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Shakambhari Temple
Shakambhari Mata · Shakti Peetha by Sambhar Lake · Jaipur, Rajasthan
॥ ॐ शाकम्भर्यै नमः ॥
The Shakambhari Temple near Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan honours the Goddess as Shakambhari, “she who bears the green herbs” — the form of the Mother who feeds the world. Standing close to the vast Sambhar salt lake, the largest inland salt lake in India, the shrine is revered as a Shakti Peetha and as the presiding deity whose legend is woven into the very making of the lake.
The goddess who feeds the world
Shakambhari is the nourishing form of Durga, who, in the Puranas, sustained the world with vegetables and herbs during a long famine. She is worshipped in a gentle, life-giving aspect, often described in a blue-green hue, as the Mother who keeps her creatures from hunger.
A Shakti Peetha by the salt lake
The temple is counted among the Shakti Peethas, set beside the Sambhar salt lake. Local tradition holds that the Goddess turned a forest into a plain of silver for the people of the region, and that this silver became the salt of the lake — binding the shrine and the lake into one story.
Legend and the kuldevi
Medieval traditions link Shakambhari to the founding of Sambhar and to the ruling Chauhan house, who revered her as their kuladevi, the family goddess. Her worship here is among the oldest continuous Devi cults of Rajasthan.
The temple and setting
The shikhara shrine rises from the dry, open plain, approached across flat country near the salt flats. The spare landscape lends the place a quiet power, far from the bustle of larger pilgrimage towns.
Festivals
The Ashwin (autumn) and Chaitra (spring) Navratras and Shakambhari Purnima are the chief occasions, drawing devotees from across Rajasthan to the Mother who feeds her children.
Darshan timings
The temple is generally open from about 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, with morning and evening aartis. The remote setting rewards an unhurried visit.
How to reach Shakambhari
- By train: Sambhar Lake town has its own railway station.
- By road / air: Jaipur is about 80 km and the nearest major airport.
- By road: well connected from Jaipur and Ajmer.
Tips for your visit
- Pair the visit with the Sambhar salt lake, known for flamingos in season.
- Carry water for the dry plain; mornings are cooler.
- Weekdays outside Navratri are calm and unhurried.
- Respect the quiet, spare character of the shrine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shakambhari Devi?
Shakambhari is the nourishing form of Durga, “she who bears the green herbs”, who sustained the world with vegetables and herbs during a famine.
Why is the temple linked to Sambhar Lake?
Tradition holds that the Goddess turned a forest into a plain of silver that became the salt of the Sambhar lake, binding the shrine and the lake together.
Is Shakambhari a Shakti Peetha?
Yes, the Shakambhari shrine near Sambhar is counted among the Shakti Peethas and is an ancient Devi cult of Rajasthan.
What are the temple timings?
Generally about 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, with morning and evening aartis; busiest during the Navratras and Shakambhari Purnima.
How do I reach the Shakambhari temple?
Sambhar Lake town has a railway station; Jaipur is about 80 km and the nearest major airport; it is well connected by road from Jaipur and Ajmer.
When are the main festivals?
The Ashwin and Chaitra Navratras and Shakambhari Purnima are the chief festivals at the temple.
॥ जय माता दी ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Temple Name | Shakambhari Temple |
| Primary Deity | Shakambhari Devi |
| Location | Sambhar Lake |
| District | Jaipur |
| State | Rajasthan |
| Significance | Shakti Peetha |
| Architecture Style | Shikhara |
| Approximate Period | Ancient |
| Key Festival | Navratri (Ashwin), Shakambhari Purnima |
| River / Body Nearby | Sambhar Salt Lake |
| Special Features | Food-goddess; blue-green form |
| Darshan | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Nearest Railhead | Sambhar Lake |
| Coordinates | 26.9100° N, 75.0300° E |
| Entry | Free |