected with the worship of Maa Amba.
Mansarovar Kund
Mansarovar is a large rectangular sacred water tank situated close to the temple complex. It is an important part of the religious landscape of Ambaji.
Arasuri Hills
The temple is situated in the Arasuri hill region, which provides the natural and spiritual setting for the Ambaji pilgrimage.
Ambaji Temple Festivals
Ambaji becomes particularly vibrant during major religious festivals. Navratri is celebrated with devotion and cultural programmes, while the Bhadarvi Poonam fair attracts a very large number of pilgrims. The temple authorities also organise special religious events during the year, so festival-period visitors should expect larger crowds and possible changes to normal timings.
Conclusion
Ambaji Temple timings are important to check before planning a pilgrimage because darshan is conducted in separate sessions rather than continuously throughout the day. The current regular schedule provides morning, afternoon and evening darshan, along with dedicated aarti timings. Ambaji is not only an important Shakti pilgrimage centre but also a destination where devotees can visit Gabbar Hill and other nearby sacred attractions. For the smoothest visit, arrive early, follow the temple guidelines and verify the schedule if you are travelling during Navratri, Bhadarvi Poonam or another major religious occasion.
FAQs
What are the Ambaji Temple timings?
The current regular schedule includes morning darshan from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM, afternoon darshan from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM and evening darshan from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
What is the Ambaji Temple morning aarti time?
The morning aarti is currently scheduled from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM.
What is the evening aarti time at Ambaji Temple?
The evening aarti is scheduled from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Is Ambaji Temple open in the afternoon?
Yes. Under the current revised schedule, afternoon darshan is available from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
Is Ambaji Temple open every day?
The temple provides regular darshan throughout the week, although timings can change during special festivals and events.
Which railway station is nearest to Ambaji Temple?
Abu Road is the nearest important railway station, located about 20 km from Ambaji.
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