Gayatri Shaktipeeth

Sector 1, Gandhinagar, Tal./Dist. Gandhinagar

In Sector 1 of Gandhinagar city stands the Gayatri Shaktipeeth, a sacred temple established by the Akhil Vishwa Gayatri Parivar, a movement dedicated to building a harmonious society rooted in spirituality, moral values and social justice. This Shaktipeeth is devoted to Veda Mata Gayatri, the divine embodiment of wisdom and enlightenment. Here, distinctions of caste are consciously dissolved and seekers are encouraged to awaken their inner potential through the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra, drawing inspiration from the rich heritage of Indian culture. The temple has become a spiritual powerhouse for many who seek inner peace and positive energy through this sacred mantra.

The visionary behind this movement, Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya, was a staunch devotee of Gayatri and the founder of Akhil Vishwa Gayatri Parivar. He championed the cause of ‘scientific spirituality’ and aimed to uplift society through inner transformation. Born on 20 September 1911 in a Rajpurohit landlord family near Agra, Panditji was initiated into the Gayatri Mantra at the age of 15 by none other than Bharat Ratna Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, a freedom fighter and co-founder of Banaras Hindu University. Pandit Shriram Sharma actively participated in the Indian freedom struggle and went on to author numerous books that continue to inspire spiritual seekers. He also established the Gayatri Tapobhumi in Mathura, the Akhanda Jyoti Sansthan in Ghiyamandi and the ‘Brahma-Varchaswa Research Institute’. The spiritual headquarters of the Gayatri Parivar is the Shantikunj Ashram in Haridwar.

The Gayatri Shaktipeeth in Gandhinagar was built 28 years ago in Sector 6, using striking red sandstone in traditional Rajasthani style, giving it the appearance of a royal palace. On the second floor’s front wall are enclosed glass sanctums; to the right is a standing idol of Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya and to the left, that of his spiritual consort, Bhagwati Devi Sharma. The terrace features a railing and twin domes known as meghdambaris. Above the sanctum is a domed tower that enhances the grandeur of the temple.

Upon entering the premises through an iron gate embedded in the boundary wall, one is greeted by the large emblem of the Gayatri Parivar. The symbol consists of a human chain standing on a hemispherical globe, with an upright hand holding a torch above, symbolizing collective unity and enlightenment. Just behind this emblem rises the mukhmandap, a high platform with a dome-shaped tower that serves as the main entrance to the temple. Fourteen steps on either side lead up to a large, welcoming assembly hall (sabhamandap). This hall, paved with marble, has wide doors on three sides. To the left of the main entrance are portraits of Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya and Bhagwati Devi Sharma, along with large images and symbolic footwear (padukas) of Saint Kabir, Samarth Ramdas Swami and Ramakrishna Paramhansa. At the front of the sabhamandap, elevated platforms house the idols of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesha, adding to the sacred ambiance.

Straight ahead lies the inner sanctum. At its heart, on a raised marble platform, sits the beautifully carved idol of Veda Mata Gayatri, smiling serenely, adorned in divine attire and crowned with a golden crown. In one hand she holds a kamandalu and in the other, the Vedas – symbols of wisdom and sacred knowledge. To her left is the eight-armed Goddess Durga seated on a lion, bearing various weapons, while to the right is Goddess Saraswati, playing the veena while riding a peacock. To the left and right of Gayatri Devi’s idol are the images of Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya and Bhagwati Devi Sharma, respectively. The sanctum also contains an eternal flame (Akhanda Jyot) and a punya kumbh (sacred vessel), signifying the continuity of divine energy.

To the left of the temple courtyard, under a sheltered area, is a Yajna Kunda (sacrificial fire pit). Behind it is a smaller shrine housing the idols of Gayatri Mata, Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya and Bhagwati Devi Sharma. This area is often used for ritualistic fire offerings and meditative practices.

The temple also houses a library, offering a variety of spiritual texts authored by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya. In addition to books, devotees can purchase puja materials and other spiritual items. The ground floor of the temple features a large hall where religious and cultural programs are held regularly. Daily rituals and aartis are performed with dedication and special events take place throughout the year, drawing many devotees from across the city and beyond. To the left of the main temple stands the Mahakaleshwar Mahadev Temple, where visitors often offer prayers to Lord Shiva after visiting the Gayatri Shaktipeeth.

Main Features:

• Located 6 km from Gandhinagar railway station
• Easily accessible via ST buses, trains and private vehicles from cities across Gujarat
• Designated parking area available for private vehicles
• Multiple accommodation and food options available nearby