Jagat Ambika Mata Temple
Jagat Ambika Mata Temple is named so because it is situated in the village called Jagat which is 50 km away from the city of Udaipur in Rajasthan. The temple is dedicated to Ambika Mata who is a divine version of goddess Durga.
The temple is also called Rajasthan’s Khajuraho. Many fine sculptures can be seen in the temple that is preserved excellently. The temple is pentagonal. A massive rampart wall encloses the temple with a gabled pagoda-like roof with 17 turrets. The exterior walls of the temple have some fine and exquisite details carved in.
The walls of the temple are decorated beautifully with large sculptures of gods and goddesses along with dancers, singers, and musicians from the heavenly court. Sculptures of other beautiful women can also be seen in the temple.
The interior of the temple has a vegetal motif with the theme of a mountain palace. It looks like a heavenly abode of gods. The tower of the temple is covered with an intricate motif that includes clouds and is surrounded by a small tower called shikhara. Being a temple dedicated to Devi, most of the sculptures present in the temple resemble Durga, Brahmani, Lakshmi, and other counterparts. The deity is worshipped as the goddess of power.
The temple has a mandap with projections on both sides. There is a hall whose windows are beautifully ornamented with carved panels. The ceiling is in the shape of a pyramid with additional alcoves. There is also a gallery which is covered with a shelter. The temple doorway is carved beautifully with exotic etchings.
The whole temple is draped by its charm. The mandap’s ceiling panel is decorated and carved with multi-lobed motifs. There is also a prayer hall that has a remarkable carving panel of dancing Ganesha. The temple architecture is very outstanding and attracts visitors from all over India.
History of Jagat Ambika Mata Temple
The temple is a small shrine that is made in a rock crevice. The temple was built in 961 A.D and is also known as Jagat temple because of the location of the temple in the village of Jagat.
The temple boasts of its outstanding architecture which is very rare to see somewhere else. The temple is not huge but is a piece of art for which people come from all over India to see.
Architecture of Jagat Ambika Mata Temple
Architecturally, the temple with a pentagonal structure is a sight to behold, its intricate and extraordinary artisanship giving it the name 'Khajuraho of Rajasthan'. The doorway of the temple is beautifully carved and the ceiling panel of the 'mandap' is decorated with multi-lobed motifs.
The shrine comprises an elevated altar where the image of the Goddess is placed. The outstanding architecture of the temple comprises various sculptures of Gods, Goddesses, and scenes from mythological stories.
