The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in. This is one of the quotes by B.K.S.Iyengar. The quote can be defined as one’s body is like a temple. Heart and mind should be kept pure and clean without any negativity so that your soul can stay in it and reside there. One of the famous Mata temple in Nagpur, Maharashtra is Gruhlaxmi Ambabai Temple. Nagpur is known as the city of oranges. With the same, it has gained popularity among the tourists for the around places also. Whether it is a nature walk or a visit to the temple one finds peace and positivity around. Nagpur has been continuous on the developing side, being a facility for the hospitals or the transportation and thus lead to the good spot for tourists. And with this, there is also an increase in the flow of devotees to visit various temples in and around Nagpur city.
One of the beautiful temples in Nagpur is Gruhlaxmi Ambabai Temple, which is situated in the vicinity of Seminary Hills. The temple is surrounded by greens which gives positive vibes and also one can witness natural beauty too. This is one famous temple in Nagpur. This temple has an ancient and enriched history. The magnificent idol was discovered during the proceeding of farming activities by the farmers in Warora which was dated back to 1756. A replica of the idol was installed in the temple in the year 2015, Chaitra shuddha Ashtami, Friday, all the rituals were followed during this occasion. It is being believed that the main idol is swayambhu which is made up of shaligram. Ambabai Devi is the Kul devta of the Khot family. At present, the 13th generation of the Khot family adorns the deity in the same way as their ancestors are used to do it. They follow every ritual today also.
The goddess is decorated beautifully with ancient and heritage ornaments which are made of pure gold and some other precious metals and also the saree is draped around which is known as vastra. The appearance is so soothing that definitely, one can get only positive vibes.
The idol sits on a throne (singhasana) which is made up of pure silver and weighs near 85 kilograms. It has beautiful and elegant carvings of the moon and sun which are on the right and the left shoulders of the goddess respectively.
In a year only for a day or two, the goddess is being taken to another place where she sleeps and takes rest. This is known as Nidra Kal. Nidra Kal is a Sanskrit term. Nidra means sleep and Kal means time. Therefore it is termed Nidra Kal. At this time, the devotees dance “gondhal” and also sing along. There is so much energy, liveliness, and enthusiasm when the dance is being performed. The idol is taken in palki to the place where she takes rest. Palki is being carried by the devotees or the priest. Worldwide, only in this temple, the idol is taken to another place for rest. And for the same, the procession is being carried out.
Gruhlaxmi Ambabai is also known as Maha Saraswati as it consists of eight arms donning various weapons mentioned in Hindu Mythologies which are Koshti, Deshastha, Brahmin, Teli, Koli, sonar, Kalar, and Maratha. This temple has also the abode of gods like Mahabali Hanuman, Shri Gruheshwara(Shiva), Shri Prachand Kaali, Goddess Matangi, Shri Kaal Bhairava, Shri Mangal Chandi Devi, Shri Shani Deva.
It is said that the goddess fulfills everyone’s prayers and wishes. One can feel the positivity, peace, and spirituality at the same place.