Maa Arbuda Devi

The Kuldevi of PARMAR’s and their 108 gotra, including – SETH, SETHIA, RANKA, BANKA, etc.

The cave temple of Sri Arbudaji (Adhar Mataji) is located at Mt.Abu. The Aravali range of mountains, situated at southwest of Rajasthan, bordering Gujarat State. Aravali Mountains are said to be older than Himalayas. Arbudanchal Hill at Mt.Abu is one part of Aravali range. The highest peak is Guru-Sikhar (Lord Dattatreya), which is at the height of 5653 feet from the sea level. It’s the highest peak between the Himalayas in the north and Nilgiri in South of India. Other peaks are named – Bhimalaya, measuring at 4553 feet. Adhar Devi peak is at 4200 feet.

To visit Sri Adhar Mata Temple, which is located inside a big cave, devotees have to cross main bazar and choraha. To reach the cave temple of Sri Mataji, devotees have to take 350 steps. The cave temple is said to be about 5500 years as per belief of local people and devotees of Mataji.

The Great Sage Ved Vyas Ji has written an elaborate & detailed account about the importance of this thirtha, under caption “Katyani – Mahatamya”, under Arbud Khand of Skand Purana; which is one the most prominent amongst 108 puranas.

The temple is known as one of the “Shakthi Peeth” of Maa-Bhagavati. As per Devi Purana, Adhar of Mata had fallen at this hill, so the mountain is charged with the perennial power of Mata and its one amongst the 52 Shakthi Peeth’s.

The way to visit this cave temple:

Start from “Rajdwaar” also known as Katyani Shakthi Peeth, Sri Arbuda Devi Dwar (gate).

The 350 stone steps, which lead the devotees up to the cave temple, start from this place only. To the left of starting point is Sri Hanuman temple. Behind this temple, there’s a natural pond known as – Doodh Bawadi(Milk Pond). In the ancient period, its believed that the pond was always filled with milk, to be used by sages, saints, who were absorbed in tapasya in & around this place.

Today, this Doodh Bawadi is filled with natural water, which never recedes or dries, despite severe draught in the region. Further up to the hills, Samvit Mandapis located at mid point of 350 steps to enable devotees to recuperate the tiredness & to rest before proceeding to cave temple. Once devotees climb 350 steps, a newly renovated marble gate welcomes, which must be crossed. Here after, two hills join together and create a narrow natural path. Vigrahsof God Sri Ganesh and Sri Hanuman are embossed on either side of the path. A little further to this narrow passage, an amrit Kund is located, which is said to have perennial source of pure water.

After walking further, devotees enter into to 2^ndgate, where a naturally formed Kaal Bhairav stands as dwarpal (sentry) of Mataji. To enter the cave temple, devotees have to bow low and literally crawl to enter the cave temple ~ symbolizing humility and death of ego. However, the cave is quite big and devotees can have a beautiful darshan of Adhar Matajito their hearts content. After performing pooja, archana & other rituals, devotees can exit using an adjacent gate that leads them to yagna shala, which is quite spacious. There is a Shiv temple outside of yagna shala, known as Nilkantha Mahadev.

Rawat family of Pali, also called Paliwal Brahman are the hereditary trustee’s & pujari of the cave temple. The Rawat family is administering the Adhar Mataji Temple for last 10 generations, which is something very unique. They have maintained sanctity of this Theerth/Shakthi Peeth with utmost devotion and care.

Sri BharatJi Rawat with help of his five brothers, look after all the matters connected with temple and its rituals, as well as comforts of the devotees visiting Mataji.

Any interested devotee can contact Sri BharatJi Rawat at the following address;

Sri BharatJi Rawat

Arbuda Devi Temple

Mount Abu, 307501 (Rajasthan)

Mobile: +91 9414153553