What are the new timings for the Ambaji Temple aartis during Ashadhi Bij and why do they matter? Starting June 27, the Ambaji Temple in Banaskantha district has revised its aarti schedule and visiting hours to improve the experience and convenience for devotees during this important festival.
Detail the New Aarti Schedule
According to the temple trust authorities, the daily routine of three aartis will now be reduced to two. The traditional afternoon aarti has been discontinued. The revised schedule is as follows:
- Morning Aarti: 7:30 AM to 8:00 AM
- Temple Open Hours: 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM (previously until 10:45 AM)
- Afternoon Temple Hours: 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM (no aarti during this time)
- Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM
- Temple Open for Darshan: Until 9:00 PM
Additionally, for the first time, devotees will be permitted to offer ‘annakut’—a ceremonial offering of food—to the deity. This marks a significant change in ritual practices at the temple.
Explain the Impact on Devotees
The extended morning visiting hours and elimination of the afternoon aarti accommodate the growing number of pilgrims, which can reach several hundred thousand during Ashadhi Bij. Extended timings from 8:00 AM allow more devotees to visit without rush, helping maintain order and safety.
Granting permission for ‘annakut’ offerings enables devotees to participate more actively in worship, enhancing spiritual engagement. This change aligns with modern devotional practices and reflects the temple’s efforts to be more inclusive.
The changes also facilitate better crowd management in Banaskantha district, which sees a significant influx of pilgrims not only from Gujarat but also neighboring Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh during the Ashadhi Bij festival.
Provide Background on Ambaji Temple
Located in the Ambaji town of Banaskantha, the Ambaji Temple is one of the 51 revered Shakti Peethas in India. Unlike many temples, it does not worship a physical idol but a sacred instrument known as the ‘Visa Yantra’, a mystical diagram considered the abode of Goddess Ambaji.
The temple is central to Gujarat’s spiritual landscape, drawing millions annually. Festivals like Ashadhi Bij and Navratri see the highest footfall. The temple is also known for its ‘Eat Right Prasad’ certification by FSSAI, emphasizing hygiene and quality in offerings.
Each year, thousands of pilgrims participate in the temple’s rituals and the famous light and sound show that highlights the Gabbar hills’ natural beauty. The temple trust is managed by the Ambaji Temple Trust Board, under the supervision of the Gujarat government’s Department of Religious Endowments.
Highlight Key Numbers and Data
- Annual pilgrims: Over 3 million visitors, with peak attendance during Ashadhi Bij and Navratri
- Daily aartis before change: 3 (morning, afternoon, evening)
- Daily aartis after change: 2 (morning, evening)
- Extended morning darshan hours: Increased by 45 minutes (10:45 AM to 11:30 AM)
- Evening darshan hours: Until 9:00 PM, allowing 1.5 hours post aarti
- Location: Ambaji town, Banaskantha district, Gujarat (PIN 385110)
- Temple altitude: 480 meters above sea level, located in the Aravalli hills
Outline Future Implications
The revised aarti schedule is expected to continue beyond Ashadhi Bij to manage the increasing number of visitors year-round. Authorities plan to monitor crowd flow and seek feedback from devotees for further improvements.
With the introduction of ‘annakut’ offerings, the temple may develop new guidelines and infrastructure to handle food offerings hygienically, building on its recent Eat Right Prasadam certification for sweets like Mohanthal.
Tourism departments in Banaskantha district are coordinating with the temple trust to enhance facilities such as parking, sanitation, and security during festivals. Pilgrims are advised to check the official Ambaji Temple Trust website or contact the Banaskantha district collectorate office for up-to-date information on timings and COVID-19 protocols.
For devotees planning to visit the Ambaji Temple during the Ashadhi Bij festival or any time throughout the year, it is recommended to arrive early during the extended morning hours. To participate in the ‘annakut’ offering, prior registration through the temple trust’s official portal is advisable to ensure smooth coordination.
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