Will the treasure of donations in Shri Sanwaliya Seth Temple of Chittorgarh break all records this time? In just 4 rounds of counting, more than Rs 36 crore have been withdrawn, while the counting of checks and online donations is still pending. Will it cross the 40 crore mark for the first time?
Sanwaliya Seth Temple Donation: Shrisanwaliya Seth Temple of Chittorgarh is once again in the headlines. As soon as the store opened here, donations started pouring in so much that in just four rounds of counting, Rs 36 crore 13 lakh 60 thousand came out. The counting of donations has been going on since November 19 and the temple committee says that the amount will increase further because the counting of cheque, money order and online donations has not started yet. This time such an environment has been created that the total amount is expected to reach Rs 40 crore.
This temple is considered to be the famous Krishnadham of Mewar and devotees from all over the country come here to make offerings. But this time the scale of counting is so large that all previous records have been left behind. Interestingly, this time the repository was opened after two months, due to which the offerings increased manifold.
Has a donation amount of Rs 36 crore in just four rounds ever been seen before?
The first round started as soon as the stores opened on 19th November and Rs 12 crore 35 lakh were withdrawn on the same day. This figure itself was much larger than in previous years. The next round took place on November 21, in which Rs 8 crore 54 lakh was received. In the third round, Rs 7 crore 8 lakh 80 thousand were withdrawn and then came the fourth round, which was considered the most important round this time. In this fourth round, Rs 8 crore 15 lakh 80 thousand were received and with this the total amount crossed Rs 36 crore. This entire donation amount is more than the total amount of Rs 34 crore 91 lakh received in the two months after Diwali last year. That means this time the annual record was broken in just four rounds.
Did the flood of donations come because the store remained closed for two months?
Yes, absolutely. According to tradition, the store is not opened on Chaturdashi that comes before Diwali. Then after this, in view of the overcrowding and other arrangements, this time it was kept closed for two months. During this long interval, lakhs of devotees made offerings, which kept getting deposited in the donation boxes. For this reason this stock of October-November became exceptionally heavy.
Why is Sanwaliya Seth Temple so special?
The history of Srisanwalia Seth temple is 300 years old. It is said that three idols were found underground in Bagund area of Bhadsoda, about 36 km from Chittorgarh.
These statues were of the same form, but the size was different-
- 24 inch statue in Bhadsoda
- 18 inch statue in bagund
- 16 inch statue installed in Mandafia
These idols have all the attributes of the four-armed form of Lord Vishnu—conch, chakra, mace and lotus. Vaijayanti rosary and natural relief marks on the body further deepen their spirituality.
Is there really a footprint of Bhrigu Rishi on a statue?
Yes, this is the secret that makes this temple different from other temples in the country. According to the story, once sage Bhrigu decided to test the Trinity for the outcome of a Yagya. When they reached Lord Vishnu, he was in sleep. Sage Bhrigu felt that the Lord was ignoring him and in anger he kicked the Lord in the chest. Instead of getting angry, Lord Vishnu held the feet of the sage and asked him whether his soft feet were hurt. Seeing this humility, sage Bhrigu declared Vishnu the best among the Trinity. It is said that due to this incident, a footprint has emerged on the chest of the idol. That is why devotees consider it special to see the feet of this idol. The most unique thing is that these footprints are visible only for 10 minutes, from 4:50 to 5:00 in the morning. After this they are covered with clothes. There is no such tradition in any other temple in the country.
Did the present form of the temple develop due to some miracle?
Yes. There is also an exciting story behind the restoration of the temple. It is said that Raja Madan Singh of Bhinder state was once traveling by boat. During the journey, the boat got stuck in the middle of the sea and was in danger of sinking. The people present in the boat chanted “Pura Bhagat ki Jai”, and then the boat came out safely. When the king came to know the secret behind this that the entire devotee was a resident of Bhadsoda village, he came to meet him. According to the wish of the complete devotee, Raja Madan Singh got the temple renovated grandly and today’s huge temple complex was ready.
Will the donation cross Rs 40 crore this time?
- The temple committee says that checks, drafts and online donations are yet to be counted.
- Looking at the amount received in the four rounds so far, it is estimated that this time it is almost certain to cross Rs 40 crore.
- The counting of donations will continue till November 26 and the incoming amount may break the records of all previous years.