PORBANDAR, GUJARAT, Feburary 5, 2006: Praised as one of the grandest temples of Gujarat, the Shri Hari Mandir situated at Sandipani Vidyaniketan, Porbandar, was officially opened by The Honourable Vice-President of India, Shri Bhairon Singhji Shekhavat, on February, 4, 2006. The temple, inspired by Pujya Bhaishri Rameshbhai Oza, is situated within Sandipani Vidyaniketan, a renowned educational institution. Other dignitaries present were Pujya Karshni Gurusharananandaji Maharaj, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Pujya Devprasadji Bapu. Also present were Smt. Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani and Shri Mukesh and Smt. Nita Ambani and Shri Anil and Smt. Tina Ambani.
Earlier in the day, during the final sacred praana pratishtha (dedication of the main Deities) ceremony, thousands of flower petals were scattered onto the shikharas of the Mandir from a helicopter flying high above the Shri Hari Mandir. This unique and beautiful sight could be seen by people from a great distance away and announced the completion of the consecration of the deities. Pujya Bhaishri, Gurusharanandaji Maharaj and Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji then proceeded to the roof of the temple and climbed temporary steps to the tops of each of the shikharas of the Mandir where the shikhara flags (dhwaja) were released. This marked the completion of the Mandir.
The opening ceremony of the temple followed a grand procession (Shobha Yatra) through the streets of Porbandar and three days of murti praana pratishtha ceremonies and pujas. The rites and rituals of the praana pratishtha were followed strictly according to the Agamic texts. Prior to installation, priests trained in Vedic rituals, performed the ceremonies to imbibe divine life and energy into the marble deities.
Shri Bhairon Singhji, Shri Narendra Modi and Shri L.K. Advani arrived at Sandipani Vidyaniketan at 3.00pm. After revealing a commemorative plaque, they were led by Pujya Bhaishri up 48 steps to the entrance of the Mandir. Inside, they lit the lamp officially inaugurating the temple, after which they did darshan of the praan pratishthit deities.
Following this, the special guests were escorted into a large marquee, eagerly awaited by over 50,000 devotees who have flocked from all parts of India and abroad to attend the event. Over 2000 devotees NRI’s have attended the event, with 500 from USA and 1,000 from UK.
Just three weeks back, the Sandipani Science Gallery, a unique exhibition showing the contribution of Ancient Rishis to the field of Science which is situated on the ground floor of the temple, was launched by His Excellency the President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
Once the doors of the Mandir were officially opened, thousands of devotees flocked to the gates of the Mandir to have darshan of Shri Lakshmi Narayan, Shri Ram Darbar, Shri Radha Krishna, Shri Shiva Parivar, Shri Amba Maa, Shri Ganeshji and Shri Hanumanji. In celebration of the temple opening, a special recitation of the Srimad Bhagavat Puraana by Pujya Bhaishri is taking place at Sandipani from 5th to 12th February. In addition, discourses by saints and scholars are taking place each afternoon and cultural shows are the highlight of the evenings. Measuring 105 feet high with 66 pillars and a 40 feet high dome, the Shri Hari Mandir exudes spiritual serenity along with sheer aesthetic brilliance. An oasis of peace and harmony, the majestic Mandir stands in all its glory inviting all to come and do darshan.