Lakshmi-Narayan Temple
A beautiful temple constructed within a commercial complex in Udhana, featuring five shikhars, three ghumats, and ornate figures carved out of Dhangadhra stone.
The Story
About This Sacred Structure
A beautiful temple constructed within a commercial complex in Udhana, featuring five shikhars, three ghumats, and ornate figures carved out of Dhangadhra stone.
In the year 1983, Shri Sangramsinh P. Gaekwad, Managing director of the Company, which was then under the Chairmanship of the late Maharaja, thought of constructing a temple within the commercial complex area, for the benefit of the nearby residents and the people of Surat in general. "Man does not live by bread alone"- he also needs a place to worship and meditate, for his spiritual well-being. The construction started in 1986 and was completed in 1990. The temple is located in the middle of a square plot. Tall, stately trees line the four borders, making it a pleasant and tranquil spot. The temple faces north and has an area of 780 Sq. mtrs. The pathways surrounding the temple, together with the landscape garden, flower-beds and lighting arrangement present an exquisite and August sight. Since the temple will be used by general public, the main entrance of the temple ground is on the western side, which adjoins the city road. Exactly opposite this, on the eastern side is another gate. A rough Kotah stone pathway runs between these two gates. The approach steps lead to the temple plinth on which are seated a Lion on the left and a Nandini on the right. On either side of the main entrance to the temple stands a Hathini. All these figures have been carved out of Dhangadhra stone. The massive base of the edifice tapers up gradually to five shikhars (steeples) and three ghumats (domes). The outer walls of the temple are enhanced with numerous carved images, indicative of the infinity multiplicity and diversity of creation. The symbols, the Kalash (sacred vessel) and the Dhwaja (religious flag), stand on top of the shikhars against the vast expanse of heaven.
Lakshmi-Narayan Temple
Project Overview
- Style
- Traditional
- Location
- Udhana, Surat
- Year
- 1990
- Duration
- 4 years
- Artisans
- Traditional Sompura Craftsmen
- Material
- Dhangadhra Stone
- Status
- Completed
Gallery
In Every Carved Detail
The Craft
How This Temple Was Built
Every Sompura temple follows a five-stage process rooted in the ancient SHILP Shastra texts — from the first survey of the land to the final sacred consecration.
Primary Material
Dhangadhra Stone
Artisans Involved
Traditional Sompura Craftsmen
Construction Period
4 years
Site & Vastu Analysis
Every project begins with a thorough Vastu analysis — assessing cardinal alignment, soil quality, water table, and the subtle energetic properties of the land.
Sacred Drawing (Rekha)
Master Sthapatis produce hand-drawn plans based on Manasara and Mayamata proportional canons. Every column, shikhara, and doorway follows precise mathematical ratios.
Stone Selection
Stone is chosen based on grain, hardness, and acoustic properties. Sandstone, marble, and granite are assessed at the quarry before transport to the carving yard.
Hand Carving
Hereditary craftsmen carve each panel and deity by hand using traditional tools — chisels, hammers, and adzes passed down through generations of shilpis.
Assembly & Consecration
Stone panels are assembled using traditional dry-joint mortise and tenon connections — no cement. The structure is completed with Prana Pratishtha, the sacred consecration ritual.
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