Shree Somnath Trust's Vastra Prasad turns sacred pitambar into designer kurtas by local women, creating Lakhpati Didis via training, nationwide sales, and temple roles. Aligns with PM Modi's vision, blending devotion with economic independence for rural Gujarat women.
The Shree Somnath Trust has launched a groundbreaking Vastra Prasad initiative at the first Jyotirlinga temple, where local women repurpose sacred yellow cloths offered to Lord Shiva into stylish designer kurtas, turning devotion into sustainable livelihoods. This effort empowers rural women from villages around Prabhas Patan, Gujarat, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of creating Lakhpati Didis by boosting their annual incomes beyond Rs 1 lakh. As of January 9, 2026, the program has gained national attention for blending faith, skill development, and economic independence.
Key Highlights
Local women handle temple activities like sanctum services, flag duties, Bilva Van maintenance, and Vastra Prasad processing, prioritizing community involvement.
Sacred pitambar cloths are crafted into vibrant kurtas with modern cuts, designer collars, and Shiva-inspired prints like damru, trishul, and temple shikhar motifs.
Trust provides specialized training to enhance skills, ensuring quality and consistency for long-term opportunities.
Kurtas sell nationwide via the official Shree Somnath Trust website, reaching devotees in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and abroad, expanding market access beyond local areas.
Women report newfound confidence, pride in carrying Somnath's blessings through their work, and freedom from household confines.
This initiative reflects Somnath's tradition of social responsibility, previously distributing sacred garments to the needy, now evolving into self-reliance. By fusing tradition with contemporary fashion, it positions women as artisans with national exposure. The program's success underscores how spiritual sites can drive grassroots empowerment in real time.
The Shree Somnath Trust has launched a groundbreaking Vastra Prasad initiative at the first Jyotirlinga temple, where local women repurpose sacred yellow cloths offered to Lord Shiva into stylish designer kurtas, turning devotion into sustainable livelihoods. This effort empowers rural women from villages around Prabhas Patan, Gujarat, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of creating Lakhpati Didis by boosting their annual incomes beyond Rs 1 lakh. As of January 9, 2026, the program has gained national attention for blending faith, skill development, and economic independence.
Key Highlights
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Local women handle temple activities like sanctum services, flag duties, Bilva Van maintenance, and Vastra Prasad processing, prioritizing community involvement.
-
Sacred pitambar cloths are crafted into vibrant kurtas with modern cuts, designer collars, and Shiva-inspired prints like damru, trishul, and temple shikhar motifs.
-
Trust provides specialized training to enhance skills, ensuring quality and consistency for long-term opportunities.
-
Kurtas sell nationwide via the official Shree Somnath Trust website, reaching devotees in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and abroad, expanding market access beyond local areas.
-
Women report newfound confidence, pride in carrying Somnath's blessings through their work, and freedom from household confines.
This initiative reflects Somnath's tradition of social responsibility, previously distributing sacred garments to the needy, now evolving into self-reliance. By fusing tradition with contemporary fashion, it positions women as artisans with national exposure. The program's success underscores how spiritual sites can drive grassroots empowerment in real time.
Sources: ANI News, Ommcom News, LatestLY, IANS