A historic spiritual transformation is unfolding in the village of Sodaladoodha, where a church that stood for decades as a Christian place of worship is now being reclaimed and restored as a Hindu mandir. In a powerful resurgence of faith, 80 Christian families, led by former pastor Gautam Garasiya, have voluntarily returned to Sanatan Dharma through Ghar Wapsi—a movement signifying the return to one’s ancestral religion.
According to villagers and historical records, the church was originally a Hindu mandir dedicated to Bhagwan Bhairavji around 125 years ago. However, over time, Christian missionaries influenced and converted local families, leading to the temple’s transformation into a church. Over the decades, Christianity gained a foothold in Sodaladoodha, culminating in the establishment of a formal church three years ago under the leadership of Garasiya. But now, history is coming full circle.
“Thirty years ago, I was the first to convert to Christianity in this village,” said Garasiya. “But I realised that my true identity lies in Sanatan Dharma. We were led astray, but now we are back to our roots.”
The church, which was built on private land owned by Garasiya, is now being repainted saffron, the sacred colour of Sanatan Dharma , and all Christian symbols have been removed. The elevated prayer space inside, which once hosted biblical sermons, is being transformed into a pedestal for Bhagwan Bhairavji’s murti. The entrance of the village now proudly displays saffron flags of Hindu deities, symbolising the resurgence of the village’s spiritual heritage.
Ghar Wapsi: A homecoming for 80 families
The Ghar Wapsi movement in Sodaladoodha is one of the most significant religious shifts in recent times. What started with Garasiya and his family has now led to a widespread return to Sanatan Dharma , with 80 families rejecting Christianity to embrace their ancestral faith.
The movement has not been without its challenges. Many of these families had been practicing Christianity for decades, attending Sunday prayers and following biblical teachings. However, over time, a growing realisation dawned upon them that their true spiritual connection was with Sanatan Dharma. “We realised that Christianity was not our path. We were pressured into conversions, but now we are free to follow our real faith,” said one villager who returned to Sanatan Dharma .
Garasiya, once the strongest proponent of Christianity in the village, is now the torchbearer of Ghar Wapsi. “I was the one who encouraged people to convert. But today, I am leading them back home,” he said. “This is not just about religion. It is about reclaiming our heritage, our traditions, and our identity.”
March 9, 2025: The grand consecration of Bhagwan Bhairavji
The final consecration of the mandir is scheduled for March 9, 2025. An murti of Bhagwan Bhairavji is being brought from Talwara, and a grand procession will carry it to the temple, accompanied by Vedic chants and rituals. “Bhairavji is our guardian deity; he was always meant to be here,” said one villager. “We are correcting a historical wrong.”
Before the ceremony, villagers organised a procession with the murti of Bhairav, chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram,’ marking their spiritual return. The mandir will host morning and evening aartis, replacing Sunday prayers with Hindu rituals. “This is not just about a mandir; it’s about reviving our roots,” said Sukhai Garasiya, a local woman involved in the revival efforts.
For decades, Christianity spread in Sodaladoodha, targeting vulnerable communities and offering material benefits in exchange for conversion. Garasiya himself was among the first to convert and later became a pastor, overseeing religious activities for the village’s Christian population. However, as he and others began questioning their faith, a wave of reconversion followed.
“Last year, 30 out of 45 converted villagers returned to Sanatan Dharma. Now, 80 families have done the same,” Garasiya revealed. The remaining 15 families are expected to follow soon. However, his wife has chosen to remain Christian, standing as the only exception in his family. The transformation of the church has sparked discussions across the region, with Hindu organisations supporting the Ghar Wapsi movement. “This is a victory of truth over deception,” said one Hindu leader. “Sanatan Dharma is eternal; those who strayed are now finding their way back.”
With the temple’s revival, the village has become a symbol of spiritual awakening. The chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ now fill the air where biblical verses once echoed. Religious flags at the village entrance serve as a reminder of Sodaladoodha’s deep-rooted Hindu past. “We are no longer lost,” said one villager. “This is our land, our faith, our Sanatan Dharma. And we are here to stay.”
