A church in the tribal-dominated village of Sodla Guda in Rajasthan’s Banswara district has been converted into a Hindu temple in a peaceful ceremony, as several families have willingly returned to Hinduism, according to the former church priest.
The structure, built on private land approximately one and a half years ago, was repurposed as a temple dedicated to lord Bhairav during a ceremony held on Sunday, March 9, 2025. The event featured a procession carrying the deity’s idol, accompanied by chants of “Jai Shree Ram” (Hail god Ram).
Gautam Garasia, who previously served as the church priest and will now officiate as the temple priest, stated that he had converted to Christianity 30 years ago and was the first person in Sodla Guda to do so. Following his conversion, many families in the village also embraced Christianity, with Garasia organising Sunday prayers near his hut.
“I made a Ghar Wapsi [homecoming, referring to his conversion to Hinduism] around one and a half years ago as there was hardly any change in my life. Now I am happy to be back in my religion,” Garasia told reporters. He claimed that 45 people had embraced Christianity following his lead, and now approximately 30 of them have converted to Hinduism.
Banswara Superintendent of Police Harsh Vardhan confirmed that Garasia had constructed the church on his private land. “Today, the said structure on his private land was made a temple as he again converted to Hinduism,” the SP told media.
Prior to the consecration ceremony, the church building underwent significant alterations. The symbol of the cross was removed, the structure was painted saffron, and Hindu religious symbols were added to the walls. According to Garasia, there will now be an ‘aarti’ (Hindu prayer ritual) of lord Bhairav every morning and evening, replacing the Sunday prayers previously held at the site.
Police were deployed in the area to ensure the event proceeded smoothly.
Local sources suggest that the reconversion may have been influenced by the Maha Kumbh festival recently held in Prayagraj after 144 years. According to reports in the Hindi media, the message of Hinduism spreading from the Maha Kumbh has reached the tribal district of Banswara and had caused this transformation.
Garasia denied any external pressure in his decision to reconvert, stating there was “no pressure either at the time he converted to Christianity or now, when he is making a Ghar Wapsi.” He emphasised that since the church was built on his land, he has decided to convert it into a temple of Bhairav Ji, who is known in Hinduism as a protective deity.
The village of Sodla Guda is located approximately 70 kilometres from the Banswara district headquarters. Local residents suggested that this event, being the first of its kind in the tribal area, may inspire similar reconversions in neighbouring villages where people had previously converted to Christianity.
