Information of Shakambari Temple, Sakarai, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Shakambari mata temple has been located in Sakarai Dham that is near Udaipur Wati Rajasthan. The idols here that have been installed are that of Brahmani and Rudrani. In both the idols, the Goddesses are riding the lion and thus killing Mahishasura. It can be stated that both the idols possess eight arms and their faces have been Vermillion pasted. The main difference between the two idols have been that of the stones where the idol of Brahmani is made up of marble and Rudrani has been constructed out of locally made medstone.

Shakambari Temple Religious Significance

It can be mentioned that the temple has attained much significance because of the devotees' faith upon Maa Durga. This temple has achieved much significance because of the mystical power of Maa Durga. Due to the rising faith of the people upon the divine power of Maa Durga, the temple has gained popularity all over the world. The people of Udaipur tend to visit the temple on a regular basis in order to attain blessings from Maa Durga.

Shakambari Temple Mythology & History

According to one legend, it has been known that once upon a time the demon named Durgam prayed Brahma for numerous years. Consequently, he attained all the four books of knowledge namely the Vedas from Lord Brahma by means of sacrament. He also attained a boon from Lord Brahma which assured that all the prayers, havanas and yajnas being offered to Devtas reached him instead of any other God that made him unconquerable. It was found that Durgam turned arrogant and initiated to torment the entire universe. As a result of this, it was noticed that Devtas became quite weak and were not capable of performing their respective duties properly. Hence, it did not rain for around hundred years and the whole world had to suffer from severe drought. The saints concealed themselves inside the caves and meditated for numerous years upon Maa Shakti inside the caves of Himalayas. It was noted that Shakti appeared bearing a wonderful form. There were innumerable eyes upon her giving her the name of Satakshi Maa Shakti was so touched by their troubles that tears rolled down from her eyes for continuous nine days as well as night which finally took the form of river. Later she saw that the saints did not have anything to eat and thus appeared in the form bearing vegetables, fruits, cereals, grains and other herbs and medicines and thus he was referred as Shakambari. The saints requested Maa Shakambari to return back the Vedas from Durgam and also make sure that the share of pujas, yagna and havanas would go to Devtas directly so that they become powerful again. Durgam noticed that people were quite happy and hence attacked with his huge army. Maa Shakambari protected devtaas by putting a big wall of fire. There was a big battle between Maa Shakambari and Durgam where Maa killed Durgam and recovered the Vedas which was handed over to the Devtas.

Shakambari Temple Architectural Significance

It can be noted that the Sadhus of the Nath sect have been the priests of this major temple. The Shikhar of the temple have beautifully adorned statuettes of Gods and Goddesses. Over a platform of the beautifully hewn stones, you can see a silver throne which comprises of the drawn patterns which is basically the seat for the deities. Mandapa was constructed in the 699 BS. Later on in the 11th and 12th centuries it was modernized. The temple was constructed by Seth Ram Gopal Dangayach.