Ambreshwar Shiv Mandir, Ambarnath

 Ambreshwar Shiv Mandir in Ambarnath, Thane, Maharashtra.

The name "AMBARNATH" is because of this Ambreshwar temple only.

Ambreshwar Shiv Mandir is over 1000 years old.

The Temple is only 2 KM away from Ambarnath Railway Station. 

This temple is "HEMADPANTI" that means built with interlocking of stones. People say the Shiv ling inside is "SWAYAMBHU" that means self-manifested. 

People believe that temple was built by Pandavas in just a night. Whereas on some sites its mentioned that Shilahara King Chhittaraja constructed it and his son Mummuni rebuilt it. The temple is on the bank of Vadavan (Waldhuni) river.

The temple is considered one of the oldest temples built in the middle of the eleventh century that there is no such temple anywhere else in the world. Pandavas could not complete the structure which is reflected even today in the missing roof directly above the main sanctum area (Garbha Griha) of the temple. It is also said that there is a km long passageway which was used by the Pandavas to escape which is closed these days.

The architecture of the temple is mainly Hemadpanti styled. The outer walls are carved very beautifully and gracefully on black rock. You will find two nandis at the entrance of the temple; to my surprise it was the very first time when I encountered two nandis at the entrance of any Shiva temple. This temple has 20 steps to go down in the main room called Garbha Griha; and there is one shivling at the center of the room which is swayambhu.

The best thing I like about this temple is its never crowded. People get enough time for darshan and get blessings from Bholenath.

Only on Maha Shivratri temple is overcrowded. There is Big Fair on Maha Shivaratri. On this day more than 4-5 lakh people visit the temple to seek blessings from Devon ke Dev Mahadev. Temple is additionally crowded on all Mondays of Shravan [Month of Hindu Calender] month. Visit this temple if you ever go to Ambarnath.

The ruins of Ambershwar have remained a shadow of its golden past. Its condition is not so good. Even I wonder whether our future generations will able see this wonderful model of history, art and culture. If so, how will it be? Who’s responsibility of saving it? We should unite to save this hidden gem of art and history.

How to reach

1. Ambernath is well connected through a railway which falls under central railways, from railway station its 2km. you can get sharing auto (15 Rs) from Ambernath east.

2. Mumbai airport is nearest airport which is 50 km from the temple.