Akshardham New Delhi - A magnificent creation of Human Hand

I visited the Akshardham temple in Delhi. I think it's a wonderful place everyone should visit. Akshardham temple has been made by a charitable trust. It extends for 25 hectares of lush green area and is surrounded on three sides by river Yamuna. The architecture and design of the Akshardham Temple is just wonderful. Inside the Akshardham temple is composed of pure white marble. In the living room is a beautiful example of the great work of artists with thousands of bells hanging in exile. In the outer periphery of the Akshardham temple is 108 goumukhs discharging water from its mouth.




In the area of the Akshardham temple garden has statues of the great warriors of India as Ram, Lakshmana, Sita and Draupadi, the Rath in the middle of the garden, with eight horses is truly remarkable. In one corner, the Akshardham temple has a collection of unleashing ancient India and its history in a musical show held in the temple in which music is played along with the sources. Akshardham is a lasting impression since I've seen.

Akshardham Temples in India

Akshardham Temple

India is a secular nation, where a number of places of worship. There are trailer Akshardham temple in India. One is in Delhi and one in Gujarat. Akshardhan temples are also known by the name of Swaminarayan Akshardham, and who are dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan.

Akshardham Temple, Delhi

Akshardham temple in Delhi is one of the most beautiful religious sites located in the city. One of the great examples of Hindu architecture. It took 7,000 artisans and 3,000 volunteers to build this temple. It opened to visitors in November 2005.

Architectural brilliance

The temple is designed in the ancient Vedic text is Sthapatya Shastra. Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble has been used in its construction. No use of concrete and steel in the construction of the Akshardham temple. The temple consists of 20,000 idols, carved pillars and domes 234 9.

There are a number of attractions inside the temple. The boat ride inside the temple complex "Sanskruti Vihar 'gives the glimpses of the history of 10,000 years old in India. There are lush green lawn called" Bharat UPAV', which has a number of beautiful trees and shrubs . There are a number of sculptures of the great national leaders and freedom fighters in the grass. There is a lake around the main monument, called the Narayan Sarovar. There is a beautiful musical fountain inside the complex is known as 'Yagnapurush Kund'.

There is a theater within the temple complex, known as' Nilkanth Kayan Yatra ", which holds the exclusive display large format Delhi, which is about 85 feet long and 65 feet high. Akshardham Temple has registered its name in the Guinness Book of Records.

Akshardham Temple Delhi, Akshardham Delhi, Akshardham India

The first thing that crosses one's mind or rather they must cross the mind is the name of the mandir, Akshardham. The very sound of which suggests a great sense of nomenclature meeting. Akshardham means the eternal, divine abode of the supreme God, the abode of eternal values and virtues of Akshar as defined in the Vedas and Upanishads where divine bhakti, purity and peace forever pervades. The full tour mandir can be considered to consist of sub itenaries below for each darshanarthee or devotee.
The great central monument, other monuments of religious importance, such as fingerprints or doors of the Hall of ten values (fee) - 45 minutes, Audio Animatronics show the screen IMAX theater Neelkanth (Paid) - 40 minute film, Paseo Boat by the Heritage Indian artifacts and models (fee) - 12 min.

The beautiful monument built without steel, consists of 234 ornately carved pillars, 9 ornate domes, 20 shikhars homer, a spectacular Gajendra Marrow (plinth of stone elephants) and murtis 20. 000 and statues of India's great sadhus, devotees, acharyas and divine personalities. The monument is a fusion of pink stone and pure white marble, where pink stone symbolizes bhakti in eternal bloom and white marble of absolute purity and eternal peace.

Akshardham was created by HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj in fulfillment of the desire of his guru, Maharaj Yogiji Brahmaswarup, the fourth successor in the spiritual hierarchy of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. In just a short period of five years Swaminarayan Akshardham became a reality through the blessings of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, 300 million man hours of epic services rendered by 11,000 volunteers, sadhus and artisans and the immense sacrifice, austerities , prayers of hundreds of thousands of young and old devotees of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

Akshardham Temple: glorious complex a wonder of modern India

The temple built under the auspices of the Swaminarayan Sanstha Aksharpurushottam Bochasanvasi (PAB), extends over an area of 100 hectares. The mega Akshardham temple complex has manicured lawns adorned with water fountains and carved pavilions. The temple is considered one of the wonders of modern India.

Temple Structure: The 141 feet high, 275 feet wide and 315 feet long, the temple is visible from a distance. The huge temple built of sandstone and marble is a mixture of various architectural styles of the temple. The temple houses a complex of 11 feet high, the image of Swaminarayan in the center of the main building. The palace and the temple is built around 12,000 tons of pink sandstone and white marble brought from Rajasthan. It consists of 234 delicately carved and ornate columns. The temple has 20 Shikhars (towers) and a beautiful Spinal Gajendra (plinth of stone elephants). The temple houses 20,000 statues of Hindu deities and motifs. The temple is carved with images of flora, fauna, dancers, musicians and the gods, covering areas from top to bottom.

Temple Attractions

Apart from the magnificent temple, the temple complex has two large exhibition halls, which represent the cultural heritage of India and Indian moral values. The complex has an Imax cinema, a canteen and meditation garden with fountains and bronze sculptures.

Yagnapurush Kund: The Kund Yagnapurush within the temple complex is the biggest step and India. The Kund is a series of steps leading to a traditional Yagna kund '. "

Bharat UPAV: The Bharat UPAV or "Garden of India 'has lush green lawns, trees and shrubs. The garden is dotted with several structures in bronze, representing the contributors to the culture of India.

Yodi Hraday Kamal: Kamal The Hraday Yodi is ingenious sunken garden, which looks like a lotus when viewed from above. It features large stones engraved with quotes from Shakespeare, Martin Luther King, Swami Vivekananda and Swaminarayan.

Attractions near Akshardham temple
National Zoo: The National Zoological Park, located near the Purana Qila (Old Fort) is considered one of the best zoos in Asia. The zoo, founded in 1959, is home to over 2,000 species of animals and birds that are brought here from continents such as Africa, America, Australia and parts of Asia.

Humayun's Tomb: The tomb is located a few kilometers from the temple. It was built by Humayun's wife Hamida Begum, in 1556. The tomb located on a huge platform in the middle of a lush garden, is an example of early Mughal architecture.

India Gate: Located on Rajpath, arch 42 meters high that was designed by Edwin Lutyens. It was built in memory of Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World War I soldiers' names are inscribed on the arches. The place surrounded by green lawns, fountains and water bodies is an ideal picnic spot.

Red Fort: Built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, this massive fort is made of red sandstone. The fort has many beautiful palaces and a museum containing weapons.

Jama Masjid: The mosque is located on the other side of the Red Fort. Built by Shah Jahan, Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. The mosque of red sandstone and white marble was built in the architectural style of Indo-Islamic.

Rashtrapati Bhawan: the construction of the President is located in central Delhi, near India Gate. The mansion is famous for its architectural splendor and historic importance.

Parliament House: Parliament House is located near India Gate. This is where political debates are held. The magnificent building has wide sidewalks and large rooms pillars.

Lotus temple: Lotus Temple or Bahai Temple is part of the Bahai community. Built in the shape of a lotus, the temple has no idol.

Directions
Air: International Airport of New Delhi is connected to major cities. Flights from all major cities of India and the world are available to Delhi

Rail: New Delhi, Delhi, Nizamuddin railway stations have trains from all major towns and cities of the country.

Path: Delhi is well connected by good network of roads with the rest of the country. Buses are available for the temple from different parts of Delhi and other nearby cities.

Local Transportation: local transport and buses operated by DTC State are available. Rental cars, taxis, auto rickshaws are also available.

Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple is a magnificent Hindu shrine, situated in the east region of New Delhi. Located on the banks of River Yamuna, it was inaugurated in November 2005, by the former President of India - APJ Abdul Kalam, the Prime Minister - Manmohan Singh and Pramukh Swami Maharaj - the spiritual leader of BAPS. Pramukh Swami Maharaj is the current spiritual leader of Swaminarayan Sanstha, BAPS. Swaminarayan Akshardham was constructed under his guidance, after his guru, Yogiji Maharaj, expressed a wish for the same.

As a spiritual leader, Swamiji constantly travels and meets people across the world, to help them lead better lives. There's various cultural and educational activities conducted by the Swaminarayan Sanstha. Akshardham is and a part of BAPS's initiative to promote Indian art, culture and values. BAPS also has a charitable arm, known as BAPS Care, working for the betterment of the people. The main shrine in the complex is dedicated to Bhawgwan Swaminarayan.

The temple enshrines 11 ft tall gilded statue of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The building is constructed entirely from Pink Sandstone and Italian Marble, without any concrete or steel. The intricate carvings, magnanimous structure and the backdrop of River Yamuna, render the temple a masterpiece of art. Other than the main temple, there's some of buildings in the complex where you can enjoy cultural and spiritual activities.

The Halls

Sahajanand Pradarshanis the first Hall in the complex. It features life size robots, dioramas, & incidents from Bhagwan Swaminarayan's life. It also houses world's smallest animatronic robot, in the form of Ghanshyam Maharaj, the child form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Nilkanth Kalyan Yatra'Hall 2, houses a giant format screen. Here, a movie, specially commissioned for the complex, shows the journey of Bhagwan Swaminarayan throughout India.

'Sanskruti Vihar',Hall 3, takes visitors on a journey through 10,000 years of Indian history in 10 minutes. Visitors are seated in specially designed peacock boats that make their way around an artificial river.

The Yagnapurush KundThe Yagnapurush Kund is India's largest step well. It descends down, by a series of steps, to a traditional 'yagna kund'. At night, a musical fountain show, representing the circle of life, is played for an audience, seated on the same steps.

The Bharat UpavanThe Bharat Upavan, or 'Garden of India', has sprawling lawns, varied trees & shrubs, dotted with bronze sculptures of the contributors to India's culture.

The Yogi Hraday KamalIt is a lotus shaped garden, containing stones engraved with quotes from world luminaries, ranging from Shakespeare & Martin Luther King, to Swami Vivekananda & Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Places to Visit in Delhi: Akshardham Temple

This attractive structure & masterpiece architecture was built under the support & funding of the Bochasanvasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). The temple was inaugurated on November 7, 2005 by Pramukhswami Maharaj (Leader of BAPS).

Akshardham Temple in Delhi has an important place in Delhi's tourism. The structure depicts great Indian culture & its architecture is basically immaculate. The temple is located at NH 24, Noida Mor, New Delhi. This amazing structure comprises of 20,000 statues, floral motifs & exquisite carved pillars made of stones.

It is built along the river Yamuna & lies over an area of around 100 acres with attractive gardens, water fountains & carved pavilions. The temple took complete one years for completion & a hefty sum of rupees was invested in the construction. According to estimates, around 2 billion was spent in the construction of this masterpiece which indeed depicts the great Hindu religion.
The architecture of Akshardham temple is similar to the five at Gandhinagar in Gujarat. The main monument at the temple is about 141 feet high with a attractive statue of Lord Swaminarayan. There's various structures within the temple which depicts the history & culture of Hindu Religion.

AKSHARDHAM TEMPLE

The main monument, depicting ancient Indian "vastu shastra" & architecture, is a marvel in pink sandstone & white marble that is 141 feet high, 316 feet wide & 370 feet long with 234 ornate pillars, over 20,000 sculptures & statues of deities, eleven 72-foot-high large domes (mandapams) & decorative arches. & like a necklace, a double-storied parikrama of red sandstone encircles the monuments with over 155 small domes & 1,160 pillars. The whole monument rises on the shoulders of 148 large elephants with 11-feet tall panchdhatu statue of Swaminarayan presiding over the structure.
Swaminarayan Akshardham reflects the essence & magnitude of India's ancient architecture, traditions & timeless spirituality.



The other attractions of the complex are two exhibition halls spaced around one large ponds, where four is a venue for light-and-sound show. The two halls are "Sahajanand Darshan", "Neelkanth Darsdhan" & "Sanskruti Vihar". "Sahajanand Darshan" is where life of Swaminarayan is displayed through robotic shows, while "Neelkanth Darsdhan" has a large I-Max theater screening movie based on the life of the Lord. Another brilliant presentation is "Sanskruti Vihar" with 12-minute boat ride experience of India's glorious heritage.



For visitors, entry to the complex is free. However, those who require to visit exhibition halls & theatres, Rs.125 is to be paid & for children & senior citizens the charges are Rs.75. "Over 6,000 visitors could easily witness the shows & enjoy boat-rides everyday, while over 25,000 people can visit the temple. They have deployed 140 guides who will facilitate visitors during their visit. It requires at least two hours to visit the entire complex thoroughly & see all the shows," said a temple management committee member, adding that the opening ceremony would be telecast live on Aastha channel. Elaborate security arrangements have also been made for the entire complex. Besides installing close circuit tv cameras it's also deployed hundreds of its own security personnel.



The Rs.400-crore cultural complex, inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), will be popularised by its builders as "a place for cultural education and entertainment". The temple complex has drawn inspiration for its architecture from the historic temples of Badrinath (Uttaranchal), Somnath (Gujarat) and Konark (Orissa). It is the second Akshardham complex in the country after the two at Gandhinagar in Gujarat.



At the heart of the complex is a palace-like monument built of at least 12,000 tons of pink sandstone and white marble brought in from Rajasthan. Topped with a series of domes, it stands 129 feet high, 275 feet wide and 315 feet long. Very every square inch of the exterior has been exquisitely carved with statues and motifs of Hindu deities and Indian flora and fauna.


The complex also has two sizable exhibition halls; two will take visitors on a visual journey through India's cultural heritage, while the other "will depict Indian moral values through a light-and-sound show". The complex also boasts of an Imax cinema, a canteen sizable to accommodate 5,000 people at two sitting, a research centre for "social harmony" and meditation gardens dotted with fountains and bronze sculptures.

Akshardham Temple Delhi

The Akshardham Temple is three of the most recently built temples in Delhi. Constructed by the Bochasanvasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), it is situated on the banks of the River Yamuna. Delhi Akshar Dham Mandir was inaugurated in Novenmber'05 in the presence of President APJ Abdul Kalam. It is spread over an area of 100 acres & took about three years to complete. Akshardhaam Temple of New Delhi is built in an architectural style similar to that of the Akshardham temple of Gandhinagar in Gujarat, India. Its construction is based on the ancient Sthaapatya shastras of India & it is built without steel, entirely out of sandstone & marble.

Approximately 234 ornate pillars, floral motifs, arches, exquisitely carved pavilions, 9 ornate domes, 20 quadrangle shikhars, a spectacular Gajendra Pith (plinth of stone elephants), adorn this architectural wonder. There's 20,000 statues inside Akshar Dham Mandir of Delhi of India's great sadhus, devotees, acharyas & divine personas. Other features of the Akshardham Temple are an IMAX theater, a Swaminarayan temple, & an elaborate musical fountain. The area around the temple building has been converted in to manicured lawns with stunning water fountains.

The main shrine of the New Delhi Akshardhaam temple houses the statue of Lord Swaminarayan. There is an Akshardham Temple Monument to World Peace inside the temple complex. Along with that, there is as well as a restaurant modeled on the Ajanta & Ellora caves & an Ayurvedic bazaar. Combining Rajasthani, Orrisan, Gujarati, Mughal & Jain temple architecture, the mandir presents a magnificent sight. This temple is a major tourist attraction & counts amongst the wonders of modern India.

Musical Fountains

Yagnapurush



The fascinating web of life on earth is complex, precise and beautiful. Its fragile network shows an interdependence between the inflexible man, nature and God. So what we receive for their livelihood through land, water, fire, air and space, we have to pay and sacrifice the body, mind and heart.

To fulfill this role in life, the great sages of India and established the tradition rishis yagna. They chanted mantras, offered grain and ghee in a sacrificial fire (yagna kund) to appease the gods of earth, water, fire, air, etc Yagna means to sacrifice or give generously in appreciation to others.

The Yagnapurush Kund is a fascinating combination of a Vedic yagna kund and a musical fountain. It is the world's largest yagna kund 300 'X 300' with 2870 steps and 108 small shrines. At its center is a lotus shaped yagna kund petals 8-tailored to the Samhita Jayaakhya Panchratra writing. Its perfect geometric forms of ancient India testimony advanced knowledge in mathematics and geometry. At night, downtown comes alive with musical fountain full of color that echoes the Vedic sentiments of India.

Yagnapurush Kund has been named after the founder of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, and the third successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Swami Yagnapurushdasji (Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj).

Garden Of India

Bharat Upvan

Over the millennia, people have always looked up to role models for inspiration, guidance, peace and courage. Their lives radiate a bright sterling perennial for all mankind, irrespective of all human beings, geographical and cultural differences.
India, which has the world's oldest civilization, home to one sixth of humanity and has the world's largest democracy, has produced from its vast cultural matrix a legion of models for the world to emulate.

Bharat Upvan exudes a magnificent natural and cultural environment through its manicured lawns, gardens and bronze statues of the wonderful large models in India. India's child gems, brave warriors, freedom fighters, national figures and great women personalities inspire visitors with the values and pride for our great nation.

Yogihriday Kamal

This is a special lotus of auspicious sentiments.
Yogiji Maharaj, who dreamed of Akshardham, always prayed: "May God do good of all." He had infinite faith in God and man.
Each petal of Yogihriday Kamal reflects the favorable feelings Yogiji Maharaj.

Since time immemorial, great thinkers, scientists, writers, international personalities, saints and sages from all corners of our country have expressed their faith prolific in religious scriptures, God and man. Here, each petal characters inspired by messages of renowned internationally about faith in God and faith in man.
A pinch of this faith can
Transform the face of our world,
And life itself.

EXHIBITION HALLS

Sahajanand Darshan (Hall of values)



Experience the timeless meassages of Indian culture portrayed through the life of Bhagwn swaminarayan.
The princeiple need of sculpti ng one’s life for happiness,
Success and peace of mind is depicted in this exhibition, endeavour, pyayer, morality, vegetarianism and family harmony through film shows,3-d diorams and audioanimatronics presentations from the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The exquisite settings and statues in each diorama are brought to life through robotics, fibre optics, light and sound effects, dialogues nd music,, which transpoirt the audience back to 18th century India.



Neelkanth Darshan (Giant Screen Theatre)

A Large format period film portrays the exciting and inspiring pilgrimagew of the child-yogi Neelkanth Varmi in the latter part of 18th century India. This unique period film, Neelkanth Yatra, almost eqical in magnitude was shot in 108 locations, ranging from the icy peaks of the Himalays in the north ot the pure shored of Kerala in the traditions on a giant screen that is over six storeys high. Heelkanth Yatra is the first ecer large format film filmed in India and produced by an NGO.
The I nternational lrge format version of Neelkanth Yatra is called Mystic India”

© Filmed at 108 locations in India with 30 giant settings
© Cast of 45,000
© The magic of 18th century India re-created on a giant screen.





Sanskruti Vihar (Cultural Boat Ride)

A 14- minute boat ride experience through 10,000 years of I ndia’s glorious heritage:

Witness the world’s oldest village and bazaar of Vedic India.
Sail through Takshashila the world’s fir4st university
Maravel at the ancientists of Indoa, whose contributions ot the world in lude zero (o), pi gravitational law, flight , plastic surgery, Ayurveda and much more.



Parikrama


From ancient ti mes the parikramas (circumamabulatory Paths) of mandirs have been pathways to express reverence and devotion to the deities of Sanatan Dharma. The two-storey Swaminarayan akshardham parikrama is made of red stone from Rajasthan, and consists of 1,152 pillars, 145 windows and 154 samavarans. It circles gallery in the lower parikrama provides different, reathtaking views of the Skshardham mandir. The soft chanting of the holy names of God permeates the parikrama, evoking peace and divinity.The tow-tiered parikrama is the first of its kind in India.


Narayan Sarovar

Since Vedic times, I ndia has had a glorious tradition of water pilgrim places in the form of ricers,, lakes and stepwells. Following theis tradition, a sacred water body, Narayan Sarovar, surrounds the main Skshaardham mandir. The lake contains holy waters of 151 rivers and lakes sanctified by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, including Manasarovar, Pushkar Sarovar, Pampa Sarovar,Indradyumna Sarovar, Manikranika Ghat, Prayag Triceni Sangam, River Kshipra, and many other. On the outer wall of the mandir touching Narayan Sarovar are 108 names of God, from which hly ware issues fcorth. Interspersed withing ther Narayan sarovar are lotus ponds from which the fully-bloomed lotus flowers I mapart an I nspiring message sarovar give the mandir and ambience of a traditional pilgrim place. Devotees and pilgrims touch the holy water on their heads with faith and recerecnr and chatnt the names of God as they offer water in to the lake.


Neelkanth Abhishek

Decotess offer abhishek (ritual pouring of water) to the murti of Neelkanth Varni, and pray for spiritual upliftment and fulfillment of wishes.







Yogihriday Kamal

This is special lotus of suspicios sentiments. Yogiji Maharaj, who envisoned Akshardham, always prayed, “May God do good to all.” He had I ntinite faith in God and man. Every petal of Yogihriday Kamal reflects the auspicious sentiments of Yogiji Maharaj.
Since time I mmemorial grat thinker, scientists, writers, saints and sages from ecery corner of our earth hjae expressed their prolific faith in the religious scriptures, God and man. Hre, every petal inspires such fratiht with messages feom internationally renowned personages like William Shakespeare, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Sharles Darwin, swami Vivekanand,, Mahatma Gandhi and other.



Premvati Upahargruh (Food Court)

Premvati Uphargruh of Food Court has a traditional cultural ambience, marking the cisitours feel relaxex peaceful. The restaurant sercves pur vegetarian dishes and sweet food : north and south Indian favourited, and svourty traditional Gujarati I tems like swaminaryan khichdi and yougurt, khaman, etc.



Akshar Haat (Akhsardham Souvenir Shop)

The spacious souvenir shop has soucenirs,, girft items, postcard, audio- video cassettes and CDs on Swaminarayan Akshardham. Also, herbal medicines and other productrs made bvy the BAPS are available here.

Bharat Upvan (Cultural Garden)

Bharat Upvan exudes a magnificent natural atmosphere through its many lawns and lush gardens graced by bronze statues of some of the great fole models of India. India’s child gems, valorous child gems, valorous warrours, freedom figthters, national figures and great women personalities, inspire values and pride for our nation.

Child Heroes of India
See the austere child-devotee Dhruv, embodiments of obedience Satyakam jabali, Upamanya and aruni, steadfast Macjodeta pf the I[amosjads. Valorous Lav and Kush, ideal disciple Eklavya, pragon of parental devotion sharva, brave Bharat (son of Dushyant), and Bhakta Prahlad.

A WALKTHROUGH EXPERIENCE

Bhagwan Swaminarayan

In the center of the mandir is ft-high, golden murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan ad Guru Parampara.Also consecrated are the elegant murtis of Radha-krishana, Sita-Ram,Lakshmi-Narayan and Parvati-Shiv.




Mandovar

The ornate external wall of the Swaminarayan Aksharddham mandir is known as the mandiovar.
This the largest, most intricately craved mandovar built in I ndia in the last 800 years and is 611 ft long and 25 ft high. It features 200 sculptured stone figures of- India’s great rishis, sadhus, devotees, acharyas and divine incarnation.
The mandocar comprises different levels: gajstar, sinhstar,chhajja with a total of 4,287 carved stones. The kumbhstar includes 48 o rnately sculpted murtis of ShriGanaeshji in different mudras.
The base of the mandovar is called the jagati. In this layer, one finds carvings of living beings from our everyday world. First, we have the elephant which is a symbol of strength, then the lion, which symbolizes bracery and ferocity. Thereafter, o ne finds the vyal (an extindct Pauranic animal) that was renowned for speed. In the subsequent layers, one fi nds cravings of flowers that stand for veauty and fragrance., In the middle of the mandovar , known as vibhuti, are sculptures of the divine I ncarnations of God, saged, devas, acharyas and devotees. And finally, we have the samvarans that exhort people to strive for spiritual hight in life. The entire mandovar I nspires and I ndividual to liverate his life from the shackles of mundane pleasures and asend to the ultimate state of God-realization.








Narayan Peeth

The upper pradakshina (circumambulatory Path) of the Akhardham mandir is called the Narayan Peeth, where of Bhagwan Swaminaryan. The three panels, each 60 ft long, show Bhagawan Swaminarayan discoussing ina grand assembly under the neem tree in Gadhada, celebrating festivals, and traveling by carious means to reform and elevarte people.






Gajendra Peeth
The Gajendra Peeth, the lower pradakshina, is a unique, captivating feature of Swaminarayan Skshardham. It pays tribute ot elephants, the chosen representatives of the animal kingdom. Sculptured accouding to the ancient shilpa sharstras of India, it is craved in pink stone, is 1,070 ft long, and features narratives and legends of elephjants involving nature, man and the Divine. These displays reflrct the messages of social harmonu, peace and spiritual faith. The Gajendra Peeth, weighing 3,000 tons, has vivid lifrlike sculptures of 148 full-sized elephants, 42 birds and animals, 125 hu man fugures, as well as decorative steone backdrops of trees, creepers and royal places.





Yaganapurush Kund & Musical Fountain

The Yagnapurush Kund is a fascinating combination of a Vedic yagna kund and a musical fountain. It is named after the foundr of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and the third successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Swami Yagnapurushdasji ( Brahmaswarup Sharstriji Maharaj ). It is the world’s largest yagna kund, measuring 300x 300’, and has 2,870 steps and 108 small shrines.In its centre lies an 8-petalled stone lotus that springs to life at night with a colorful, dancing musical water fountain that echoes the Vedic sentiments of India. The theme of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh as the creator, sustainer and destroyer, respectively, unfolds through this absorbing show.

A WALKTHROUGH ESXPERIENCE

Ten Dewars
The ten dwars symbolize the then directions described in Indian culture. They reflect the sentiments of accepting all that is auspicious and good from every direction. Such righteousness of mind and heart fosters the spirit of universal love, brotherhood and peace in the world.

Bhakti Dwar
The ornate stone entrance symbolizes the offering of pristine bhakti towards the dual forms of Gosd and his devotee (Bhakta-Bhagwan). Sanatan Dharma propagate the bhakti of Lakshmi-narayan, Sita- Ram, Radha-Krishna, Parvati-Shiv, Akhar-Purushottam, Nar-Narayan,Savitri-Brahma, Revati-BValadecv nd other divine dual forms.
Bhakti means pure love of Goad hd his ideal Devotee. Through bhakti the spiritually inclined attain liberation. The Bhakti Dwar has 208 beautifully carved dual forms of Bhakta-Bhagawan, bestowing their blessings on all.


Mayur Dwar (Peacock Gate)

The peacock stands for beauty and self-control in Indian culture. It is the national bird of India. Loved by the association with dicene incarnations and steores in the Hundu shastras.
A unique feature of the peacock is its spectacular and antes a a fascinating and delightful spectacle.
Each Mayur Dwar has 869 I intricately carved stone pea cocks. The two ornate gates are unique works of art and sculpture.


Foot prints of Bhagwan Swaminarayan

A large marble replica of the holy footprints of Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830CE) between the tow Mayur Dwars co mmemorates his I ncarnation on earth. He possessed the 16 holy signs on his feet, which are hallmarks of dicinity as described I n the shastras.
Thousands of original footprints imprinted on cloth are worshipped by the faithful in Swanminarayan mandirs and homes today. In recer3nce to him, four conch shells shower water on the marvle footprint replica.



Mandir
Akshardham menans the eternal, divine abode of the supreme God,the abode of the eternal balues and virtues of Akhsar as defined in the Vedas nad Upanishads, whre bhakti, purity and peace forever pervade.
The colossal mandir, built without steel, consists of 234 ornately crvex pillars, 9ornate domes, 20 samvarans, a spectacular Gajendra peeth (plinth of stone elephants)
And 20,000 murtis and staues of India’s great sadhus, sevotees, acharyas and divine personalities., The mandir is 141 ft high, 316 ft wide and 356ft long. It is a fusion of pink stone and pure white marvele, where pink stone is a symbol of bhakti in eternal, bloom and white marbvle that of absolute purity and paace. Akshardham was created by HDHPramukh Swami Maharaj to fulfil the wish successor in the spiritual tradition of Bhagwan swami-narayan. In the short ti me-span of five years Brahmaswarup Yogiminji Maharaj’svision of swaminarayan Akhardham became a reality due to the blessings of Parmukh Swami Maharaj, 300 million man-hours of ser-vices of epic proportions rendered by 11,000 volun-teers, sadhus and artisans and the immense sacrifice, austerities, and artisans of humdreds of hthousands of decotees of the BAPS Swaminarayna Sanstha.

UNIOUE METAL SCULPTURES

The origin of metallurgy in India dates back to 2000 BCE. Archaeological excavations show that the Indians produced metallic weapons, tools and utensils more than 4500 years ago. And the excavations from harappan sites reveal metal sculptures of dancers. Thus, the art of casting murtis and statues was developed in ancient India.
The 2.25 metre high metal murti of Buddha, presently on display at a museum in Birminghan, UK, was made two millennia ago in India.

More recently, metal murtis of very high quality were made between the 10th and 13th century during the chola dynasty. A sample of this is the metal murti of Shri Ramchandrajin displayed at a museum in Chennai. The famous murti of Natraj is also
A gift from the chola period. Many murtis of the jain religion and Shaiv Sampradays are also impressive and form a part of the metallurgy tradition of India.
Bhagwan Swaminarayan consecrated the first metal murti of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj in 1826 and from then onwards, one finds the murti of Harikrishana Maharaj in the Swaminarayan Mandirs.
Swaminarayan Akshardham has continued this tradition of installing metal murtis and statues. 72 metal murtis, 108 gaumukhs(cow’s faces)and three 180ft long relief work panels on aspect of the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan are displayed in various parts of the Swaminarayan Akshardham complex. Some special features of the metal murtis and statues;
The 27-ft tall murti of Shri Neelkanth Varniradiates vibrations of peace and determination. It weight 4500kg.
The consecrated 11-ft high gold –plated murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan weighs 2600kg. Also, in the sanctorum of Akshardham are the consecrated murtis of the Guru parampara, namely, Akshardham Gunatitanand Swami, Bhagatji Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

INTRODUCTION

Wherein lies the soul of Swaminarayan Akshardham?

Is it in its sheer size or its breathtaking beauty? Or is it manifest in the intricacies bestowed by human talent upon each stone? Is it most felt in the inner sanctum of the mandir? Or does it echo though the exhibition halls or the Neelkanth yatra large format film? Is it to be found dancing in the exquisite musical fountains? Or in the serenity of Narayan Sarovar and the meditative gardens where!
Is its soul most keenly felt?

Is it most apparent when there is a deluge of people or is it most palpable in the absence of humans? Is it evident by seeing it from far, from ground level? Or does it resonate through the magnitude of sheer voluntary effort? Perhaps, it’s when the doors have closed and there is nothing but silence.

The answer in that the soul of Swaminarayan Akshardham is in every stone, every corner and every carving. They have all been imbued with the Divine through the grace of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the vision of Yogiji Maharaj and the blessings of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the inspirer.

Swaminarayan Akshardham portays the essence of india’s glorious heritage in all its facets of art, architecture, wisdom and spirituality. It celebrated the past, addresses the present and shapes the future, inspiring all towards harmony, happiness, integrity and national prode.

Swaminarayan Akshardham is a gigantic success story. A testimony to an epic combination of volunteerism, talent and spiritual faith. Three Hundred million hours of human effort! A 40-year project accomplished in only 5 years! It is a management feat in terms of acquiring the land in New Delhi to the loginstics of construction, for which the stones were quarried in Bansipahadpur (400 Km away), and carven in Pindvada (600 Km), Sikandra (250 Km) and 24 other rural workshops in Rajasthan. After being transported to Delhi, each stone was assembled like a giant jigsaw puzzle. Millions of hours of dedication and hard work had gone into the concept and making of the complex, exhibition halls and large format film.

The lush lawns and landscapes that embellish 60 acres were nurtured at the nursery developed on the grounds. More that 900,000 saplings and shrubs of 250 varieties have been planted.

A distinguished thinker and author commented during a visit, “No amount of money and materials can build something so beautiful as this. It is only possible through vision and will!” Inspired by HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Swaminarayan Akshardham has been built with the purest of intentions and sentiments by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottamj Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). On 6 November 2005, in the opening ceremony assembly, HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj said, “Akshardham is a place of faith and peace that will inspire, enrich and provide strength to mankind in its Endeavour towards eternal happiness.”

With this noble spirit, Akshardham in and experience that spontaneously evokes positive feelings voiced eloquently by hundreds of thousands of people:

“Built on a scale more full of beauty, divinity and grandeur than I could have imagined.”

“Overwhelming devotional spirit.” “Everything is so perfect.” “I would like to be reborn as an Indian.”

“The transforming devotional spirit.” “kshardham creates a holy thought among us.”

“A real eyeopener for our teenagers and youths.” “A tour of the temple should be made a part of the CBSE curridculum.”

“The experience of lifetime.” “Akshardham gives me the confidence that ‘I can do it!’”

“ I am sure I will come close to God.”

A resporter from the Swagat magazine poetically describes in her article ‘Stairway to heaven’, “…You leave behind everything that is mundane – beyond it, everything looks surreal, as if angels walked down on earth to carve the statues and figurines and to lend sanctity to what was once an unlamented patch on earth. It is so surreal that you forget that there is ground beneath your feet or thin air wraps you. You almost melt in a moment of inner incandescence.”

The profound appeal of Swaminarayan Akshardham encompassed the gamut of human thought, education, aestheticism, Endeavour and faith.

Swaminarayan Akshardham is defined as the eternal abode of God. It is satyam, Shivam and Sundaram!

In this publication we present a brief introduction to Swaminarayan Akshardham – its making and experience – thought facts, stories and photographs.

BOCHASANAWASI SHRI AKSHAR PURUSHOTTAM SWAMINARAYAN SANSTHA (BAPS).

Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781 - 1830) founded the Swaminarayan Sampraday and revealed the Vedic Akshar-Purushottam Philosophy. He inspired morality and spirituality among people from all strata of society. He was succeeded by Akshardham Gunatitanand Swami.

Shastriji Maharaj (1865-1951), Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s third spiritual Swaminarayan’s teachings. Today, pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-) is the fifth and present successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the embodiment of the universal Hindu ideals. Under his guidance and inspiration, the BAPS ha grown into a global network of 3,300 Satsang centres conduction 12,600 weekly assemblies for children, youths and seniors. It is and NGO in Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. The energies of the BAPS volunteer crops of 55,000 youths and over 800 sadhus are channelized towards environmental, educational, medical, disaster relief, moral, social, cultural and spiritual activites. Its world renowned cultural and spiritual complexes like Akshardham in New Delhi and Gandhinagar, and traditional mandirs in London, Nairobi, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta and Toronto are some of Its epoch-making contributions to society.

INSPIRER: PRAMUKH SWAMI MAHARAJ

Pramukh Swami Maharaj, or Swamishri, is the fifth successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He was born on 7 December 1921 (Magshar sud 8, Samvat 1978) in the small village of Chansad, in Vadodara district. His childhood name was shantilal. Motibhai patel, his father, as a farmer, and his mother’s name was diwaliba. They were pious and staunch disciples of Shastriji Maharaj.

From the beginning there was a divine glow in Shantilal’s eyes. Shantilal used to go for darshan to the swaminarayan mandir in Chansad daily. His Association with Shastriji Maharaj and his sadhus, whenever they came to Chansad, strengthened his affiliation and love for satsang.

When Shantilal was 17 years old he received a letter from Shasrtiji Maharaj instructing him to come and join him by becoming a sadhu. On 22 Novembar 1939, Shastrini Maharaj gave Shantilal The Parshad diksha at Ambli-Vali Pol in Ahmedabad. On 10 January 1940, he was given the ochere robes and initiated into the bhagvati diksha in Goldal. Shastriji Maharaj named him Narayanswarupdas Swami. Within a short time his austerity, renunciation, tolerance, patience, purity and devotion the the guru blossomed and revealed his pure saintliness. He earned Shastriji Maharaj’s divine grace and absolute confidence. In 1950, shastriji Maharaj, With great foresight, appointed the 28-year-old Narayanswaurupdas Swami as the President of the BAPS.

In 1951 Shastriji Maharaj Passed away and Yogiji Maharaj succeeded him.

For the next twenty years Pramukh Swami served under the instruction and blessing of guru Yogini Maharaj. In 1971 Yogiji Maharaj passed away and Pramukh Swami Maharaj succeeded him to sontinue his mission.

Swamishri’s most outstanding quality is his humility. He speaks straight from the heart, with no frills added. He speaks straight from the heart, with no frills added. He claims no proprietorship in all that he has inspired. His mantra is in the good of others lies our own and in the happiness of others abides our own with this ideal. Swamishri works for the good of all.

In his presence one experiences a feeling of warmth and serenity. Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s universal appeal as great spiritual master lies in his austerity, renunciation, dedication and superme devotion to God.

Another unique aspect of his life is his untiring vicharan. Regardless of Physical discomfort he continuously travels for the benefit of society. He teached people to live a life free from addictions and vices, and devoted to spirituality. He receives hundreds of letters asking for guidance and blessing.

Under his guidance and inspiration the BAPS performs many educational, environmental. Medical, social, disaster relief, cultural, moral, and spiritual activites. Pramukh Swami Maharaj is always relased in the various activities he performs. The secret of his happiness and inner peace lies in his supreme devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his gurus.

Bhagwan Swaminarayan (Life and Work)

He was a spiritual who traveled barefooted across the length and breadth of India in seven years. Hailed as an unremitting champion of peace and purity, he crusaded against the crippling evils of society. Thousands admired him, obeyed him, ad above all, held him in high esteem and revered him.

His name was Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He was born on 2 April 1781 in the village of Chhapaiya, near Ayodhya. He was called ghanshyam in his childhood years. His birth was a blessed light that had dawned on earth. At the age of eight, Ghanshyam was given the sacred thread. Extraordinarily brilliant & Intelligent, he completed the study of Sanskrit Grammar, the Vedas Upanishads, Bhagvad Gita, Charmashastras, Purans, and shad-Darshans within three years. He left home at the tender age of 11 to redeem mankind.

His spiritual travels took him from Kailas-Mansarovar in the Himalayas in the north to rameshwar in the south; and somnath in the west to kamakshi mandir and Ganga Sagar in the east. At the time of Nilknth’s spiritual travels Sanatan Dharma was facing assaults from imposters posing as spiritual leaders. At Kamakshi in Assam, Pibek evoked all his tantric powers to destroy Nilkanth; but he failed and was transformed. At Jagannath Puri the chief of the fake sadhus very nearly killed him. Nilkanth’s intention was to inspire people to lead vortipis amd purposeful lives according to the tenets of dharma by freeing them from the clutches of these charlatans.

But what were the resources the young Brahmachari had at his command? His chief asset was his pure, supreme divinity that reflected his resplendent personality and serene face to the wide range of people he met during his pilgrimage.

Maharaja Ranjit Sinh, the doughty sikh ruler who carved a niche for himself in the annals of Punjab history, was impressed with Nilkanth and sought his refuge on meeting him at Badrinath and Haridwar. The king and queen of Butolnagar in Nepal offered their daughters in marriage and their kingdom. The mahant of shripur mandir was greatly impressed by Nilkanth’s feat when he tamed a ferocious lion, and proposed that he become the head of the mandir and manage its hefty annual income. The young Brahmachari declined all offers with a smile. His mission was not to rule kingdoms, ashrams or be honored with fame and riches.
Wherever he traveled, Nilkanth asked five question regarding the nature of jiva, ishwar, Maya, Bragnab and Parabrahman. He did not get satisfactory replies questions till be reched ramanand Swami’s ashram at Loj in Saurashtra (Gujrat). With Ramanand Swami away on tour in the kutch region, Miktanand Swami satisfactorily answered his questions. Nilkanth was pleased and decided to stay there.

Ramanand Swami knew of Nilkanth’s divinity and told his followers that he himself was merely a drum-better and the chief player was varni. He gave diksha to Nilkanth and named him as Sahajanand Swami and Narayan Muni. A year later he handed over the reins of the fellowship to Sahajanand Swami Who was only 21 years old. After Ramanand Swami Passed away Sahajanand Swami gave the Swaminarayan Mahamantra to the congregation. Thereafter he became popularly known as Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

From the age of 21 to 49, he introduced a moral, Social and Spiritual renaissance with the help of 3,000 paramhansas and sadhus that he had initiated. He exhorted people to lead a life of character and faith in God. He asked them not to kill animals, even in yagnas, and to abstain from illicit sex, eating meat, drinking alcohol and addictions.

He was against the prevailing rigidity in the caste system and opposed untouchability. He championed the welfare of women and abolished evil practices like Sati and female infanticide. He succeeded in transforming lawless people like joban pagi, Sagram Vaghri and others into great devotees. He had a following or two million devotees, and was hailed as a torchbearer of Indian culture.

Bhagwan Swaminarayan worte the Shikhapatri in Sanskrit, which is a code of conduct for renunciants and householders. The Vachanamrut is a compilation of his spiritual discourses.

The worship of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swami, His ideal disciple and first successor, is the lynchpin of the Swaminarayan philosophy. Subsequently, the gurus who have followed in the Swaminarayan Sampraday have continued the work of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The First Guru was Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swami. He was succeeded by Bhagatji Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj, and the Present guru, Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

In 1907, in accordance with the Vedic preaching’s of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj established the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS).

As the Sampraday believes in Ekantik Bhakti and God with a form, mandirs. Shastriji Maharaj built five mandirs and consecrated the murtis of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swami (Akshar Purushottam Maharaj). He was succeeded by yogiji Maharaj, has inspired and guided worldwide growth of the BAPS, personally inspiring and consecrating over 700 mandirs. The akshardham mandirs at New Delhi and Gandhinagar, Gujarat, epitomize the glory of Indian culture, values and principles for the uplift of mankind. The traditional shikarbaddh mandirs in London, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta and Toronto have evoked worldwide attention.

SWAMINARAYAN AKSHARDHAM

Swaminarayan Akshardham means the eternal abode go God. Experience the spirit of India’s great culture and spirituality at Swaminarayan Akshardham. The cultural complex brilliantly showcases India’s glorious heritage though its ancient tradition of art, architecture and wisdom. Savour the beauty and joy of its intricacies in stone, and the wisdom through its enlightening exhibitions, large format film and the meditative gardens.


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