Shri Sanatan Hindu Devalaya Free-land-ganj, Godhra Road, Dahod, Dahod

Shri Sanatan Hindu Devalaya is situated on Godhra Road in the Free-land-ganj locality of Dahod. The city, lying close to the borders of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, is traditionally believed to have derived its name from its location, where the frontiers of two regions met. This historic land is known for the Dudhimati River, its association with the birthplace of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and the tenth-century Bavka Shiva Temple. During the latter half of the nineteenth century, residents, inspired by the teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of the Arya Samaj, laid the foundation of this Shri Sanatan Hindu Devalaya. Its principal objective was to preserve the Sanatan Vedic tradition while fostering harmony within society.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

During the nineteenth-century movement for religious and social reform, Swami Dayanand Saraswati proclaimed that the Vedas alone were the source of divine knowledge. Born at Tankara in present-day Gujarat, he founded the Arya Samaj in 1875 and gave the inspiring call, ‘Back to the Vedas’. He travelled extensively across Gujarat, spreading the principles of Vedic philosophy. According to a record published in the weekly periodical ‘Sadhana’, the establishment of this temple at Dahod was inspired by his ideals. Although the exact year of its foundation is not recorded in historical documents, it is believed that local citizens collectively built the temple during the late nineteenth or the early twentieth century.

The temple stands in the heart of Dahod city. The Free-land-ganj locality, where it is situated, lies close to Dahod Railway Station. During the British period, this neighbourhood developed as a residential colony for employees of the ‘Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway’ (BB&CI Railway). In earlier times, the region lay on an important trade and military route linking Gujarat with the Malwa region.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The temple complex is entered through a gateway in the enclosing boundary wall. To the right of the principal shrine stands the Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple. This shrine comprises a semi-open assembly hall and a sanctum. The sanctum is reached through an assembly hall paved with polished marble. At its centre, set at floor level, is a large Shiva Linga clad in an ornate brass covering. A brass serpent spreads its hood above the Linga, while a brass Trishula stand beside it. According to an inscription within the temple, the Prana Pratishtha of this Shivalinga was performed on 13 August 1968 by Shri Shri 108 Acharya Vireshanandji of Badrikashram.

From the paved courtyard, four steps lead to the temple’s elevated plinth and into the assembly hall. Beyond the circumambulatory passage lies the principal sanctum, where a Shivalinga stands at floor level upon an octagonal vajrapitha. The Shalunka of the Shivalinga is encased in brass. A niche in the rear wall houses a pristine white marble image of Goddess Parvati. Niches in the side walls contain images of Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman. Additional subsidiary sanctums within the temple enshrine the deities Shri Ram, Lakshmana and Sita, Lakshmi-Narayana and Goddess Durga.

Rituals, Poojas & Festivals

The principal spire above the main sanctum is one of the temple’s most distinctive architectural features. Circular in form and gradually tapering towards the summit, it is adorned with numerous miniature spires and Kalashas.

Devotees may have darshan every day from 6.00 a.m. to 12 noon and again from 4.00 p.m. until 8.30 p.m. When the temple opens at 6.00 a.m., the deity is ceremonially bathed, adorned and worshipped. The first principal Aarti is performed at 7.30 a.m. The sanctum closes at 12 noon and reopens for devotees at 4.00 p.m. At sunset, Dhupa Aarti and the evening Sandhya Aarti are performed. After the Shayana Aarti at 8.30 p.m., the temple doors are closed for the day. In accordance with Vedic tradition, Vedic hymns and devotional Stotras are recited every morning and evening. On special occasions, religious ceremonies and Yajnas are also conducted.

The temple celebrates numerous festivals throughout the year. Its foremost annual celebration is the ‘Navratri Mahotsav’. During this nine-day festival, traditional Garba dances are organised each evening. On Ram Navami, the temple conducts a recitation of the ‘Sundara Kanda’ from the Ramayana. Makar Sankranti, Mahashivratri, Hanuman Jayanti and Diwali are likewise celebrated according to traditional customs. On Mahashivratri, special Jalabhisheka and Rudrabhisheka rituals are performed. Every Monday during the holy month of Shravan, the temple witnesses large gatherings of devotees. The temple trust also organises a range of social initiatives, including lectures promoting moral values, the distribution of educational materials to students and free health camps.

Sacred Darshan Gallery