**Amka Jhamka Mata Temple, Amjhera Village, Dhar District: A Historic Testament to Ancient Indian Mythology and Heritage**
Located in Amjhera village of Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, the historic Amka Jhamka Mata Temple stands as a remarkable symbol of ancient Indian mythology and religious heritage. This sacred site is famously known as the legendary place where Lord Krishna abducted Goddess Rukmini. Even today, the traces of the chariot wheel associated with this divine event are still visible behind the temple.
### Ancient Origins and Architectural Significance
Dating back to the Pandava period, the temple was originally known as Kundanpur. It holds deep spiritual significance for multiple communities in the region. The temple complex exhibits extraordinary architectural heritage, featuring sculptures reminiscent of the Dwapar era. These artistic elements closely mirror those found in Dwarka’s Rupmati Mata Temple, showcasing the shared cultural and historical links.
Within the sacred grounds, visitors can explore several notable features:
– A mountain cave where the Pandavas are believed to have meditated during their exile.
– Five Shankara temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
– The revered Surya Kund, a sunken pool where devotees perform ritual baths before offering prayers.
Adding to the temple’s mystical appeal is the Chamunda Mata temple located within the complex. During the annual Dussehra celebrations, this temple preserves ancient ritualistic traditions where liquor offerings are still made, maintaining an age-old custom.
### Cultural and Familial Importance
The Amka Jhamka Mata Temple serves as the family deity for the lineage of Rana Bakhtawar Singh, as well as several Yadav and Pawar Pandit families who continue their ancestral worship practices here.
According to local scholar Ashutosh Pandit, Goddess Rukmini was the daughter of King Bhishan. Although she was destined to marry Shishupal, she was devoted to Lord Krishna, leading to the legendary abduction. There is also a popular belief that Maharani Lakshmibai of Mandu once worshipped at this temple, although concrete historical evidence for this claim is yet to be found.
### Recent Developments and Initiatives
The temple has drawn renewed attention under the administration of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. Since taking office, CM Yadav has visited the temple twice and launched the ambitious ‘Krishna Patheya’ missionary initiative. This development programme aims to enhance infrastructure and promote cultural heritage across all locations associated with Lord Krishna’s divine presence.
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### Key Highlights:
– Ancient temple dating back to the Pandava period, originally called Kundanpur, with visible chariot wheel traces marking the sacred site of Rukmini’s abduction.
– Serves as the family deity for Rana Bakhtawar Singh’s lineage and various Yadav-Pawar Pandit families.
– Features Dwapar era architecture and sculptures akin to those at Dwarka’s Rupmati Mata Temple.
– Includes a mountain meditation cave, five Shankara temples, Surya Kund ritual bathing pool, and the Chamunda Mata temple with traditional liquor offerings during Dussehra.
– Site commemorates the divine event where Lord Krishna abducted Goddess Rukmini to prevent her marriage to Shishupal.
– Recently revitalized under Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s ‘Krishna Patheya’ development programme, aimed at cultural and infrastructural enhancement of Krishna-associated sites.
The Amka Jhamka Mata Temple remains a profound symbol of devotion, history, and cultural continuity, attracting devotees and history enthusiasts alike to experience its spiritual legacy.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/mp-news-ancient-amka-jhamka-mata-temple-historical-site-of-rukmini-haran-in-dhar-district
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