It is a very ancient temple and finds mention in old gazetteers. The Navratri festival that occurs just before Dusshera, is celebrated with much fanfare. Just a few steps away is the temple of Shri Ekvira Devi, also a seat of ancient grandeur. It was built in 1660 by the great son of Amravati Paramhans, Shri Janardan Swami. The Devi here is said to be an incarnation of Shakti. These two temples are considered one and all, never treated separately with differences.
The basis of the familiarity of these temples lies in the fact that it is rumoured to be the very spot from where Shri Krishna abducted Rukmini, when she came to offer pujas at the temple, marrying her thereafter. Rukmini, the daughter of King Bhishmak of Vidharbha, had heard brave tales of Krishna, and she fell in love with him. But, her brother Rukmiya had arranged her marriage with his friend, King Shishupal of Chedi. Rukmini had secretly sent a letter to Krishna for their plans of elopement. The day before her marriage to King Shishupal, she visited the temples of Shri Ambadevi and and Shri Ekvira Devi. Krishna kidnapped Rukmini at the temple itself. With the help from Yadav, Krishna defeated her brother Rukmiya, King Bhishmak, finally marrying Rukmini in a ceremonious manner at the temple site.
One can reach Shri Ambadevi Temple, located one km westwards from Amravati Railway station, and 1.5 km from Amravati Bus stand. Ample number of local vehicles and taxis are available from both the above-mentioned landmarks. Taxis are also available from Badnera Railway Station (on Mumbai-Kolkata Rail Route).
