One of the ancient temples situated in Jalandhar, Punjab is the Sodal mandir, a shrine dedicated to the child incarnation of Sodal Babaji. Devotees of different religions visit here from various parts of the country to worship Baba Sodal. Sodal Baba had announce himself as a descendant of Chada clan, hence the head of the clan and its members are required to perform special rituals here. It is believed that the families of those who worship here, will find happiness.

Location Punjab, Jalandhar, Amritsar

Legend

The legend regarding the shrine says that once a woman went to the pond to wash her clothes along with her son. Losing her temper at the boy who refused to listen to her, she yelled 'Have you come here to die? Go and drown yourself in the pond'. On hearing this the boy asked his mother to repeat her words three times, after which he jumped into the pond. It is said that the child then appeared in the form of holy snake and declared his farewell from the world. It is believed that the incident took place at the current premises of Sodal temple. Since then, devotees visit the temple every year to seek the divine blessings of Baba Sodal.

Architecture

The rectangular front gate leads to the premises of the shrine of Sodal Baba. Outside the sanctum, there is a huge serpent with the face of Baba Sodal on it depicting the story of how the child turned into a snake. Inside the sanctum is the idol of Sodal Babaji, with a gilt robe and a crown. He is decked with flower garlands. The walls of the premises have paintings showing the legend of the shrine.

Culture

Jalandhar is the oldest city in Punjab and one of the oldest in the country.  The whole of Punjab and the area of present Jalandhar District was part of the Indus Valley Civilization. Jalandhar has many important places of worship including Gurudwaras and temples. Jalandhar is famous for its sports industries and a huge percentage of cricket equipment production of India happens here.

Darsan Info

Temple timings : 7.00 AM and 8.00 PM.

The Fair of Baba Sodal marks the day when the child incarnation of Baba Sodal died. Men and women come in large numbers to make an offering at the smadhi of Babaji on the day of the fair. People also take a holy bath in a tank described as the 'Baba Sodal da Sarovar'.

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire.

Famous Festival

Anant Chaturdashi, Fair of Baba Sodal

Temple Rituals

The priests perform puja to the deity

Special Rituals

Sodal Baba is believed to be a descendant of Chada clan and the members of the clan are required to perform certain religious rituals to appease Babaji. Mundan ceremony of each Chada boy is conducted on 2nd Navratra when the boy is 3 years old. The wedding rituals to a Chada groom involves the bride worshipping Babaji's sandals. During Sodal fair, the head of the Chadal clan offers special rituals to Babaji. They sow 'Khetri' in the name of Baba Sodal on the night before the fair. It is considered a tradition that will keep their clan happy and prosperous.

Additional Info

 

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