Ambaji, Gujarat, Feb 09, The Shakti Peeth Parikrama Mahotsav-2025 commenced at Ambaji in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
Shri Patel offered prayers to Maa Amba and flagged off the Palkhi (Palanquin) Yatra and Ghanti Yatra. This three-day Parikrama Mahotsav is being held at the sacred pilgrimage site and Aadya Shakti Peeth Ambaji, jointly organized by the Gujarat Government, Gujarat Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board, and Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust.
CM Offers Prayers to Maa Amba For Prosperity and Welfare of Gujarat: The Chief Minister offered prayers to Maa Amba and performed puja, seeking blessings for the state’s well-being. He also received the blessings of Bhattji Maharaj
CM Inaugurates Newly Constructed Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya in Ambaji: Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the newly constructed Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya building in Ambaji, developed at an estimated cost of ₹12 crore. As he toured the facility, students recited Vedic mantras. Funded entirely by the Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust, this modern Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Additionally, a hostel has been built to provide both education and accommodation for approximately 150 students.
The state-of-the-art infrastructure includes a parking area, a multi-purpose hall, ten classrooms, 49 hostel rooms, a library, a prayer hall, a dining area, a computer lab, and a dedicated Yagna Shala. Notably, Shri Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya has been managed by the Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust since 1962. The institution imparts knowledge in various disciplines such as Karmakand (rituals), Jyotish (astrology), Vedas, Puranas, Dharma Shastra, and Upanishads. Additionally, the college’s library houses an extensive collection of 5,107 Sanskrit literature books.
Chief Minister Graces 51 Shakti Peeth Parikrama Mahotsav: Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the three-day 51 Shakti Peeth Parikrama Mahotsav today. He flagged off the Palkhi and Ghanti Yatra, marking the commencement of the grand religious event. Additionally, the Chief Minister participated in the Mahotsav by performing rituals and offering prayers at the temple within the Shakti Peeth Complex.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel stated that while the Mahakumbh is being held at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, lakhs of devotees are immersing themselves in the devotion of Maa Amba during the Parikrama Mahotsav. He noted that under the inspiration and guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, a devoted worshipper of Jagadamba, this grand religious mahotsav has emerged as a global centre of faith and attraction. He mentioned that Ambaji Dham is home to 51 Shakti Peeths spread across different locations. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi envisioned creating a way for devotees to experience the divine presence of all these sacred sites in one place. This vision has now become a reality, enabling devotees who may not be able to visit all 51 Shakti Peeths across the country in their lifetime to fulfil their faith by seeking blessings at the replicas established in Ambaji, aligning with the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat
The Chief Minister stated that connectivity to Ambaji is continuously improving, with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi commissioning the Ambaji-Taranga Rail Project. To ensure comprehensive development in the Ambaji region, the government has initiated the Ambaji Development Project. Additionally, to provide the best facilities for pilgrims and boost tourism, the Ambaji Corridor will be developed in two phases at a cost of ₹1,200 crore.
Ambaji is committed to preserving its rich cultural heritage by promoting the teaching of Sanskrit. The Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, which has been operational since 1962, has been upgraded with modern facilities to support this mission.
Chief Minister Distributes Assistance Benefits to Divyangs: At D.K. Trivedi Bhavan in Ambaji, the Chief Minister distributed various assistance benefits to Divyang beneficiaries. The distribution included motorized tricycles, wheelchairs, smartphones, hearing aids, and cheques under the Divyang Lagna Sahay Yojana. Additionally, Divyang identity cards under the Mafat Musafari Yojana for ST buses, approval orders for Sant Surdas Yojana, assistance scheme to Mano Divyangs as well as disability certificates.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister stated that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has ensured that government welfare schemes reach every beneficiary at their doorstep. The government is committed to achieving 100% implementation of these schemes so that no eligible individual is deprived of benefits. With the vision of Sauno Saath, Sauno Vikas, the Prime Minister has prioritized the inclusion of every needy beneficiary. To empower divyang, both the central and state governments have introduced various initiatives, including Unique Disability ID Card, medical check-ups, and free travel passes for state transport (ST) buses. Additionally, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has replaced terms like “viklang” (disabled) and ‘Apang’ with “‘Divyangjan” to instill dignity and self-respect among differently-abled citizens. Furthermore, programs like Divyang Kaushalya Rozgar Seva Setu have been implemented to enhance self-reliance among Divyangjans. The government also provides loans ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹50 lakh to support their financial independence
The Chief Minister noted that in Banaskantha, over 618 Divyangs have received assistance worth more than ₹6 crore, helping them move towards self-sufficiency. He congratulated the district administration for its dedicated efforts, stating that their initiatives would serve as an inspiration for other districts.
The CM prayed to Maa Amba for the well-being of all and wished for a more inclusive society where Divyangs can become self-reliant. He also urged devotees to take part in the Shri 51 Shakti Peeth Parikrama Mahotsav.
Notably, the Banaskantha district administration has been organizing special Divyang Seva Setu programs to provide on-the-spot benefits to divyangs. Under the Government of India’s ADIP scheme, 1,167 beneficiaries in Banaskantha have received 2,052 assistive devices worth ₹261 lakh. Additionally, 705 beneficiaries have received cheques, approval orders, and bus passes under various state government schemes, while 628 individuals have been issued disability certificates. In total, approximately 2,500 beneficiaries have been provided with various forms of assistance. Moreover, 18,712 beneficiaries in the district are availing free travel facilities through the bus pass scheme.
The Shri 51 Shakti Peeth Parikrama Mahotsav 2025, held at the sacred pilgrimage site of Ambaji, has been meticulously planned to ensure that the lakhs of devotees visiting can experience the darshan of all 51 Shakti Peeths at one place.
The event was graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including MLAs Shri Aniket Thakar, Shri Mavjibhai Desai, and Shri Keshaji Chauhan, former MP Shri Parbatbhai Patel, former Union Minister Shri Haribhai Chaudhary, Secretary Shri Rajendra Kumar, Member Secretary Shri Ramesh Merja, District Collector Shri Mihir Patel, District Development Officer Shri M.J. Dave, District Police Chief Shri Akshayraj Makwana, along with Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya Acharya Shri Himmatlal Dave, students, and a large number of devotees.
