India boasts not only a multitude of temples but also some of the oldest and most distinctive ones globally, scattered from North to South, East to West.
Lord Shiva, a prominent deity in Hinduism, has an extensive presence with lakhs of temples dedicated to him across India. Adding to this rich tapestry, the world’s inaugural Om-shaped temple devoted to Lord Shiva is set to be inaugurated on February 10, 2024. This momentous occasion follows closely on the heels of the historic consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024.
The groundwork for this temple was laid 27 years ago in 1995, situated in the Jadan Village within Rajasthan’s Pali district. In Hindu tradition, the Om mantra holds significant reverence, often recited each morning upon awakening.
The trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, credited with the creation of the universe, symbolizes ‘Om’ (Om). The Om-shaped, or ‘Om Aakar’, temple sprawls across 250 acres of land in Jadan Village.
This grand structure is set to accommodate 1,008 idols of Lord Mahadev and 12 Jyotirlingas, with a centerpiece Shivling crafted from rhinestone sourced from the Bansi hill of Dholpur. Additionally, a water reservoir with a capacity of 2 lakh tonnes lies beneath the temple complex.
The visionary behind the Om Ashram is Vishwa Guru Maha Mandleshwar Paramahansa Swami Maheswara Nanda Puriji Maharaj.
Scheduled for inauguration on February 10th, the temple’s main festivities are slated for February 19, featuring cultural programs, religious rituals, and special attractions.
This Om-shaped Shiva temple is structurally divided into four segments, with one entire section constructed underground and the remaining three above ground. At its core lies the Samadhi of Swami Madhavananda, encircled by statues of seven sages in the basement.
Toweringly majestic at 135 feet, the temple stands atop 2,000 pillars and encompasses 108 rooms within its premises. The pinnacle showcases a Shivalinga of Mahadev, symbolizing the shape of the universe.
In addition to the temple, the Jadan Ashram is home to the Shri Madhavanand Yoga University, distinguished by its unique Om-shaped architecture. This four-storey edifice will house educational institutions, underscoring the multifaceted vision of the Vishwadeep Gurukul Trust, which spearheaded the temple’s construction. Notably, the construction materials include stone from the Banshi mountain of Dholpur.
