About Sri Hari Mandir, Porbandar in Gujarat :
On the grounds of the Sandipani Vidyaniketan, stands the monumental and breathtaking structure of the Shri Hari Mandir. Measuring 105 ft, held up by 66 pillars, capped by beautifully carved domes, it is the hallmark of Sandipani. The temple is incomparable in its exquisitely designed architecture and aesthetic precision. While the structure is a visual delight, the deities residing within are the personification of Pujya Bhaishri’s faith and ardent devotion. In accordance with Pujya Bhaishri’s vision the Mandir has been built to provide Rishikul students practical training in performing rituals and for the mandir to become an epicentre of culture and spirituality. The Shri Hari Mandir was completed in 2006 and a grand event, ‘Sandipani Mandir Mahotsav’, marked the opening of the Mandir.
The Shri Hari Mandir has the deities of Shri Lakshmi Narayan Bhagavan, Shri Radha Krishna Bhagavan, Shri Janki Vallabh Bhagavan, Shri Karunamayi Maa, Shri Chandramauleshwar Bhagavan, Shri Hanumanji, Shri Ganeshji and Shri Veda Bhagavan.
An oasis of peace and harmony, the mandir also has an auditorium, with a seating capacity of 2000, which is the hub of numerous spiritual and cultural activities. The mandir complex sits in beautifully landscaped scenery making it a wondrous sight to behold. With a special play area for children and seating areas, families love to visit the mandir, partake in the aarti in the evenings and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of Sandipani.
Recently statues of Pujya Bapu Mahatma Gandhiji and Kasturba and Sudama and Sushila have been added to the complex of the mandir. Standing tall the statues remind every visitor of Gandhijis teachings of truth and non-violence and Sudama’s faith and devotion.
More than being an edifice of stone and marble, the mandir bears testimony to the realisation of Bhaishri’s dream. Bhaishri had envisioned the building of the Shri Hari Mandir over a decade before it was actually constructed. His original plans for the site had not been extravagant or excessive. However, ten years later, the image that Bhaishri had with him enlarged itself into the manifestation of the glorious temple that is visited by thousands of devotees who come to pay homage to the deities of the temple.
