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History of the Kadiawad Temple

Many years ago, while in the midst of digging for a well in the middle of Kadiawad, few people found old statues of gods. A small temple was then established and the statues were placed in it. The temple was given the name 'Ingraj Maa Temple'. As the time went by, the temple became too small to serve the community. So it was decided by the Yuvak Mandal to buy a new statue of Ingraj Maa and to build a new temple.

On January 23rd 1957, foundation for the new temple was laid by Shree Sukhabhai Dahyabhai Mistry. Space was very limited to build a bigger temple. It was surrounded by houses on two sides, a road in front, and a municipal tap water on the other side. In good will, Mr. Gopalbhai Chhaganbhai Mistry donated 5 feet of space from his house for the temple.

Many contractors and many masons helped out in the construction of the new temple. When it was completed, the inauguration ceremony was performed by Shree Ranchhodbhai Dayalbhai Mistry on September 3rd 1958. The total cost to build the temple including the new statue, Nav Chandi Yagna and Bhojan was Rs.7000.

The new statues were established in the new temple and old statues that were once found in the well, were placed outside. People in Kadiawad soon realized that keeping the old statues outside was not appropriate. A small temple was then created beside the new temple, and on October 21st 1960, all the old statues were re-established.

Almost 45 years went by, the temple became old, and it was decided to restore the temple. But instead of restoring the temple to its previous condition, people suggested building an entire new marble temple. With that intention in mind, people were asked to donate money. The very first donation of Rs. 25,000 was made by Shree Bachubhai Maharaj. Shortly after, he donated another Rs. 25,000. A combined amount of Rs. 4,15000 was collected from Canada and U.S.A, and sent immediately to Kadiawad so that the work could begin. As the work advanced, the donations kept coming from across the world. The entire cost for the stainless steel railing was donated by Shree Sanjay Nagindas Patel (USA).

Lots of people from Kadiawad helped in many ways in the construction of the temple. Shree Thakorbhai Gopalbhai Patel supervised the work from the beginning to the end, and it was his tireless effort that helped finish the temple in time. The temple stands slightly bigger in size than before, and has been designed to include the old well within the perimeter. Due to the limitations in space, unfortunately it is still not possible to capture an entire picture from any side or angle. The walls and the steps leading into the temple are all covered with marble, and the temple is encircled with a stainless steel grill. Today, people find it more pleasant to use the temple to pray. Everyday aaratis are performed three times a day and every year, Patotsav Day is celebrated by Mahapuja and Mahaprashad. In addition, Satya Narayan Katha is performed for the entirety of Kadiawad on every Ganesh Chaturthi.

Every year the festival of Holi is celebrated by igniting the holi on Fagan Sud Punam in the heart of Kadiawad. Everyone young and old takes part in it and enjoys the festivities all day long. The next day is celebrated as Dhuleti, where youngsters are found spraying colors on each other.