Navratri, the nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, is celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm across India. In Ambala, Haryana, the festival holds a special charm as devotees visit temples, observe fasts, and participate in vibrant rituals. Ambala is home to several ancient and divine temples where thousands of devotees gather during Navratri to seek blessings of Maa Durga and her manifestations.
If you are in Ambala during Navratri, here are 9 Popular Places To Visit In:
“May the divine blessings of Maa Durga fill your life with courage, prosperity, and happiness this Navratri.”
1. Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Temple
- Location: Sector 10, Ambala City
- Distance: Around 4 km from Ambala City Railway Station
- Significance: This temple is dedicated to Maa Vaishno Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. It is believed that visiting here fulfills wishes and brings prosperity to families. During Navratri, the temple is decorated beautifully with lights and flowers, and special jagrans are organized. Devotees experience the same divine aura as the Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, making it a popular choice for darshan.
2. Kali Mata Mandir
- Location: 151, Ghel Road, Hira Nagar, Ambala City
- Distance: 3 km from Ambala City Bus Stand
- Significance: Dedicated to Maa Kali, the fierce form of Goddess Durga, this temple is highly revered by devotees who seek protection from negative energies. It is said that worshipping Maa Kali here during Navratri removes fear and obstacles from life. The temple witnesses long queues of devotees, especially on Ashtami and Navami.
3. Shri Ambika Devi Mandir
- Location: Kumhar Mohalla Road, Old Town, Ambala City
- Distance: 2.5 km from Ambala City Railway Station
- Significance: The temple is one of the oldest in Ambala and is dedicated to Ambika Devi, another form of Goddess Durga. The belief is that Mata Ambika blesses her devotees with courage and success. The temple becomes a hub of cultural and spiritual activities during Navratri, with bhajans, aarti, and distribution of prasad.
4. Kali Bari Mandir
- Location: Durga Charan Road, Ambala Cantt
- Distance: 4 km from Ambala Cantt Railway Station
- Significance: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and has a strong Bengali cultural influence. Devotees believe that Maa Kali protects them from evil and grants spiritual strength. During Navratri and especially on Maha Ashtami, the temple holds special havans and cultural programs that attract devotees from nearby towns as well.
5. Kailash Mandir
- Location: Cross Road, Ambala Cantt
- Distance: 2 km from Ambala Cantt Bus Stand
- Significance: Kailash Mandir is not just a temple but a center of great spiritual energy. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, it is believed that worshipping here during Navratri ensures marital harmony and family peace. The temple’s ancient architecture and calm environment make it a must-visit.
6. Shree Durga Mandir
- Location: 135 E, Rani Bagh, Gobind Nagar, Ambala Cantt, Haryana 133001
- Distance: 2.5 km from Ambala Cantt Bus Stand
- Significance: As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to Maa Durga. It is said that the goddess fulfills the wishes of those who worship her with devotion. The temple organizes large bhandaras (community feasts) during Navratri, and thousands of devotees gather to offer prayers here.
7. Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir
- Location: Arjun Enclave, Ambala Cantt
- Distance: 5 km from Ambala Cantt Railway Station
- Significance: Another famous shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi in Ambala, this temple is known for its peaceful environment and spiritual ambiance. Devotees believe that Maa blesses them with good health and removes financial difficulties. The temple sees heavy footfall during Navratri, with devotees performing aarti and offering chunari to the goddess.
8. Santoshi Mata Mandir
- Location: New Dayal Bagh, Dhulkot, Ambala
- Distance: 6 km from Ambala Cantt Railway Station
- Significance: Dedicated to Santoshi Mata, this temple holds immense faith among devotees, especially women. It is believed that worshipping here during Navratri brings satisfaction (santoshi) and harmony in family life. Special Friday prayers and Navratri rituals make it a spiritually uplifting experience.
Plan Your Navratri Temple Tour
Each temple in Ambala has its own unique significance and story connected to Maa Durga and her avatars. If you want to feel the true spirit of Navratri, plan a temple tour covering these 9 famous shrines. From offering prayers, attending evening aartis to enjoying the festive decorations, every moment will bring you closer to spirituality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
The Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Temple in Sector 10, Ambala City, is one of the most famous and most-visited temples during Navratri.
Navratri is celebrated for nine days in Ambala, just like across India. Each day is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga.
Kali Mata Mandir (Hira Nagar) and Kali Bari Mandir (Durga Charan Road, Cantt) are the best temples for Maa Kali’s darshan in Ambala.
Yes, major temples like Ambika Devi Mandir, Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir, and Shree Durga Mandir attract large crowds during Navratri, especially on Ashtami and Navami.
Absolutely! Temples in Ambala welcome all devotees and visitors. Tourists can join in the aarti, bhajans, and community feasts (bhandaras) to experience the cultural side of Navratri.
