Maa Dukh Bhanjani Kali Mata Temple Ambala,Haryana
Maa Dukh Bhanjani Kali Mata Temple is located in the heart of Ambala city, Haryana. The temple is beautifully situated on a small island in the middle of Labhu Ka Talaab, a sacred pond.The main deity of the temple is Maa Kali, worshipped here as Maa Dukh Bhanjani, which means the remover of sorrows.
Maa Dukh Bhanjani Kali Mata is considered extremely powerful and compassionate. Devotees believe that worshipping her with full faith removes pain, diseases, mental troubles, and even family problems. The idol is black in color and radiates a divine energy.
The Dukhbhanjani Kali Mata Temple in Ambala is believed to be more than 150 years old. The present temple building may be newer, but the idol of Goddess Kali is very old. It was worshipped even before India’s independence, possibly in the areas that are now part of Pakistan.
Architecture
The temple architecture is simple yet unique. It is built on an island, connected by a small bridge to the land. The sanctum sanctorum houses the black stone idol of Maa Kali. The temple is surrounded by water on all sides, giving it a floating temple feel. The architecture reflects traditional North Indian Hindu temple style with red and white paint, domes, and decorative kalash on the top.
History
The idol of Maa Kali was originally worshipped in Sargodha district (now in Pakistan). During the partition of India, a devotee named Baba Phoollu Ram Ji brought the idol to Ambala to protect it from destruction. He followed the divine guidance received in a dream and installed the idol on an island in the middle of a pond. Over the years, the small shrine was developed into the temple that we see today. Locals helped in building the temple and preserving its traditions.
Sthalapurana
According to the legend, after Baba Phoollu brought the idol to Ambala, he was confused about where to place it. That night, Maa Kali appeared in his dream and told him to install her in the middle of the pond. Following the divine command, he placed the idol there and started worshipping. Soon, miracles began to happen.
People with illnesses got cured, childless couples were blessed with children, and those in sorrow found peace. The temple came to be known as “Maa Dukh Bhanjani” because she removes the sorrows of her devotees.
It is widely believed that women who perform milk abhishek here during Navratri are blessed with children, and the goddess grants whatever the devotee asks with a pure heart.
Festivals
The main festivals celebrated at Maa Dukh Bhanjani Kali Mata Temple are Chaitra Navratri (March–April) and Sharadiya Navratri (September–October). Among these, the third day of Navratri is considered most special, when a grand ritual of milk abhishek (bathing the idol with milk) is performed. Devotees offer more than 200 kilograms of milk to the goddess, believing it will remove sorrows and bless them with children. The idol is beautifully decorated, crowned with a royal tilak (Raj Tilak), and taken in a procession (Shobha Yatra) with devotional music. The temple also offers 56 types of bhog (food offerings) to the goddess, and thousands of devotees participate with deep devotion.
