EME Temple

The EME Temple or "Dakshinamurthy Temple" is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built in 1966[1] and run by Indian Army authorities in the city of Vadodara, in the state of Gujarat, Western India. It is unique in its concept and design and its geodesic structure, covered with aluminium sheets, is well regarded by archaeologists. It was built by the Indian Army Corps of EME. Credit for the idea and unique concept of this temple goes to माधव आचवल , a famous marathi writer and architect. This temple is a major attraction for both tourist and devotees and is one of its kind in the world.[2] The construction of the Navgraha Temple and the comprehensive renovation of the entire temple complex were undertaken in the year 2023.

EME Temple and Navgraha Temple
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DeityDakshinamurty (Shiva) and Navgraha
Location
LocationVadodara
StateGujarat
CountryIndia
Architecture
TypeModern architecture
CreatorIndian Army
Completed1966

History and Significance

The former Christian commandant – Brig A.F. Eugene, of the EME School, was the mastermind behind the EME Temple.[3]

The Temple is a symbol of secularism in the country as it displays various features of major religions of India.[4]

  • The Kalasha on the top of the dome represents Hinduism.
  • The dome is built according to Islamic architecture.
  • The tower, beneath which the idol of Lord Dakshinamurthy is situated, represents Christianity.
  • The golden tower top is in accordance with Buddhist principles.
  • The Entrance of the temple depicts Jain religious traditions.
  • The fire in the temple represents Zoroastrianism.

The idol of the main deity faces South - metaphorically representing Lord Dakshinamurthy imparting his teachings to the world.[5] Other notable features include an idol of Lord Ganesha, brought from Mahabalipuram and an arch behind Lord Shiva's idol, made of pure silver and engraved with the sacred mantra Om Namah Shivaya. The temple is surrounded by statues of over a hundred deities, dating back to 6th century, imitating the Amarnath Temple, one of the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva.

The Navgraha Temple serves as a mirror replica of the main temple, where the idols representing the nine celestial deities, known as Navagrahas, are enshrined. These idols were previously placed on a raised platform under a tree in an open area, exposing them to harsh weather conditions. To protect these sacred idols, they have been relocated to the Navgraha Temple, providing a sheltered environment for worshippers and ensuring their preservation and reverence.

In 2023, the planning and construction of the Navgraha Temple, overseen by Maj General Neeraj Varshney, VSM, Commandant of EME School, were carried out with meticulous care. Shri Ratibhai G Mistry, an 83-year-old local resident of Vadodara and a member of the original team that initiated the project in 1964, supervised the endeavor. The financial support for the construction of the new Navgraha Temple was generously provided by the Varshney family.

The temple is open from 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM for tourists and devotees. The lush green landscape inside temple is very beautiful and well maintained by Indian Army.[6]

22.3314°N 73.1920°E / 22.3314; 73.1920

References
  1. "EME Temple, Vadodara - History, Timings, How to Reach, Location, Map". Gujarat Expert. 12 December 2017. Retrieved 2 May 2019.
  2. "EME Temple, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Vadodara, Tourism Hubs, Gujarat, India". www.gujarattourism.com. Archived from the original on 31 August 2014.
  3. "EME Temple, Vadodara - History, Timings, How to Reach, Location, Map". Gujarat Expert. 12 December 2017. Retrieved 2 May 2019.
  4. "EME Temple (Dakshinamurti Temple)". 15 February 2008.
  5. HoVB (15 February 2008). "EME Temple (Dakshinamurti Temple)". History of Vadodara - Baroda. Retrieved 2 May 2019.
  6. "EME Temple Vadodara".
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