Ambaji Mandir is situated in the holy town of Khedbrahma, in the Sabarkantha district of Northern Gujarat. It lies near the confluence of the Hathmati and Saraswati rivers. Khedbrahma is a significant pilgrimage destination known for its association with Lord Brahma, Sage Bhrigu, and Goddess Ambika.
The presiding deity of the temple is Ambika Mata, a powerful and compassionate form of Goddess Durga or Parvati. Locally referred to as “Nana Ambaji” (meaning Small Ambaji), she is revered as the Grama Devata (village guardian goddess) of Khedbrahma. The idol of the goddess is seated in a sanctum adorned with silver and colourful garlands, and she holds divine weapons in her multiple arms, symbolizing her warrior form that destroys evil.
The temple showcases traditional Maru-Gurjara architecture (also known as Solanki style), featuring intricately carved pillars, domes, and a central sanctum (garbhagriha). Though smaller in scale than the famous Ambaji temple at Arasur, the Nana Ambaji Mandir is beautifully maintained and has a serene courtyard, a deepa stambha (lamp pillar), and a small pond nearby used for ritual purposes. The temple complex also houses shrines of Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, Kala Bhairava, and Goddess Saraswati, signifying a complete divine circle.
Khedbrahma is considered a sacred town with a history dating back to the early medieval period. According to tradition and old Puranic references, this land was known as Brahmakshetra, where Lord Brahma is said to have performed a great yajna (sacrificial ritual). The Nana Ambaji temple is believed to be over 1000 years old and was renovated by rulers of Idar State. It has served as a central worship place for local communities and is also connected with ancient Shaakta (Goddess) worship traditions. Over time, the temple evolved as the local form of Ambaji before pilgrims travel onward to the main Shakti Peetha in Arasur.
Long ago, the region now known as Khedbrahma was referred to as Brahmakshetra—a land sanctified by the presence of divine sages and ancient deities. It is said that this was the very place where Lord Brahma, the creator among the Trimurti, performed a great yajna to establish cosmic balance. Hence the name Khedbrahma—a town associated with Brahma.
During those times, the sages, led by Rishi Bhrigu, performed penance and sacred rituals here. However, their penance was constantly disturbed by a demonic force (asura) that began terrorizing the region. The sages, helpless and harassed, prayed to the Divine Mother (Shakti) for protection.
Moved by their intense devotion, Goddess Parvati manifested in her fierce and powerful form as Ambika. She appeared on the banks of the river in the forested Brahmakshetra, holding multiple weapons in her hands, radiating divine light. In a fierce battle, she defeated the demon and restored peace to the land.
After her victory, the sages requested the Goddess to remain in that place to continue protecting them and future generations. Ambika, pleased with their devotion, agreed to stay and took the form of a murti (idol) under a sacred tree. A small shrine was then built to house her, which over time became the revered Ambaji Mandir of Khedbrahma.
Because the shrine was smaller in size compared to the grand Ambaji temple at Arasur, this temple came to be known as “Nana Ambaji” (meaning Little Ambaji), yet it holds immense spiritual significance. Even today, many pilgrims begin their journey at Nana Ambaji before heading to the main Ambaji temple, believing that seeking her blessings here ensures a safe and successful pilgrimage.
The presence of Lord Ganesha, Hanuman, and Kala Bhairava in the temple complex reinforces the idea that Nana Ambaji is the protector of the town, the remover of obstacles, and the granter of divine grace. The temple is considered the spiritual guardian of Khedbrahma.
The Ambaji Mandir in Khedbrahma celebrates Navratri with daily special pujas and Garba, while Bhadarvi Purnima draws large crowds for the annual fair. Monthly Purnimas, Chaitra Navratri, and Ashwin Navratri are also observed with devotion through fasting, bhajans, and rituals.
