Ambareshwar Temple, Ambarnath

Did you know that around 60 kms from Mumbai on there is an ancient Shiva Rock Temple.. A temple which is around 1000 years old..

Ok, another question…

Have you heard about this place called Ambarnath near Mumbai??

I guess you would have… It’s one of the areas on the central line which is seeing a major real estate boom.

Now, my question is have you ever wondered from where the name Ambarnath has come from?

Ok, let me help you. Lets break this word into two – Ambar + Nath = Ambarnath.

Ambar is a hindi word which means Sky and Nath means Lord or Protector. When you combine the two, it means the “Lord of the Sky”, i.e. Shiva.

The First Look

Ambarnath has derived its name from the ancient Shiva Temple known as The Ambareshwar Temple. The temple is a beautifully carved rock temple is said to be built in 1060 A.D.

As you climb few steps, you will see a stone carved Nandi Bull. Once you seek his blessings you enter the main hall of the temple. You will find many stone carvings of various deities inside the hall. There are beautifully carved pillars in the main hall.

Nandi Bull

Small Ganpati

There are around 20 steps that one needs to step down to enter the main sanctum. That’s where the Shiva Linga is placed. The main sanctum is open to the sky and the Shiva Linga is placed right in the middle.

When we went down the main sanctum, two men were sitting in a meditative pose and chanting "Om Nameh Shivai". The chanting in the sanctum gave a whole different feel to it. 

Isn't it beautiful???

Intricate!!!

Carvings up close!!!

The temple is not very huge but the entire temple is carved and its fascinating to see such minute details and carvings. The temple is maintained well and is neat and tidy. You will find few shops selling prasads and other pooja items near the temple compound.

Don't forget to take a round of the temple

Temple at the background

Now I want to ask one more question – Did you know that Mumbai has a Birla Temple in its outskirts??

Seriously, we do have one.. Here, see a glimpse..

Birla Temple, Shahad

There is a beautiful Birla Temple in Shahad. The temple has the idol of Vithoba and has a serene charm attached to it.

Cameras and mobile phones are not allowed inside the temple. The temple is neat and tidy and is very well maintained. It’s one place where you can sit and meditate. This temple for sure brings peace :)