Amit Shah unveils gold-plated Shiva idol at Sursagar Lake in Vadodara on Maha Shivratri

Vadodara: Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled a resplendent gold-plated idol of Lord Shiva at Sursagar Lake in Vadodara on Sunday as part of the city’s grand Maha Shivratri observances.

The unveiling accompanied a colourful Maha Aarti and a spirited Shiv Yatra, drawing thousands of devotees to witness the celebrations.

Organised at the lake’s centre by the Suvarna Sankalp Foundation, the event saw enthusiastic participation from locals and spiritual followers. Extending his greetings on the auspicious occasion, Shah said he felt privileged to join a sacred celebration deeply cherished by Vadodara’s residents.

Recalling the initiative’s beginnings, he highlighted the resolve taken by Savliwala Maharaj decades ago to install an imposing idol of Lord Shiva at Sursagar and to establish traditions centring on divine reverence and community pride.

“When a pious soul takes a pledge, even the most difficult resolve is fulfilled,” Shah said, describing the grand statue of Sarveshwar Mahadev and the day’s procession as living examples of that faith.

Shah noted that the project had advanced in phases since 1996, powered by the dedication of spiritual leaders like Savliwala Swami, Pujya Pramukh Swami, and countless devotees who supported the vision through the years.

He also congratulated Suvarna Sankalp Foundation founder Yogeshbhai Patel for stewarding the initiative from its inception to completion.

In his address, Shah touched upon cultural initiatives taken by the government over the past decade, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to strengthen and restore India’s Sanatan traditions.

He cited efforts such as the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the development of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple, and the establishment of the Mahakal Corridor as milestones in reasserting India’s spiritual heritage.

The Maha Shivratri event was attended by a host of dignitaries including Vadodara Mayor Pinky Soni, State Minister Manisha Vakil, Vadodara MP Hemang Joshi, senior BJP leaders, MLAs, and a large gathering of citizens who witnessed the celebrations with devotion and enthusiasm.