Shri Shanti Vijay Guru Mandir Consecration in Ooty (Nilgiris)

Ooty - a famous southern hill station celebrated Shri Shanthi Vijay Guru Dev’s temple consecration (prathista) on Thursday, 20-Jan-2011. This historic moment would not have been possible without the major support and dedication of the Kataria. For the Kataria family, the inspiration for Guru Dev’s temple has transformed the vision of temple creation into a reality now. The consecration celebrations was grand with processions through the main streets of Ooty, creating a feeling and atmosphere that the whole of Nilgiris was welcoming Guru Dev. This temple consecration was performed by the Vidhikarak along with the blessing of Jain Sadhus and Sadhvis.


This Guru Mandir has a very graceful idol of Shri Shanti Vijay Guru Dev। Similar to Guru Dev’s temple in Mt Abu in Gujarat(near Sun Set point and one in Achalgarh), it gives a feeling that now Guru Dev has marked his presence now in Abu of the South – Ooty. Additionally, it has two special idols of Guru Dev in Gold and Silver.




I have always been curious to discover Guru Dev’s preachings and principles. I learn that one of his key tenets was education. He believed in “सा विद्या या विमुक्तये” – the one that eradicates ignorance is true education. Through education, he wanted to spread the message of “वासुदेव कुटुम्बम” and “विश्व प्रेम”. Sri Shanti Vijay Schools in Ooty (oldest one opened in 1928) managed by SSV Educational Trust in the vicinity of Guru Mandir, is one such example whose mission is to deliver education and spirituality to thousands of students today. The opening of the Guru Mandir in Ooty and existence of Guru Dev’s schools makes it a true Gurukul environment.

Celebrating the Guru Mandir Prathista, Shri Shanti Mandal Vellore performed such a devotional bhakthi and Ashta Prakar Ki Pooja, taking the devotees through the life history of Gurudev created a feeling of Guru Dev’s presence and energy all around.

ॐ अर्हम नमः

References: Jains Educational Institutions