Chaitra Navratri Kickoff: Ambaji Temple Blossoms with Colorful Flowers, Pavagadh Mahakali Temple Bustles with Devotees for 4 AM Mangala Aarti

Today marks the beginning of Chaitra Navratri, the first month of the Hindu calendar, signaling a time of devout worship and celebration of Goddess Durga. Devotees thronged to the revered Shakti Peeth, such as the Ambaji and Pavagadh Mahakali Temples, in the early hours of the morning to seek blessings from the Divine Mother. Ambaji Temple, known for attracting a large number of devotees throughout the year, holds special significance during Chaitra Navratri. 

Here, worshippers engage in fervent Garba dances and prayers. Similarly, at the Pavagadh Mahakali Temple, administered by the Shri Kalika Mandir Trust, heartfelt blessings were extended to all devotees. It has been emphasized that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure that devotees arriving during these auspicious nine days encounter no inconvenience, underscoring the commitment to facilitating a seamless spiritual experience.

Ambaji Temple Adorned with Colorful Flowers

The Ambaji Temple has been adorned with a plethora of colorful flowers, attracting devotees from far and wide. Today, during the morning Mangala Aarti, a large number of worshippers gathered at the Ambaji Temple. 

Renowned as the Golden Temple, this temple is distinguished by its spire adorned with 358 small and large kalashas. The surroundings of the temple, through the Shaktidwar, have been embellished with colorful flowers at various places. 

Beneath the temple’s dance pavilion, the Chaitra Navratri Akhand Dhun Mandal has commenced, where uninterrupted devotional hymns will resonate for ten consecutive days.

Thousands of Devotees Participate in Aarti at Pavagadh

From today, on the first day of Chaitra Navratri, devotees thronged to the Shakti Peeth Pavagadh early in the morning to seek blessings from the Divine Mother. At four in the morning, thousands of devotees participated in the Aarti ceremony. 

To ensure the convenience of pilgrims, the temple trust has extended the timings for the Aarti of the Goddess, as well as the opening and closing of the temple, and has also increased the frequency of the ropeway services.

Devotees Crowd Overflowing

In the early hours of the morning, amidst chants of victory to the Divine Mother, devotees were seen streaming up the hill path towards the temple, from the foothills to the very steps of the shrine. 

Despite the atmosphere of examinations, a large number of worshippers had already reached the temple premises to seek blessings from the Divine Mother.

Changes in Darshan Timings at Ambaji Temple

During the Chaitra Navratri festival, the Ambaji Temple Trust has decided to modify the darshan timings. The morning and evening Aarti ceremonies will now take place at seven o’clock. From the second day of Chaitra Sud to the eighth day of Chaitra Sud, the morning Mangala Aarti will be conducted twice. 

Additionally, during the morning Aarti at the Siddhivinayak Temple within the Ambaji Temple premises, devotees gathered, and a large number also participated in the Mangala Aarti at the Ambikeshwar Mahadev Temple. The Mangala Aarti at the Ambaji Temple was conducted by Bhattji Maharaj.