Shree Govindanand Shree Ram Mandir is situated in Ramnagar which is in the central part of Dombivali. The original founder of this mandir is renowned Keertankar Shree Govindand Swami Afale. In 1985, Shree Swami Samarth Seva Mandal got permission from Aflebuva to perform arti on Thursday in the Ram mandir. After some time, he heard about the achievements of the Mandal and he happily handed over this mandir to Parampujya Sadguru Shree Chaitanyaswaroop alias Teertharoop Anna on May 15, 1986. Sadguru Teertharoop Anna and Sadguru Teertharoop Aai completely renovated this mandir. First, the mandir was cleaned. For cleaning, there were no labourers employed. Sadguru himself and his Sevekaris worked hard continuously for 15 days. Slowly activities got underway such as rangoli seva, seva of distribution of prasad, arrangement for Abhishek, daily puja, festivals, utsav, other various programs. Later, Sadguru invited Aflebuva to see the mandir. His reaction was expressed in remarkable words. He said “My feelings are just like those of parent’s when their worries about their young daughter are laid to rest when she gets married to a suitable, capable groom who can take good care of her”. Sadguru was pleased to hear this but he did not stop there. It was clear that the mandir building was very old. Sadguru Teertharoop Anna gave a sketch of plan for new mandir to his son-in-law Shree Nityand Ghate and his daughter Soubhagyavati Madhuri Ghate and explained the background concept. This was an indication that this seva was to be done by them in the future.
Construction of the new mandir was started under the guidance of Sadguru Shree Laxmiswaroop alias Teertharoop Aai. Bhumipujan was performed on December 26, 2015 and within a short span of three years, the magnificent three storied mandir was ready. This mandir is truly the Court of Shree Swami Samarth. Thousands of devotees have contributed to the construction of this mandir by giving all that they could. The sevekaris who worked for this project mostly stay in suburbs of Mumbai. They offered seva by working day and night for this project in addition to attending their daily jobs. This mandir of Ramraya is embodiement of sevekaris’ earnest seva, shradha and boundless love for Sadguru. The legacy of Swamiseva handed over by Sadguru Teertharoop Anna continues without any break even today. This is how Swami Samarth’s unimaginable Leela is!
Inauguration, Kalashpujan and Pratishthapana of this new Shree Govindand Shree Ram Mandir was performed on April 19, 2019 by Karveer peeth Jagatguru Shankaracharya. In its new form Shree Ram Mandir is not just a mandir but is a Math that meets three aims- spiritual, cultural and social work. This Math is acclaimed to be pride of Dombivali city. Residents of the city have named the chowk near the mandir as “Shree Chaitanyaswaroop Bhalchandra Dattatreya alias Anna Limaye Chowk” to mark their love for Sadguru Anna.
The concept of traditional temples which are rectangular or hexagonal with closed walls is challenged as this mandir is open and has no walls. To the right first darshan is that of Shree Ganesh (Vighnaharta). Then we go ahead with darshan of Shree Adimaya, Shree Durgadevi, Shree Adinath Mahadev with Annapurna, Shree Ram Panchayatan, Shree Vitthal-Rakhumai, Shree Dattaguru and Yogeshwar Shree Krishna, then we notice the “tortoise(kasav)” which symbolises Bhakti. After this we bow in front of Anantkoti Brahmandnayak Shree Swami Samarth. On seeing his assuring face, our mind becomes quiet. We once again realise the meaning of “Don’t be afraid, I am behind you!”. On the hexagonal platform rests the beautiful makhar made from teak wood, continuously burning Nandadeep, saffron flag, Swami Samarth’s silver paduka and the marble padukas in front. Next we see the pictures of Shree Swami Samarth’s main disciple Shree Bidkar Maharaj and his disciple Shree Baba, that is Sadguru Shree Ravsaheb Sahasrabudhe, Shree Mahalaxmi and the activated Shree Laxmiyantra. Further, we notice the picture of our Sadguru Shree Chaitanyaswaroop who is in the same lineage and main disciple of Shree Ravsaheb- in front of his picture, we automatically bow. After taking all these darshans, our mind becomes quiet. Shree Anna is our inspiration behind Shree Swami Samarth seva mandal, Shree Govindanand Shreeram Mandir, Shree Swami Samarth Granthalay (Library), the upcoming “Vishwanath Memorial Childern Hospital” and so many other social works being done by these organisations.
As we go ahead, we can see the beautiful idol of Hanuman standing in front of Ram panchayatan. Further, there’s office of the Trust. Here, visitors can offer Abhishek on the deities and can make donations to the Trust as per their wish.
On the first floor is located huge, fully equipped “Shree Swami Samarth Dharmik Granthalay” (library). This is a treasure of books and knowledge- various sections mainly include- religious, history, ladies, music, medical and children’s section. Wide variety of topics covered ranges from four Veds, Upanishads to scientific books written by Dr. Jayant Naralikar. There’s a separate place for reading newspapers. Just before entering the granthalay, there’s a glass enclosure, resting place for Sadguru Anna and Aai
On the second floor, everything necessary for Medical OPD is getting fully ready- this is a precursor for Vishwanath Memorial as per the wishes of Sadguru Shree Anna. Shortly, this will be inaugurated and medical service will be made available for the needy. Cabins for many doctors such as the Eye specialist, Dentist, Orthodontist, Diabetes Specialist are ready. Facility of lift is provided especially for senior citizens.
According to tradition of Swami Samarth here also, on the back side of the mandir is Shree Swami Samarth’s favourite- a huge akshay Banyan tree. Lamp is lighted here in the evening.