Information of Sanehi Temple, Nawanshahr, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Punjab

Sanehi temple is located in Nawanshahr, in the district of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, in the state of Punjab, in Northwestern India. It is an important Hindu temple that is most sought after and most frequented in this particular region. Acccording to the religious scholars and experts, on 18, December 1869, the foundation of this shrine was laid by Pandit Nihal Chand Gautam, Pandit Mool Raj Gautam, Pandit Shri Kant Gautam, Engineer and Pandit Indu Dutt Gautam. This Hindu shrine is classified as modern period Hindu temple with selected religious features of modern era in this particular region.

Sanehi Temple Religious Significance

Sanehi Temple of Nawanshahr was build within a span of six years. It was built at a cost of Rs.18, 665 and between 1869 and 1875. This shrine was in a successful manner inaugurated under the observation of Pandit Vishwanath who then the Deputy Commissioner Jalandhar on 15 December 1865. It is to be highly noted that eleven pandits were wholeheartedly invited from the city of Banaras for the religious ceremonies to be conducted in a grand manner. The idol of Mata Chitpoorni was successfully brought from the city of Jaipur. It is to be remembered that the actual temple at this spot was nearly 120 years old and it was in a depleted condition. There was much delay in its rebuilt. A committee named as Sanehi Sankirtan Mandal was created by some social workers and few responsible persons of this region. They made effort to build this temple to the present condition. At present, this committee conducts every year marriage for poor girl at this shrine. They also distributes dowry to them. A good number of local people, adherent devotees and pilgrims visit this temple on auspicious days and festive days. They also participate in the religious affairs and rituals of this temple with great zeal and enthusiasm. Local people strongly believe that all the worldly concept and concerns of the devotees are best relieved immediately after visiting this particular temple.

Sanehi Temple Architectural Significance

Sanehi temple of Nawanshahr is based on North Indian Hindu temple architectural style and pattern. It has a large courtyard that is apt for conducting various types of cultural programs and religious activities with a lot of perfection. It has moderate height shikaras at the centre of the main sanctum. The idol of Mata Chintapoorni is installed on the raised platform of the main sanctum. The idol is really a high quality sculpture with good details in it. It is a fully fortified Hindu temple with average height walls in its surrounding with open gateways. The flooring and ceiling of this shrine is very simple in its elegant look. There is a few numbers of beautifully carved sculptures within the temple complex that adore the visitors. This shrine is built of lime mortar and bricks. It is mainly colored with baby pink color with small idol on the towers with multiple bright colors. Overall, this Hindu temple is very simple in its rural temple form with highly religious significance in this region.

Festivals at Sanehi Temple

Sanehi temple of Nawanshahr is largely known among the local people and adherent devotees for grandly celebrating the major and minor Hindu festivals and auspicious days in a religious manner to a great extent. At this temple, daily special pooja and aarati is conducted as per the daily auspicious timings with active participation of local people and devotees. An annual festival is also conducted every year with a fair that attracts a good number of people from the surrounding places.