Ambernath is a suburban city in Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The city got its name after Ancient Ambreshwar Shiv Mandir. 

Districts/Region

Thane district, Maharashtra, India. 

History

Ambarnath temple is on the bank of a small stream in Ambarnath. It is an 11th-century Bhumija style temple, considered a masterpiece of Shilahara Art. The temple was built using the local black basalt. The temple is dedicated to Shiva and has several artefacts, images and panels indicating the prominence of Saivism. A Shiva linga or symbol of Lord Shiva is installed in the sanctum. The Northern porch of the temple had a Sanskrit inscription dated 1060 CE. The entrance has two large, beautiful and richly carved pillars. There are two more entrances other than the main entrance. An iconic image of Nandi, the vehicle or vahana of Lord Shiva, is installed right at the door. The temple has two sections. Both the parts have richly carved towers, pillars and roofs. Symmetry is an important aspect to be observed in the architecture of this temple. The pillars of the temple are carved in pairs consisting of dancing figures, geometric designs, etc. Many Hindu gods and goddesses are carved on the facade of the temple. This temple is the oldest known securely dated bhoomija temple in this state.
The temple was built by Shilahara King Chittaraja I in 1060 CE. Though the temple was built during the Shilahara period, the architecture and art influence other dynasties like Chalukya and Solanki. The temple is based on the Shaiva Siddhanta style, which is another ideology of Saivism. The temple is a beautiful example of an architectural and spiritual monument. The temple falls under the purview of the Archaeological Survey of India. 
The temple stands in an enclosure. The courtyard provides a well-demarcated sacred place to perform the rituals. The mandapa, the hall has three entrances. The Interior of the temple is decorated with narrative panels, sculptures and geometric forms. Each of the medallions is uniquely carved in stone. Pillars are highly decorated with elaborate carvings and sculptural panels.
The main shrine is a Suncun Shire, and one has to descend to the sanctum. The interior of the sanctum is simple and doesn't have any decorations. The superstructure of the sanctum, once of Bhumija style popular in western India, is in a dilapidated state today.

Geography

The Temple is located 49 KM from Mumbai, in one of the suburbs of Ambarnath. 

Weather/Climate

The prominent weather in the region is rainfall, the Konkan belt experiences High Rainfall (ranges around 2500 mm to 4500 mm), and the climate remains Humid and warm. The temperature reaches up to 30 degrees Celsius during this season.
Summers are hot and humid, and the temperature touches 40 degrees Celsius.
Winters in Konkan is the comparatively milder climate (around 28 degrees Celsius), and the weather remains Cool and Dry

Things to do

• The outer walls of the temple have marvelous sculptures.
• One may look at the architectural grandeur of the temple.

Nearest tourist places

A  hill range starting from the temple area has really beautiful trekking locations:

• Malangad Fort (17.7 KM)
• Vikatgad Fort (47.7 KM)
• Chanderi Fort (37 KM)
• Matheran is 38 KM from Ambernath and is a famous hill station.

Special food speciality and hotel

Many restaurants are available in the proximity of the temple area. Several snack items like Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Frankie Roll are available outside the temple.

Accommodation facilities nearby & Hotel/ Hospital/Post Office/Police station

• There are various local hotels in and around this area.
• Shivkripa Hospital is the nearest Hospital at a distance of 0.65 KM.
• The nearest Police station is Shivaji Nagar Police Station (1.9 KM)

Visiting Rule and Time, Best month to visit

• Temple is open every day from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. 
• The best month to visit this temple is February-March. 
• Thousands of devotees visit Ambernath temple during the days of Mahashivratri

Language spoken in area 

English, Hindi, Marathi