51 Shakti Peeth Parikrama Mahotsav to be Held from February 9-11 at Ambaji Pilgrimage in Gujarat
Eight Pilgrimages, Including Palkhi Yatra, to Be Held During Parikrama Mahotsav with Free Meals and Extensive Facilities for 15 Lakh Devotees
Gandhinagar, February 6 2025: Sanatan Dharma has recently captured widespread attention both in India and globally, particularly with the historic beginning of the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, after 144 years. Lakhs of devotees from across the country, along with many from around the world, have gathered at the Prayagraj Mahakumbh to take a sacred dip in the holy Triveni Sangam. Amid the grandeur of the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, Gujarat is set to host its own Mahakumbh. This sacred gathering will offer devotees not only a chance to deepen their faith but also the unique opportunity to undertake the Parikrama of all 51 Shakti Peeths in one place within their lifetime. The Mahakumbh of Maa Amba devotees will be held at the Ambaji Shakti Peeth, one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, located in the Danta taluka of Banaskantha district.
The three-day 51 Shakti Peeth Parikrama Mahotsav will begin on February 9 at the revered Shree Arasuri Ambaji Mata Temple, a prominent pilgrimage site in Gujarat. The grand festival, starting on February 9, is expected to draw lakhs of devotees and will run until February 11. This tradition of the Parikrama Mahotsav was first initiated by the then Chief Minister of Gujarat and current Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and has since been upheld by Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel. Under his leadership, the Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board (GPYVB), in collaboration with the district administration, has made meticulous preparations for this momentous event.
51 Shakti Peeth Parikrama realises PM’s vision
The Ambaji Shakti Peeth is one of the 52 sacred Shakti Peeths dedicated to Goddess Parvati. In 2004, the then Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi envisioned and initiated the creation of replicas of the remaining 51 Shakti Peeths at Ambaji. The construction was completed in 2014, allowing devotees to experience the darshan of all Shakti Peeths under one roof. Originally organized on a small scale by the temple trust, the Parikrama Mahotsav was transformed into a major event in 2022 through the collaboration of the state government, GPYVB, and the district administration.
15 lakh Devotees Expected in 2025
Participation in the 51 Shakti Peeth Parikrama Mahotsav has been growing steadily each year. In 2024, around 13.15 lakh devotees took part, and this year, the number is expected to exceed 15 lakh.
One Place to Experience the Divine Darshan of All 51 Shakti Peeths
Rameshbhai Merja, Member Secretary of the Gujarat Pilgrimage Development Board, stated that the 51 Shakti Peeth Mahotsav is held annually at Ambaji from Maha Sud 12 to Maha Sud 14, and this year, the event will take place from February 9 to 11. The GPYVB, in collaboration with the Banaskantha district administration, has arranged all necessary facilities, including free meals, for the devotees attending the 51 Shakti Peeth Parikrama Mahotsav. The essence of this festival lies in this mantra: “rare opportunity to visit all 51 Shakti Peeths in a single lifetime and at one location.”
51 Shakti Peeth Parikrama Mahotsav 2025 Schedule
This year, the 51 Shakti Peeth Parikrama Mahotsav will feature a series of grand events. On February 9, the first day of the 51st Shakti Peeth Parikrama Mahotsav, the Palkhi Yatra, Ghanti Yatra, and Dhaja Yatra will be carried out along with the blessings from religious leaders and saints of various institutions, Shakti Yagna at the Shakti Peeth, Bhajan Satsang by Bhajan Mandals, Anand Na Garba, Parikrama Yatra by different Mandals, cultural programs, and Yatras by departments like Forest, Police, and Health. The second day, February 10, will witness the Palkhi Yatra, Paduka Yatra, and Chamar Yatra, accompanied by blessings from religious leaders, Akhand Dhoon of Anand Na Garba, Shakti Yagna at the Shaktipeeth, Bhajan Satsang by Bhajan Mandals, Parikrama Yatra by various Mandals and societies, a Night Parikrama Darshan competition, and cultural programs. On the third day, February 11, the Palkhi Yatra, Mashal Yatra, Jyot Yatra, and Trishul Yatra will be held, along with the blessings from leaders and saints, Shakti Yagna at the Shaktipeeth, the Mantra Utsav, flower showering by drone, Bhajan Satsang, Parikrama Yatra by various groups, cultural programs, and the midnight Aarti at the Gabbar Shikhar.
Aarti Darshan & Cultural Programs
Extensive preparations have been made by the Gujarat Pilgrimage Development Board (GPYVB) and the district administration to accommodate approximately 15 lakh devotees attending the 51st Shakti Peeth Parikrama Mahotsav. The schedule for Aarti and darshan at the Ambaji Temple during the Mahotsav is as follows: Morning Aarti will take place from 7:30 AM to 8:00 AM, with darshan available from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Darshan will be closed from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM and will resume from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM, with another break from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Evening Aarti will be held from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM, followed by evening darshan from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Throughout the three-day Mahotsav, from February 9 to 11, cultural programs will be organized every evening from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Khedbrahma Road in Ambaji, opposite the Rabari Samaj Dharamshala and D.K. Trivedi Bungalows. Additionally, a Light and Sound Show will take place at Gabbar from 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM each evening, coinciding with the evening Aarti.
Free Meals for Devotees
In addition, the Ambaji Temple Trust has arranged for free meals at seven locations for the devotees attending the Mahotsav. These locations include Ambika Bhojanalay, GMDC Ground, On the Way to Mangalya Van (Shanti Van), New College, Danta Road, and the RTO Checkpost on the Abu Highway. Free meals will also be provided to officers and staff at the Gabbar Road Van Chetna Center, and police personnel at Gabbar – Chundadi Wala Mataji.
Free Shuttle Bus Services from Parking Areas
Arrangements have been made for ample parking to accommodate the large influx of devotees. Temporary free parking for ST buses is available at RTO Circle Road, the Civil Hospital area opposite New College, GMDC Ground, and Shanti Van. For private vehicles, designated parking spots are provided at Survey No. 90, Old College Road (Hadaad Road), Diwali Ba Guru Bhavan, opposite Shakti Dwar, opposite Kailash Tekri, near Apeshwar Mahadev Temple, and beside Savita Govind Sadan. In addition, free minibuses will be available to transport all devotees from the parking areas to the Parikrama Mahotsav for their convenience.
