Temple History

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🕉️ 1968-69: The Vishnu Mahayagya and the Laying of the Foundation

In 1968-69, the land of Depalpur witnessed a historic spiritual event. The late Gurudev Anantshri Jaykaran Das Ji Bhaktmali Paramhans Maharaj organised a grand Vishnu Mahayagya here, attended by all four Shankaracharyas of the country. On this sacred occasion, the foundation of this Mahateerth was laid. It was the moment when one Guru’s resolve planted the seed of a vast pilgrimage centre.

🌟 The Divine Dream of Gurudev

Gurudev’s dream was that all 24 avatars of Lord Vishnu would reside in a single complex, so devotees could have darshan of every one of them in one place. The dream was as difficult as it was big, but Gurudev’s penance and the unwavering faith of devotees kept it alive for decades. His disciples continue to serve, regarding it as the Guru’s blessing.

🌊 The Resolve of Maa Narmada

Gurudev was a deep devotee of Maa Narmada. He had the temple model prepared under his own supervision and also built a temple of Maa Narmada here. He had said that in the future, Narmada would come to this place. To fulfil that resolve, a Narmada Kund is now being built within the complex.

🙏 2004: Gurudev Attains Brahmaleen, the Resolve Lives On

Gurudev left his mortal body in 2004, but his resolve did not end with him. His disciples and the Sarvbhaum Hindu Dharm Shri Chaubis Avatar Mandir Trust made it the purpose of their lives. Gurudev’s Samadhi stands in the complex to this day, where devotees bow in reverence.

🔨 Construction Begins and Gathers Pace

From around 2015, construction gained momentum. With the support of devotees, the Trust worked day and night, and within a few years the vast complex began to take shape. According to news reports, many devotees came forward voluntarily to offer service and donations during construction.

🏛️ Grand Architecture Inspired by Somnath

The main temple was designed in the style of the Somnath Temple. It is built of lakhs of bricks, and no iron was used in its construction. The spires were prepared in Ashtadhatu (eight metals), and golden kalashes were installed on every temple. It is a fine example of traditional Indian temple architecture.

🪷 A Form Decided After Visiting Temples Across India

To decide the form of Lord Lakshminarayan’s idol, many Lakshminarayan temples across the country were visited. After gathering knowledge about the 24 avatars, the plan for installing the idols was prepared accordingly. The result of this effort is today’s grand and soulful idol.

✨ Secret Donations in the Foundation

In the Kurma region of the temple (the foundation, where the idol is installed), devotees offered secret donations of their own will, including gold jewellery and rings. It is believed that this is wealth given to God. For this reason, the temple is said to stand on a foundation of the faith and sacrifice of its devotees.

🎊 28 April to 10 May 2017: The 12-Day Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav

The 12-day festival included the Vishnu Mahayagya, the Bhagwat Katha of Kanakeshwari Devi, and a Ramleela performance by a Delhi troupe. 121 pandits performed rituals with Vedic chanting under the guidance of the Yagyacharya. According to news reports, thousands of devotees gathered, many took part in the parikrama, and prasad was served on a large scale.

🔱 8 May 2017: 26 Idols Consecrated Together

8 May 2017 was a golden day in the history of this pilgrimage. In 26 temples, 26 idols were consecrated at the same time, including the 24 avatars along with Lord Vishnu and the idol of Gurudev. Golden kalashes were placed, and the whole pandal echoed with cries of praise for the Lord. Thousands of devotees from across the country were present.

🏆 Entered in World Record Books

For this unique event, the temple’s name was entered in the Golden Book of World Records, the Asia Golden Book of World Records, and the World Book of Records. Trust president Manoj Patel and secretary Chintu Verma received certificates, a medal, and a trophy. The achievement became a matter of pride for the entire region.

🌸 A New Chapter Begins After 5 Years

On completion of five years of Pran Pratishtha, on Vaishakh Shukla Trayodashi, abhishek, puja, and aarti were performed together at all the temples, followed by fireworks at night. On the same day, the bhoomi pujan of 24 new marble temples was held, with Trust members and donors beginning the work using silver spades and trowels.

🎯 The Goal Before Simhastha 2028

The Trust aims to complete all construction and hold the formal Pran Pratishtha before the Ujjain Simhastha. This will allow the crores of devotees coming to Ujjain to easily visit this Mahateerth at Depalpur along with their Omkareshwar journey.

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