Shree Jagannathji Mandir Ahmedabad,Gujarat

Shree Jagannathji Mandir is located in the Jamalpur area of Ahmedabad, on the eastern banks of the Sabarmati River. About 460 years ago, this area was a dense forest, and the city limit ended at Jamalpur Darwaja in the north. This serene riverside location was chosen by wandering sadhus for meditation and spiritual practice, away from the noise of city life.

Deity Details

The temple enshrines the Holy Trinity: Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Baldevji, and sister Goddess Subhadraji. Earlier, the site hosted a shrine of Rambhakt Maruti, installed by Sadhu Hanumandasji, which continues to be worshiped. The idols are placed on a raised pedestal called the Ratna-Vedi, with the idol of Garuda facing the feet of Lord Jagannath. On the Ratna-Vedi, Goddess Shreedevi and Bhudevi are also placed.

Architecture

The temple complex underwent a major renovation between 1996-2000, blending traditional and modern architecture. Constructed primarily from white marble, it features intricately carved sanctums, the Ratna-Vedi, and a marble statue of Mahamandaleshwar Mahant Shree Narsinhdasji facing the Holy Trinity. The complex also houses a Gadi with uninterrupted Dhooni, a spacious auditorium for bhajans and lectures, Gaushala, Rathkhana, Santnivas, Apang Ashram, and Samadhi regions.

Sthalapurana

Around 460 years ago, Sadhu Hanumandasji, a devotee of Rambhakt Maruti, settled in this forested area by the Sabarmati River and installed his deity’s idol, attracting devotees through miraculous happenings. His successor, Sadhu Sarangdasji, a devotee of Lord Jagannath, visited Puri Jagannath Mandir and received a divine vision instructing him to establish the Holy Trinity in Ahmedabad. He installed the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baldevji, and Goddess Subhadraji, transforming the Maruti temple into Shree Jagannathji Mandir. A cowshed was built, beginning Gau Seva at the temple.

Festivals

Shree Jagannathji Mandir celebrates several festivals with great devotion and grandeur. The most important is the Rath Yatra, where the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baldevji, and Goddess Subhadraji are pulled through the streets of Ahmedabad, attracting thousands of devotees, following rituals inspired by Puri. Another significant festival is the Jal Yatra, a symbolic procession in which the deities are taken to their maternal uncle’s home at Saraspur, accompanied by water from the Sabarmati River for sacred rituals. Netrotsav, held before Rath Yatra, involves the ceremonial care of the deity’s eyes, and Mangala Aarti, performed early on the day of Rath Yatra, draws devotees and dignitaries alike, marking the beginning of the celebrations.