World’s first lion-shaped Durga temple to come up near Nal Sarovar

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India] August 22: The first-ever Durga temple featuring a unique lion-shaped structure instead of a traditional dome is set to come up at Vanaliya village near Nal Sarovar in Sanand. Spanning 15 acres, this temple will provide devotees with the rare opportunity to witness all 51 Shakti Peeths in one sacred location.

The foundation stone of the unique 60-foot-high temple will be laid during the upcoming Navratri festivals and its construction is expected to be completed within 18 months. It will be built for Rs. 25 crore.

The driving force behind this ambitious project is Dr. Honeyben , widely known as Gurumaa, whose leadership and spiritual insight have been instrumental in bringing this temple to life. Recognising the challenge devotees face in travelling to various locations to visit the Shakti Peeths, she envisioned a temple that would house the eternal flame of all 51 Shakti Peeths, offering a singular place of worship and reflection.

Sharing her thoughts on the temple, Dr. Honeyben (Gurumaa) said, “This temple is different from any other temple in design and layout. Along with the lion-shaped design, the temple will feature a Trishul-shaped ashram and prayer hall. The sanctum sanctorum will accommodate more than 300 devotees at a time. By bringing together all 51 Shakti Peeths under one roof, we aim to provide devotees with a space where they can connect with the divine without the need for extensive travel. We aim to create a spiritual haven for devotees of Goddess Durga.”

The temple will be more than just a place of worship. It will also serve as a cultural and spiritual hub, offering daily Yagnas and Havan rituals, free meditation sessions and camps aimed at imparting knowledge of Indian culture. A 24-hour food service will also be available to devotees.

Adding to the temple’s unique features is a Trishul-shaped entrance, a departure from the traditional large entrance gates found in most temples. The entrance will be an impressive 355 feet long and 13 feet wide. The temple will be built using stones especially sourced from Aurangabad. The temple will also include a prayer hall, where devotees and saints will gather for prayers and spiritual discourses.

The construction of this magnificent temple is a massive undertaking, with over 200 artisans from across the state working tirelessly around the clock to bring Dr. Honeyben (Gurumaa)’s vision to life.