Today, the Kalki Dham is the centre of all attention, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Kalki Dham Temple in the Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh. This significant event was marked by the presence of various dignitaries, saints, and religious leaders. The temple, overseen by the Shri Kalki Dham Nirman Trust, led by Chairman Acharya Pramod Krishnam, has drawn attention due to its association with the concept of the Kalki Avatar, believed to be the 24th incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Here is all that you need to know about the Kalki Dham.
The Kalki avatar
According to Hindu religious texts, Lord Vishnu takes incarnations to restore righteousness, and the Kalki Avatar is prophesied to be the 24th incarnation, emerging at the end of the Kali Yuga. The scriptures describe 24 avatars of Lord Vishnu, with 23 having already descended on Earth.
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Kalki Dham Temple overview
This temple will be built by the Shri Kalki Dham Nirman Trust, led by former Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam. Dedicated to Lord Kalki, the temple is considered the world’s most special due to being the first ‘Dham’ where God’s temple is established before the incarnation. Ten sanctums within the temple symbolise the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
Anticipated birth of Kalki Avatar
Kali Yuga, which as per the religious texts, began after Lord Krishna’s departure, and is believed to last for 4 lakh 32 thousand years, with 5126 years having passed. The birth of Lord Kalki is predicted to take place when Guru, Sun, and Moon align in Pushya Nakshatra, on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha of the Sawan month.
Birthplace and construction
The Kalki avatar is expected to be born in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, leading to the construction of Kalki Dham at this location. The unique aspect of this temple is that unlike other temples, Kalki Dham is being built before the actual birth of the avatar.
What will be the appearance of Kalki Avatar?
Described in the ‘Agni Purana,’ the Kalki avatar has been visualised as a horseman holding a bow and arrow. The avatar will ride a white horse named Devadatta, adorned with 64 arts, and acquire miraculous powers from Lord Shiva.
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Temple construction details
This temple will be spread across five acres, and the temple is expected to take around five years for completion. There will be many common things between this temple, Ayodhya Ram Mandir, and Somnath Temple: pink-coloured stone, similar architectural ‘shaili,’ and exclusion of steel or iron frames. ‘Shikhara’ of the temple will reach a height of 108 ft, with the platform elevated 11 ft above the ground. As per the records, a total of 68 pilgrimage sites will be established within the temple premises.
Idol creation and ceremonies
Kalki Peeth will remain in its original place, but a new idol of Lord Kalki will be crafted. Pran Pratishtha ceremony, similar to the Ram Mandir Consecration Ceremony, will be conducted. Details from scriptures will serve as a guide for the idol creation, including a white horse named ‘Devdutt’ from Lord Shiva, a sword from Lord Parshuram, and education from Lord Brihaspati.