In the present circumstances, a common question amongst people is: when the worship and rituals of Shri Shri Somanath Mahaprabhu are already being conducted under an Executive Committee approved by the Endowment Department, why was the “Adiyogi Shri Somanath Seva Trust” formed?

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Just as a shadow accompanies the body and birth is inevitably linked with death, every action has an underlying cause. An action exists because of a reason, and from that reason the action emerges. Likewise, there are specific reasons behind the formation of the Adiyogi Shri Somanath Seva Trust.

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Among the major rituals and festivals associated with Lord Somanath are Maha Shivaratri, Dola Utsav, Shiva Vivaha, Shitala Sasthi, and the sixteen-day Durga Puja celebrated during the month of Ashwin. These occasions involve sacred rituals such as Abhisheka, Homa, and Prasad distribution.

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Like the famous Jagar festival of Shri Lokanath Temple in Puri, the Jagar festival at Somanath Peetha enjoys great popularity in the region. Thousands of devotees gather on this occasion, and countless sacred lamps are lit throughout the night. In earlier years, arrangements for law and order, temporary shelters, drinking water facilities, organized darshan, homa ceremonies, lighting from the riverbank to the main road, Nama Yajna, and Prasad distribution were managed through temple income with the cooperation of villagers.

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At present, however, the Endowment Department does not provide any significant financial assistance for the management and service activities of Shri Somanath Peetha. Almost all expenses are borne through donations and voluntary contributions from villagers and devotees. Due to insufficient funds, many of these arrangements have gradually been reduced.

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On the sacred occasion of Maha Shivaratri in 2024, the elders of the village gathered to discuss the future of Lord Somanath’s sacred shrine. They expressed concern that unless organized measures were taken, it would become extremely difficult for future generations to preserve and manage this holy Peetha and its traditions. That discussion was not merely a meeting; it was a sincere expression of devotion, responsibility, and commitment to preserving a sacred heritage. It deeply moved me and created a strong conviction that a structured, lawful, and accountable organization was essential to ensure a long-term and sustainable solution.

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After a year of reflection and consultation, and with the cooperation of the villagers, the foundation of the “Adiyogi Shri Somanath Seva Trust” was laid on 30 April 2025, the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya.