The Shree Shakambhari Mata Mandir, located at Sakrai Dham near Udaipurwati (Sikar district), is one of the most ancient and spiritually potent Shakti Peeths in Rajasthan. Nestled in the lush valleys of the Aravalli Hills, it is a site where nature and divinity meet.
1. The Legend of Shakambhari Mata
The name “Shakambhari” is derived from two words: Shaka (vegetables/herbs) and Ambari (the one who nourishes).
- The Divine Intervention: According to the Puranas, a severe drought lasted for a hundred years, causing mass starvation. The Goddess appeared and, out of compassion, produced life-sustaining vegetables, fruits, and herbs from her own body to feed the hungry.
- The Protector: She is also worshipped as the slayer of the demon Durgamasur.
2. Unique Architecture & The Deities
The temple’s sanctum is unique compared to other Shakti Peeths:
- Dual Deities: Inside the inner sanctum (Garbhagriha), there are two idols sitting side-by-side: Brahmani and Rudrani.
- Iconography: Both idols are in the form of Mahishasura Mardini (the slayer of the buffalo demon), featuring eight arms and mounted on lions.
- Construction: The temple dates back to at least the 7th century, as evidenced by inscriptions found on-site. The architecture features intricate marble carvings and a high, majestic shikhara (spire).
3. Religious Significance
- Kuldevi: She is the primary ancestral deity (Kuldevi) for the Chauhan Rajputs and several merchant communities (Agarwals and Maheshwaris).
- Trishakti: This temple is considered one of the three main Shakambhari seats in India, the other two being in Sambhar (Rajasthan) and Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh).
