Swaminarayan Akshardham (Delhi): Difference between revisions

Swaminarayan Akshardham (Delhi)
Swaminarayan Akshardham (Delhi)
	File:Akshardham angled.jpg Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, India
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
Deity	Swaminarayan
Location
Location	Noida Mor, New Delhi
Country	India
	Location in Delhi
Geographic coordinates	28°36′45″N 77°16′38″E / 28.61250°N 77.27722°E
Architecture
Creator	Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, Pramukh Swami Maharaj
Completed	6 November 2005 (consecration)
Website
	akshardham.com

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Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham complex is a Hindu mandir, and a spiritual-cultural campus in New Delhi, India.^[1]^[2] Also referred to as Akshardham Temple or Swaminarayan Akshardham, the complex displays millennia of traditional Hindu and Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture.

The temple, which attracts approximately 70 percent of all tourists who visit Delhi,^[3]^[4] was officially opened on 6 November 2005 by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.^[5] It sits near the banks of the Yamuna adjacent to the 2010 Commonwealth Games village in eastern New Delhi.^[6] The temple, at the centre of the complex, was built according to the Vastu shastra and Pancharatra shastra.

The complex features an Abhisheka Mandap, Sahaj Anand water show, a thematic garden and three exhibitions namely Sahajanand Darshan (Hall of Values), Neelkanth Darshan (an IMAX film on the early life of Swaminarayan as the teenage yogi, Neelkanth), and Sanskruti Darshan (cultural boat ride). According to Swaminarayan Hinduism, the word Akshardham means the abode of almighty Lord Swaminarayan and believed by followers as a temporal home of God on earth.^[7]^[8]

Features

Akshardham Mandir

The main attraction of the Swaminarayan Akshardham complex is the Akshardham Mandir. It rises 141-foot (43 m) high, spans 316-foot (96 m) wide, and extends 356-foot (109 m) long.^[9] It is intricately carved with flora, fauna, dancers, musicians, and deities.

Designed in accordance with the standards of Maharishi Vastu Architecture, it features a blend of architectural styles across India.^[10]^[11] It is entirely constructed from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble. Based on traditional Hindu architectural guidelines (Shilpa shastras) on maximum temple life span, it makes no use of ferrous metal. Thus, it has no support from steel or concrete.^[12]

The mandir also consists of 234 ornately carved pillars, nine domes, and 20,000 murtis of sadhus, devotees, and acharyas.^[13] The mandir also features the Gajendra Pith at its base, a plinth paying tribute to the elephant for its importance in Hindu culture and India's history. It contains 148 life sized elephants in total weighing a total of 3000 tons.^[14]

Under the temple's central dome lies the 11-foot (3.4m) high murti of Swaminarayan seated in abhayamudra to whom the temple is dedicated. Swaminarayan is surrounded by images of the faith's lineage of Gurus depicted either in a devotional posture or in a posture of service.^[15] Each murti is made of paanch dhaatu or five metals in accordance to Hindu tradition. The temple also houses the murtis of Sita Ram, Radha Krishna, Shiv Parvati, and Lakshmi Narayan.^[15]

Exhibits

Sahajanand Darshan [Hall of Values]

The Hall of Values features lifelike robotics and dioramas which display incidents from Swaminarayan's life, portraying his message about the importance of peace, harmony, humility, service to others and devotion to God. Set in 18th century India, the audience experiences eternal messages gleaned from ancient Hindu culture such as non‐violence, vegetarianism, perseverance, prayers, morality, and family harmony through 15 3-D dioramas which make use of state of the art robotics, fibre optics, light and sound effects, dialogues, and music.^[16]^[17] The hall also features the world's smallest animatronic robot in the form of Ghanshyam Maharaj, the child form of Swaminarayan.^[18]

Nilkanth Darshan [Theatre]

The theatre houses Delhi's first and only large format screen, measuring 85-foot (26 m) by 65-foot (20 m). The theatre shows a 40-minute film specially commissioned for the complex, Neelkanth Yatra, to recount a seven-year pilgrimage made by Swaminarayan made during his teenage years throughout India. Mystic India, an international version of the film produced by BAPS Charities, was released in 2005 at IMAX theatres and giant screen cinemas worldwide.^[19] A 27-foot (8.2 m) tall bronze murti of Neelkanth Varni is located outside the theatre.^[20]

Sanskruti Vihar [Boat Ride]

The Boat Ride is a 15-minute journey through 10,000 years glorious heritage, using life size figures and robotics to depict life in Vedic India, from family life to bazaars and teaching. It also shows the contributions of Vedic Indians to various fields such as science, astronomy, arts, literature, yoga, mathematics, etc. by eminent persons like mathematician-astronomers Aryabhata and Brahmagupta, grammarian Pāṇini, contributors to the ancient art and science of Ayurveda like Sushruta and Charaka, Classical Sanskrit writer Kālidāsa, philosopher, economist and royal advisor Chanakya, among others. It shows the world's first university, Takshashila and the subjects taught there such as horse riding and warfare. It moves on to the Middle Ages to Sufi saints like Kabir and saints from the Bhakti movement such as Meera and Ramananda and then to recent times highlighting the contributions of modern Indian mathematicians such as Jagadish Chandra Bose, Srinivasa Ramanujan, C. V. Raman and Satyendra Nath Bose and philosophers like Swami Vivekananda.

Musical fountain

Musical fountain, also Known as the Yagnapurush Kund, is India's largest step well. It features a very large series of steps down to a traditional 'yagna kund'. During the day, these steps provide rest for the visitors to the complex and at night, a musical fountain show representing the circle of life is played to an audience which is seated on the same steps.^[21] The fountain is named after the founder of the Hindu organisation BAPS, Shastriji Maharaj.^[22] The fountain measures 300 feet (91 m) by 300 feet (91 m) with 2,870 steps and 108 small shrines. In its centre lies an eight-petaled lotus shaped yagna kund designed according to the Jayaakhya Samhita of the Panchratra shastra.

Garden of India

Also known as the Bharat Upavan, this garden has lush manicured lawns, trees, and shrubs. The garden is lined with bronze sculptures of contributors to India's culture and history. These sculptures include children, women, national figures, freedom fighters, and warriors of India, including notable figures such as Mahatma Gandhi.^[23]

Travel & Food

Easiest way to reach Akshardham Temple is by Metro. There is a Metro Station by the name of "Akshardham" right outside the

temple. There is an International Food Court by the name of "Platters Food Court" inside the Metro Station on the Concourse Level with many domestic and

International Food Brands. There is a Pure Veg Canteen which serves food without onion and garlic inside the Temple also.

Additional features

Yogi Hraday Kamal

A sunken gardinene, shaped like a lotus when viewed from above, features large stones engraved with quotes from world luminaries ranging from Shakespeare and Martin Luther King to Swami Vivekananda and Swaminarayan.^[23]

Nilkanth Abhishek

Devotees offer abhishek, a ritual of pouring water on to the murti of Nilkanth Varni, and express their reverence and prayers for spiritual upliftment and fulfilment of wishes.^[24]

Narayan Sarovar

The Narayan Sarovar is a lake that surrounds the main monument. The lake contains holy waters from 151 rivers and lakes that are believed to have been sanctified by Swaminarayan, including Mansarovar. Surrounding the Narayan Sarovar are 108 gaumukhs, symbolising Janmangal Namavali or the 108 names for god, from which holy water issues forth.^[25]^[26]

Premvati Ahargruh

The Premati Ahargruh/the Premvati Food Court is a vegetarian restaurant modelled on the Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra, India and an Ayurvedic bazaar. The restaurant caters a variety of traditional dishes.^[27]

AARSH Centre

The Akshardham Centre for Applied Research in Social Harmony or the AARSH Centre is a centre within the complex that applies research of social harmony and related topics. Scholars and students may conduct practical research through AARSH. Researchers have the ability to carry out their research projects and affiliate their papers with AARSH. Studies on education, medicare, tribal and rural welfare, ecology, and culture are conducted within the centre.^[28]^[29]

Planning and development

Planning

The building had been planned since 1968 as a vision of Yogiji Maharaj.^[30] Yogiji Maharaj, the spiritual head of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha at the time, expressed his desire for wanting a grand temple built on the banks of the Yamuna river to two or three devotee families of Swaminarayan that resided in New Delhi at the time.^[31] Attempts were made to start the project, however little progress was made. In 1971, Yogiji Maharaj died.

In 1982, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj's successor as the spiritual head of BAPS, started to continue fulfilling the dream of his guru Yogiji Maharaj and prompted devotees to look into the possibility of building the temple in Delhi. A request for the plan was put forward to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and several different places were suggested, including Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, and Faridabad. Pramukh Swami Maharaj stood firm in following the wishes of Yogiji Maharaj to build a temple on the Yamuna.

In April 2000, after 18 years, the Delhi Development Authority offered 60 acres (240,000 m²) of land, and the Uttar Pradesh Government offered 30 acres (120,000 m²) for the project.^[32] Upon receiving the land, Pramukh Swami Maharaj performed puja on the site for success in the project. Construction on the temple began on 8 November 2000 and Akshardham was officially opened on 6 November 2005, with the building being completed in two days short of five years.^[33]

Environmental clearance

An amendment to the Government of India's Environment Impact Assessment Notification of 1994 was made in 2004, which required that environmental clearance be granted to any parcel of land that falls under the Yamuna floodplain before beginning any construction activities.^[34] Since Akshardham commenced construction activities in 2000, prior to the enactment of this amendment, it did not apply to Akshardham.^[33] However certain NGOs and activists felt that the temple was constructed without obtaining the necessary environmental clearances.^[35] On January 2005, the U.P. Employees Federation presented their case before the Supreme Court of India that the temple had not obtained necessary environmental clearances and that it would be harmful to the environment. After hearing the case, the Supreme Court observed that in the construction of Akshardham, all the Land Use Plans had been adhered to and clearance of expert bodies like the Central Water Commission and the National Environment Engineering Research Institute has been obtained. Thus, the Supreme Court ruled that the Akshardham construction was lawful and did not violate environmental norms.^[36]^[37] Despite this ruling, some activists and politicians continued to assert that the Akshardham construction was illegal and posed a threat to the Yamuna River floodplains.^[38]^[39] In a 2009 ruling on a related issue, the Supreme Court further clarified that it rejected as false the assertions that Akshardham did not have environmental permissions and was harmful to the Yamuna riverbed. It reiterated its earlier 2005 Ruling that Akshardham had received all necessary environmental permissions from Central Water Commission and NEERI, which is an autonomous body, and that the Akshardham site was not located on the Yamuna “riverbed” or “floodplain”, but 1700 meters away from the Yamuna River bank.^[40]^[41]

Development

A team of eight sadhus were assigned to oversee the Akshardham project.^[31] The majority of the team had gained experience from work on the Akshardham in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Delhi Akshardham's sister complex.^[42] During development, Pramukh Swami Maharaj was consulted in many aspects of the monument's construction.^[31]

Around 1997 and 1998, the idea to start development on the temple, by beginning the stone carving, had been requested. However, this idea was denied by Pramukh Swami Maharaj who believed that the construction should only start after the land was acquired. The initial work done on the site was on the foundation. Due to the soft river bank, the site wasn't considered ideal for construction. As a result, a deep foundation was imperative. To construct a stable foundation, 15-foot (4.6 m) of rocks and sand were entwined with wire mesh and topped by five feet of concrete. Five million fired bricks raised the foundation another 21.5-foot (6.6 m). These bricks were then topped by three more feet of concrete to form the main support under the monument.^[31]

On 2 July 2001, the first sculpted stone was laid.^[43] The team of eight sadhus consisted of scholars in the field of the Pancharatra Shastra, a Hindu scripture on architecture and deity carving. The sadhus watched over stone work as well as the research on carvings on Indian craftsmanship from between eighth and twelfth century. This research was done at various sites such as Angkor Wat, as well as Jodhpur, Jagannath Puri, Konark & temples of Bhubaneswar of Odisha and other temples in South India.^[31]

Seven thousand carvers and three thousand volunteers were put to work for the construction Akshardham.^[31] With over 6,000 tons of pink sandstone coming from Rajasthan, workshop sites were set up around places within the state.^[44] Amongst the carvers were local farmers and fifteen hundred tribal women who had suffered from a drought and received economic gain due to this work. The initial stone cutting was done by machine, while the detailed carvings were done by hand. Every night, over one hundred trucks were sent to Akshardham, where four thousand workers and volunteers operated on the construction site.^[31]

Opening ceremony

Akshardham was consecrated on 6 November 2005 by Pramukh Swami Maharaj^[45] and ceremoniously dedicated to the nation by the President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam,^[46] the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Indian Parliament, Lal Krishna Advani, with the presence of 25,000 guests.^[31]^[47] After touring the central monument, president Kalam then gave a speech on where Akshardham fits with society, and finished by saying,

"Pramukh Swamiji Maharaj has inspired thousands of people across the country and abroad and brought together the best of the minds for creating a beautiful cultural complex. It has become a place of education, experience and enlightenment. It creatively blends the traditional stone art and architecture, Indian culture and civilisation, ancient values and wisdom and the best of modern media and technology. Multiple layers of this complex expresses the strength of the mind, willpower of the human being, indomitable spirit, flowering kindness, fusion of scientific and medical talent, myriad colors of varied cultures and ultimately the power of knowledge. In essence, it is a dynamic complex with lively images. ... Akshardham has happened at the dawn of 21st century with the commitment and dedication of one million volunteers. What has happened today at Akshardham inspires me and gives me the confidence that we can do it? The realisation of developed India is certainly possible before 2020 with the millions of ignited minds like you."^[48]

Prime Minister Singh followed by hoping that this would usher in religious tolerance and praised the architecture of the complex.^[31] He made note of it becoming a future landmark of India^[47] while L. K. Advani called it "the most unique monument of the world."^[31] Pramukh Swami Maharaj ended the night's speeches and expressed the wish that, "In this Akshardham, may one and all find inspiration to mould their lives and may their lives become divine. Such is my prayer to God."^[49]

Garbhagruh renovation and other events

On 13 July 2010, a newly designed garbhagruh, or inner sanctum, was inaugurated by Pramukh Swami Maharaj in the main monument within the Akshardham complex. The new garbhagruh includes a decorated, canopied sihasan, upon which the murti of Swaminarayan rests and features intricate carvings and gold-leafed designs.^[50]

Akshardham served as a featured attraction during the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in Delhi. Through the duration of the Games, hundreds of athletes, teams, and enthusiasts from around the world visited the complex.^[51] On 14 November 2010, the Swaminarayan Research Institute at Akshardham was inaugurated through an event organised by the women's faction of the organisation, highlighting the value of seva, or socially beneficial volunteer efforts, in society through mandirs, churches, mosques, and other places of worship.^[52]

Guinness world record

On 17 December 2007, Michael Whitty, an official world record adjudicator for Guinness World Record, travelled to Ahmedabad, India to present a new world record to Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, for the Akshardham complex.^[53]

The record was presented for Akshardham as the World's Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple (certificate).^[54]^[55]

The certificate states,

"BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, India, is the world's largest comprehensive Hindu temple. It measures 356 ft (109 m). long, 316 ft (96 m). wide and 141 ft (43 m). high, covering an area of 86,342 sq ft (8,021.4 m²). The grand, ancient-style, ornately hand-carved stone temple has been built without structural steel within five years by 11,000 artisans and volunteers. Pramukh Swami, revered spiritual leader of BAPS, consecrated the temple on 6 November 2005. Akshardham showcases the essence of India's ageless art, borderless culture and timeless values.^[56]

Upon presentation of the award, Michael Whitty stated, "It took us three months of research, poring over the extensive architectural plans of the Akshardham and also those of other temples of comparable size, visiting and inspecting the site, before we were convinced that Akshardham deserved the title..."^[57]

Disputes

Three temples, the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, and the Annamalaiyar Temple in Thiruvannamalai, all located in Tamil Nadu, India, are claimed to be larger than Akshardham. There are many temples around Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu that are larger than these 3 temples even; one such is Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram spread out in 40 acres and truly a temple complex. The trustees of these temples have reportedly disputed the Guinness World Record.^[58]

The Meenakshi temple in Madurai has the length of 850 feet (260 m) and width of 800 feet (240 m). The entire area of this temple is 17 acres (0.069 km²), while the Sri Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam covers 15.6 acres (0.063 km²) and the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Thiruvannamalai is 24 acres (0.097 km²).^[59]^[60] Authorities at the Meenakshi temple have argued that construction area of the actual temple is more important than the land area.^[58]

Authorities at the Meenakshi temple have also argued that temples are places for worship and therefore additional features and exhibitions are not components of a temple. According to Kurien, use of modern and most sophisticated technology is characteristic of BAPS.^[61] In Modern Transmission of Hindu Traditions in India and Abroad, a former Leicester professor in the Religion Department, Douglas Brear, points out BAPS' concern to transmit comprehensive Hindu tradition in the twentieth-century.^[62] He observes that the teachings are indeed transmitted, but the transmission mode "has to be sensitive to the needs of the times".^[63]

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^ Kurien, Prema A. (2007). A Place at the Multicultural Table: The Development of an American Hinduism. Rutgers University Press. p. 104. ISBN 9780813540566.
^ Brear, Douglas. Raymond Brady Williams (ed.). A Sacred Thread: Modern Transmission of Hindu Traditions in India and Abroad. Columbia University Press. p. 220. ISBN 0-231-10779-X.
^ Brear, Douglas. Raymond Brady Williams (ed.). A Sacred Thread: Modern Transmission of Hindu Traditions in India and Abroad. Columbia University Press. p. 227. ISBN 0-231-10779-X.

External links

Akshardham Information

Other

Guinness World Records – Adjudications – World's Largest Hindu Temple
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha- The organisation responsible for the creation of Akshardham
Mystic India- The film shown at Akshardham
Akshardham Gandhinagar Website

[Malik-1] Malik, Rajiv. "Pride of India Swaminarayan Akshardham opens in New Delhi with praise from India's religious, cultural and political leaders". Hinduism Today. Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami. Retrieved 31 July 2013.

[2] "Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi". akshardham.com. Retrieved 3 September 2015.

[3] Sharma, Manoj (28 December 2007). "Magnificent monuments of Delhi". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 8 January 2008.^{[permanent dead link]}

[4] Verma, Sharad. "The 8th Wonder – Delhi Swaminarayan temple uses modern technology to transmit timeless message". New India Times. Retrieved 9 October 2008. ^{[dead link]}

[What_is_Akshardham-5] "What is Akshardham". BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Archived from the original on 17 October 2008. Retrieved 28 October 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[6] Moushumi Das Gupta (4 July 2007). "Games Village gets going as DDA clears lone bid". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 8 January 2008.^{[permanent dead link]}

[7] BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. "Magnificent monuments of Delhi". Retrieved 30 January 2011.

[8] "Mandir". akshardham.com. Retrieved 3 September 2015.

[President_inaugurates-9] "President to inaugurate Akshardham temple today". The Hindu. 6 November 2005. Retrieved 5 January 2008.

[10] "Special Destinations- Akshardham Temple". Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation. Archived from the original on 11 June 2008. Retrieved 30 October 2008.

[11] "Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in New Delhi". 24 June 2008. Retrieved 10 October 2008.

[12] "Akshardham Temple Complex". Ministry of Tourism Government of India. Archived from the original on 31 July 2008. Retrieved 2008-09-25. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Mandir-13] "Mandir". BAPS. 2005. Archived from the original on 12 September 2008. Retrieved 12 September 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[14] "Gajendra Pith". BAPS. 2005. Archived from the original on 7 September 2008. Retrieved 13 September 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Garbhagruh-15] "Garbhagruh- Inner Sanctum". BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Archived from the original on 8 October 2008. Retrieved 1 October 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[16] "Hall of Values". BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. 2005. Archived from the original on 16 October 2008. Retrieved 1 October 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[17] "Sahajanand Darshan". akshardham.com. Retrieved 3 September 2015.

[18] "First time ever in India: An Audio-animatronics Presentation of an assembly in the time of Swaminarayan". BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. 2005. Archived from the original on 25 October 2008. Retrieved 30 October 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[19] "Mystic India". BAPS Charities. 2004. Archived from the original on 10 October 2008. Retrieved 30 October 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[20] "Giant Screen Film". BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Archived from the original on 15 September 2008. Retrieved 30 September 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[21] "Akshardham, Musical Fountain of Eternal Life – New Delhi, India". Laservision. 2008. Archived from the original on 20 July 2008. Retrieved 26 September 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[22] "Yagnapurush Kund". BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. 2005. Archived from the original on 15 September 2008. Retrieved 26 September 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Garden_of_India-23] "Garden of India". BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Archived from the original on 15 September 2008. Retrieved 30 September 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[24] "Neelkanth Abhishek Mandapam". BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Archived from the original on 8 October 2008. Retrieved 30 September 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[25] "Narayan Sarovar- Sacred Water Lake". BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Archived from the original on 8 October 2008. Retrieved 30 September 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[26] "Akshardham Temple, Delhi". Shubh Yatra. 2006. Archived from the original on 24 October 2008. Retrieved 18 October 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[27] "Visitors Info". BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. 2005. Archived from the original on 16 October 2008. Retrieved 30 October 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[28] "Delhi's Akshardham: A monument to India". Rediff.com. November 2005. Archived from the original on 8 January 2008. Retrieved 7 January 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[29] "Research Center AARSH". BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. 2006. Retrieved 7 November 2008.

[30] "Making of Akshardham". BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Archived from the original on 8 October 2008. Retrieved 30 September 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Pride_of_India_Interview-31] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j Malik, Rajiv (2006). "Pride of India: How Yogiji Maharaj's Dream Was Fulfilled (Interview)". Hinduism Today. Retrieved 5 January 2008.

[32] Menon, Nivedita; Aditya Nigam (2007). Power and Contestation: India Since 1989. page 79: Zed Books. ISBN 978-1-84277-815-9.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)

[:0-33] Williams, Raymond Brady (2004). "Swaminarayan Hinduism". Williams on South Asian Religions And Immigration. page 132: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. p. 274. ISBN 978-0-7546-3856-8. Retrieved 17 August 2008.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)

[:1-34] Badami Rao, Divya (2010). Humanity-Equality-Destiny? - Implicating Tourism in the Commonwealth Games 2010. Bengaluru, India: EQUATIONS. p. 71.

[35] Brosius, Christiane (2012). India’s Middle Class: New Forms of Urban Leisure, Consumption and Prosperity. Routledge. ISBN 9781136704833.

[36] "The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Delhi and neighbourhood". www.tribuneindia.com. Retrieved 26 July 2016.

[Brosius_2014_121-37] Brosius, Christiane (2014). India’s Middle Class: New Forms of Urban Leisure, Consumption and Prosperity. Routledge India. p. 121. ISBN 978-1138020382.

[38] "Largest temple no stranger to controversy". 27 December 2007. Retrieved 26 July 2016.

[39] "Akshardham is first culprit in Yamuna bed violation: Ramesh - Indian Express". archive.indianexpress.com. Retrieved 26 July 2016.

[40] "D.D.A vs Rajendra Singh & Ors on 30 July, 2009". indiankanoon.org. Retrieved 26 July 2016.

[41] Humanity-Equality-Destiny? - Implicating Tourism in the Commonwealth Games 2010. EQUATIONS.

[Pride_of_India_Akshardham-42] Malik, Rajiv (2006). "Pride of India: Swaminarayan Akshardham opens in New Delhi with praise from India's religious, cultural and political leaders". Hinduism Today. Retrieved 5 January 2008.

[43] "Laying of First Stone at Akshardham, New Delhi". Swaminarayan.org. 2 July 2001. Archived from the original on 23 December 2007. Retrieved 12 January 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[Cultural_India-44] "Akshardham Temple Delhi". Cultural India.net. Retrieved 10 January 2008.

[45] Arya, R.P. (2007). Incredible India: Tourist & Travel Guide. page 62: Indian Map Service. p. 320. ISBN 978-81-89875-20-6.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)

[46] Pruthi, R.K. (2003). President APJ Abdul Kalam her. page 244: Anmol Publications PVT. LTD. p. 271.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)

[A-dham_Lauded-47] "Akshardham designers lauded". The Hindu. 6 November 2005. Archived from the original on 23 December 2007. Retrieved 4 January 2008. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[48] "The Akshardham Experience". About.com. 7 November 2005. Retrieved 5 January 2008.

[49] Swaminarayan Akshardham Dedication Ceremony (DVD). Amdavad – 4, India: Swaminarayan Aksharpith. January 2006. Archived from the original (vob) on 10 January 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2008. {{cite AV media}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: location (link)

[GarbhagruhRenovation-50] "New Garbhagruh Darshan" (PDF). BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. 13 July 2009. Retrieved 29 June 2011.

[51] "Athletes swarm to Akshardham temple". The Hindu. 12 October 2010. Retrieved 29 June 2011.

[52] "World Diabetes Day Celebrated at Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi" (PDF). BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. 13 November 2010. Retrieved 29 June 2011.

[53] Jha, Preeti (26 December 2007). "Guinness comes to east Delhi: Akshardham world's largest Hindu temple". ExpressIndia.com. Archived from the original on 28 December 2007. Retrieved 2008-01-02. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[54] "Akshardham temple enters Guinness Book of World Records". MSN. 24 July 2006. Archived from the original on 29 December 2007. Retrieved 2 January 2008.

[Hindustan_Guinness-55] Khandekar, Nivedita (26 December 2007). "Delhi's Akshardham is the world's largest temple". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013. Retrieved 2 January 2008. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[56] "Guinness Bestows Two World Records on HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj". Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, Swaminarayan Aksharpith. Retrieved 20 October 2008.

[57] Khandekar, Nivedita (26 December 2007). "Akshardham temple enters Guinness Records". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 29 December 2007. Retrieved 2 January 2008. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[World_Record-58] "TN temples bigger than Delhi's Akshardham". MSN. 2007. Archived from the original on 22 April 2008. Retrieved 26 September 2008.

[59] Natarajan, A. R. "8". Arunachala From Rigveda to Ramana Maharshi. Ramana Maharshi Centre for Learning.

[60] Kannikeswaran, K (1996). "Tiruvarangam (Koyil)". indiantemples.com. Archived from the original on 25 October 2008. Retrieved 30 October 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

[61] Kurien, Prema A. (2007). A Place at the Multicultural Table: The Development of an American Hinduism. Rutgers University Press. p. 104. ISBN 9780813540566.

[62] Brear, Douglas. Raymond Brady Williams (ed.). A Sacred Thread: Modern Transmission of Hindu Traditions in India and Abroad. Columbia University Press. p. 220. ISBN 0-231-10779-X.

[63] Brear, Douglas. Raymond Brady Williams (ed.). A Sacred Thread: Modern Transmission of Hindu Traditions in India and Abroad. Columbia University Press. p. 227. ISBN 0-231-10779-X.

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@@ Line 40: / Line 40: @@
 Designed in accordance with the standards of [[Maharishi Vastu Architecture]], it features a blend of architectural styles across India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://delhitourism.nic.in/publicpage/Akshardham.aspx|title=Special Destinations- Akshardham Temple |publisher=Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation|accessdate=2008-10-30 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080611125545/http://delhitourism.nic.in/publicpage/Akshardham.aspx |archivedate = 11 June 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikiomahe.com/2008/06/swaminarayan-akshardham-temple-in-new-delhi/|title=Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in New Delhi|date=24 June 2008|accessdate=2008-10-10}}</ref> It is entirely constructed from [[Rajasthan]]i pink sandstone and Italian [[Carrara marble]]. Based on traditional Hindu architectural guidelines ([[Shilpa Shastras|Shilpa shastras]]) on maximum temple life span, it makes no use of ferrous metal. Thus, it has no support from steel or concrete.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.incredibleindia.org/akshardham/index.htm |title=Akshardham Temple Complex |publisher=Ministry of Tourism Government of India |accessdate=2008-09-25 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080731070704/http://www.incredibleindia.org/akshardham/index.htm |archivedate=31 July 2008 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy }}</ref>
-The mandir also consists of 234 ornately carved pillars, nine domes, and 20,000 [[murti]]s of [[sadhu]]s, devotees, and [[acharya]]s.<ref name="Mandir">{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/index.htm |title=Mandir |year=2005 |publisher=BAPS |accessdate=2008-09-12 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080912050941/http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/index.htm |archivedate=12 September 2008 |deadurl=yes }}</ref> The mandir also features the Gajendra Pith at its base, a plinth paying tribute to the [[elephant]] for its importance in Hindu culture and India's history. It contains 148 life sized elephants in total weighing a total of 3000&nbsp;tons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/gajendrapith.htm|title=Gajendra Pith|year=2005|publisher=BAPS|accessdate=2008-09-13| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20080907071102/http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/gajendrapith.htm| archivedate= 7 September 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
+The mandir also consists of 234 ornately carved pillars, nine domes, and 20,000 [[murti]]s of [[sadhu]]s, devotees, and [[acharya]]s.<ref name="Mandir">{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/index.htm |title=Mandir |year=2005 |publisher=BAPS |accessdate=2008-09-12 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080912050941/http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/index.htm |archivedate=12 September 2008 |deadurl=yes }}</ref> The mandir also features the Gajendra Pith at its base, a plinth paying tribute to the [[elephant]] for its importance in Hindu culture and India's history. It contains 148 life sized elephants in total weighing a total of 3000&nbsp;tons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/gajendrapith.htm|title=Gajendra Pith|year=2005|publisher=BAPS|accessdate=2008-09-13|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907071102/http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/gajendrapith.htm|archivedate=7 September 2008|deadurl=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
-Under the temple's central dome lies the 11-foot (3.4m) high [[murti]] of Swaminarayan seated in [[abhayamudra]] to whom the temple is dedicated. Swaminarayan is surrounded by images of the faith's lineage of Gurus depicted either in a devotional posture or in a posture of service.<ref name="Garbhagruh">{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/garbhagruh.htm|title=Garbhagruh- Inner Sanctum|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|accessdate=2008-10-01| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20081008221050/http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/garbhagruh.htm| archivedate= 8 October 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> Each murti is made of ''paanch dhaatu'' or five metals in accordance to Hindu tradition. The temple also houses the murtis of [[Sita]] [[rama|Ram]], [[Radha Krishna]], [[Shiva|Shiv]] [[Parvati]], and [[Lakshmi]] [[Narayana|Narayan]].<ref name="Garbhagruh" />
+Under the temple's central dome lies the 11-foot (3.4m) high [[murti]] of Swaminarayan seated in [[abhayamudra]] to whom the temple is dedicated. Swaminarayan is surrounded by images of the faith's lineage of Gurus depicted either in a devotional posture or in a posture of service.<ref name="Garbhagruh">{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/garbhagruh.htm|title=Garbhagruh- Inner Sanctum|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|accessdate=2008-10-01|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081008221050/http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/garbhagruh.htm|archivedate=8 October 2008|deadurl=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Each murti is made of ''paanch dhaatu'' or five metals in accordance to Hindu tradition. The temple also houses the murtis of [[Sita]] [[rama|Ram]], [[Radha Krishna]], [[Shiva|Shiv]] [[Parvati]], and [[Lakshmi]] [[Narayana|Narayan]].<ref name="Garbhagruh" />
 [[File:Akshardham Dome.jpg|thumb|The mandir's central dome]]
@@ Line 48: / Line 48: @@
 ====Sahajanand Darshan [Hall of Values]====
-The Hall of Values features lifelike [[robotics]] and [[dioramas]] which display incidents from Swaminarayan's life, portraying his message about the importance of peace, harmony, humility, service to others and devotion to God. Set in 18th century India, the audience experiences eternal messages gleaned from ancient Hindu culture such as [[Ahimsa|non‐violence]], [[vegetarianism]], perseverance, prayers, morality, and family harmony through 15 3-D dioramas which make use of state of the art robotics, [[fibre optic]]s, light and sound effects, dialogues, and music.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/hallofvaules/index.htm|title=Hall of Values|year=2005|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|accessdate=2008-10-01| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20081016041908/http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/hallofvaules/index.htm| archivedate= 16 October 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Sahajanand Darshan|url = http://akshardham.com/explore/exhibitions/sahajanand-darshan/|website = akshardham.com|accessdate = 2015-09-03}}</ref> The hall also features the world's smallest [[animatronic]] robot in the form of [[Ghanshyam Maharaj]], the child form of Swaminarayan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/gujarat/exhibitions/audioanimatronics.htm|title=First time ever in India: An Audio-animatronics Presentation of an assembly in the time of Swaminarayan |year=2005 |publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|accessdate=2008-10-30| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20081025162454/http://www.akshardham.com/gujarat/exhibitions/audioanimatronics.htm| archivedate= 25 October 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
+The Hall of Values features lifelike [[robotics]] and [[dioramas]] which display incidents from Swaminarayan's life, portraying his message about the importance of peace, harmony, humility, service to others and devotion to God. Set in 18th century India, the audience experiences eternal messages gleaned from ancient Hindu culture such as [[Ahimsa|non‐violence]], [[vegetarianism]], perseverance, prayers, morality, and family harmony through 15 3-D dioramas which make use of state of the art robotics, [[fibre optic]]s, light and sound effects, dialogues, and music.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/hallofvaules/index.htm|title=Hall of Values|year=2005|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|accessdate=2008-10-01|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016041908/http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/hallofvaules/index.htm|archivedate=16 October 2008|deadurl=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Sahajanand Darshan|url = http://akshardham.com/explore/exhibitions/sahajanand-darshan/|website = akshardham.com|accessdate = 2015-09-03}}</ref> The hall also features the world's smallest [[animatronic]] robot in the form of [[Ghanshyam Maharaj]], the child form of Swaminarayan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/gujarat/exhibitions/audioanimatronics.htm|title=First time ever in India: An Audio-animatronics Presentation of an assembly in the time of Swaminarayan |year=2005 |publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|accessdate=2008-10-30| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20081025162454/http://www.akshardham.com/gujarat/exhibitions/audioanimatronics.htm| archivedate= 25 October 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
 ====Nilkanth Darshan [Theatre]====
-The theatre houses Delhi's first and only large format screen, measuring {{convert|85|ft|m|sing=on}} by {{convert|65|ft|m|sing=on}}. The theatre shows a 40-minute film specially commissioned for the complex, ''Neelkanth Yatra'', to recount a seven-year pilgrimage made by Swaminarayan made during his teenage years throughout India. ''[[Mystic India]]'', an international version of the film produced by [[BAPS Charities]], was released in 2005 at IMAX theatres and giant screen cinemas worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mysticindia.com/aboutthefilm/index.htm|title=Mystic India|year=2004|publisher=BAPS Charities|accessdate=2008-10-30| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20081010153332/http://www.mysticindia.com/aboutthefilm/index.htm| archivedate= 10 October 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> A {{convert|27|ft|m|sing=on}} tall bronze [[murti]] of [[Swaminarayan#Travels as Nilkanth Varni|Neelkanth Varni]] is located outside the theatre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/giantscreenfilm/index.htm|title=Giant Screen Film|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|accessdate=2008-09-30| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20080915010919/http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/giantscreenfilm/index.htm| archivedate= 15 September 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
+The theatre houses Delhi's first and only large format screen, measuring {{convert|85|ft|m|sing=on}} by {{convert|65|ft|m|sing=on}}. The theatre shows a 40-minute film specially commissioned for the complex, ''Neelkanth Yatra'', to recount a seven-year pilgrimage made by Swaminarayan made during his teenage years throughout India. ''[[Mystic India]]'', an international version of the film produced by [[BAPS Charities]], was released in 2005 at IMAX theatres and giant screen cinemas worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mysticindia.com/aboutthefilm/index.htm|title=Mystic India|year=2004|publisher=BAPS Charities|accessdate=2008-10-30| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20081010153332/http://www.mysticindia.com/aboutthefilm/index.htm| archivedate= 10 October 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> A {{convert|27|ft|m|sing=on}} tall bronze [[murti]] of [[Swaminarayan#Travels as Nilkanth Varni|Neelkanth Varni]] is located outside the theatre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/giantscreenfilm/index.htm|title=Giant Screen Film|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|accessdate=2008-09-30|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915010919/http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/giantscreenfilm/index.htm|archivedate=15 September 2008|deadurl=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
 ====Sanskruti Vihar [Boat Ride]====
@@ Line 60: / Line 60: @@
 ====Musical fountain====
-Musical fountain, also Known as the Yagnapurush Kund, is India's largest step well. It features a very large series of steps down to a traditional 'yagna kund'. During the day, these steps provide rest for the visitors to the complex and at night, a musical fountain show representing the circle of life is played to an audience which is seated on the same steps.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.laservision.com.au/page.asp?lid=1&sec=Projects&subsec=Permanent+Attractions&subsubsec=Akshardham|title=Akshardham, Musical Fountain of Eternal Life – New Delhi, India |year=2008|publisher=Laservision|accessdate=2008-09-26}}</ref> The fountain is named after the founder of the Hindu organisation BAPS, [[Shastriji Maharaj]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/musicalfountains/index.htm|title=Yagnapurush Kund|year=2005|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|accessdate=2008-09-26| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20080915010941/http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/musicalfountains/index.htm| archivedate= 15 September 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> The fountain measures {{convert|300|ft|m}} by {{convert|300|ft|m}} with 2,870 steps and 108 small shrines. In its centre lies an eight-petaled lotus shaped yagna kund designed according to the Jayaakhya Samhita of the [[Pañcaratra|Panchratra]] [[shastra]].
+Musical fountain, also Known as the Yagnapurush Kund, is India's largest step well. It features a very large series of steps down to a traditional 'yagna kund'. During the day, these steps provide rest for the visitors to the complex and at night, a musical fountain show representing the circle of life is played to an audience which is seated on the same steps.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.laservision.com.au/page.asp?lid=1&sec=Projects&subsec=Permanent+Attractions&subsubsec=Akshardham|title=Akshardham, Musical Fountain of Eternal Life – New Delhi, India|year=2008|publisher=Laservision|accessdate=2008-09-26|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720183607/http://laservision.com.au/page.asp?lid=1&sec=Projects&subsec=Permanent+Attractions&subsubsec=Akshardham|archivedate=20 July 2008|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The fountain is named after the founder of the Hindu organisation BAPS, [[Shastriji Maharaj]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/musicalfountains/index.htm|title=Yagnapurush Kund|year=2005|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|accessdate=2008-09-26|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915010941/http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/musicalfountains/index.htm|archivedate=15 September 2008|deadurl=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The fountain measures {{convert|300|ft|m}} by {{convert|300|ft|m}} with 2,870 steps and 108 small shrines. In its centre lies an eight-petaled lotus shaped yagna kund designed according to the Jayaakhya Samhita of the [[Pañcaratra|Panchratra]] [[shastra]].
 ====Garden of India====
-Also known as the Bharat Upavan, this garden has lush manicured lawns, trees, and shrubs. The garden is lined with bronze sculptures of contributors to India's culture and history. These sculptures include children, women, national figures, freedom fighters, and warriors of India, including notable figures such as [[Mahatma Gandhi]].<ref name="Garden of India">{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/gardenofindia/index.htm|title=Garden of India|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|accessdate=2008-09-30| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20080915010914/http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/gardenofindia/index.htm| archivedate= 15 September 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
+Also known as the Bharat Upavan, this garden has lush manicured lawns, trees, and shrubs. The garden is lined with bronze sculptures of contributors to India's culture and history. These sculptures include children, women, national figures, freedom fighters, and warriors of India, including notable figures such as [[Mahatma Gandhi]].<ref name="Garden of India">{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/gardenofindia/index.htm|title=Garden of India|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|accessdate=2008-09-30|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915010914/http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/gardenofindia/index.htm|archivedate=15 September 2008|deadurl=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
 '''<big>Travel & Food</big>'''
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 ====Nilkanth Abhishek====
-Devotees offer [[abhisheka|abhishek]], a ritual of pouring water on to the [[murti]] of [[Swaminarayan#Travels as Nilkanth Varni|Nilkanth Varni]], and express their reverence and prayers for spiritual upliftment and fulfilment of wishes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/neelkanthabhishek.htm|title=Neelkanth Abhishek Mandapam|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|accessdate=2008-09-30| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20081008221113/http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/neelkanthabhishek.htm| archivedate= 8 October 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
+Devotees offer [[abhisheka|abhishek]], a ritual of pouring water on to the [[murti]] of [[Swaminarayan#Travels as Nilkanth Varni|Nilkanth Varni]], and express their reverence and prayers for spiritual upliftment and fulfilment of wishes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/neelkanthabhishek.htm|title=Neelkanth Abhishek Mandapam|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|accessdate=2008-09-30|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081008221113/http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/neelkanthabhishek.htm|archivedate=8 October 2008|deadurl=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
 ====Narayan Sarovar====
-The Narayan Sarovar is a lake that surrounds the main monument. The lake contains holy waters from 151&nbsp;rivers and lakes that are believed to have been sanctified by Swaminarayan, including [[Mansarovar]]. Surrounding the Narayan Sarovar are 108&nbsp;gaumukhs, symbolising [[Janmangal Namavali]] or the 108&nbsp;names for god, from which holy water issues forth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/narayansarovar.htm|title=Narayan Sarovar- Sacred Water Lake|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|accessdate=2008-09-30| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20081008221107/http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/narayansarovar.htm| archivedate= 8 October 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shubhyatra.com/delhi/akshardham-temple.html|title=Akshardham Temple, Delhi|year=2006|publisher=Shubh Yatra|accessdate=2008-10-18| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20081024211648/http://www.shubhyatra.com/delhi/akshardham-temple.html| archivedate= 24 October 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
+The Narayan Sarovar is a lake that surrounds the main monument. The lake contains holy waters from 151&nbsp;rivers and lakes that are believed to have been sanctified by Swaminarayan, including [[Mansarovar]]. Surrounding the Narayan Sarovar are 108&nbsp;gaumukhs, symbolising [[Janmangal Namavali]] or the 108&nbsp;names for god, from which holy water issues forth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/narayansarovar.htm|title=Narayan Sarovar- Sacred Water Lake|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|accessdate=2008-09-30|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081008221107/http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/narayansarovar.htm|archivedate=8 October 2008|deadurl=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shubhyatra.com/delhi/akshardham-temple.html|title=Akshardham Temple, Delhi|year=2006|publisher=Shubh Yatra|accessdate=2008-10-18| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20081024211648/http://www.shubhyatra.com/delhi/akshardham-temple.html| archivedate= 24 October 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref>
 ====Premvati Ahargruh====
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 ===Planning===
-The building had been planned since 1968 as a vision of [[Yogiji Maharaj]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/makingofakdm/index.htm|title=Making of Akshardham|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|accessdate=2008-09-30| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20081008221025/http://www.akshardham.com/makingofakdm/index.htm| archivedate= 8 October 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> Yogiji Maharaj, the spiritual head of the [[BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha]] at the time, expressed his desire for wanting a grand temple built on the banks of the Yamuna river to two or three devotee families of Swaminarayan that resided in New Delhi at the time.<ref name="Pride of India Interview">{{cite web |url=http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/2006/4-6/18-29_akshardham.shtml |title=Pride of India: How Yogiji Maharaj's Dream Was Fulfilled (Interview) |accessdate=2008-01-05 |first=Rajiv |last=Malik |year=2006 |publisher=[[Hinduism Today Magazine|Hinduism Today]] }}</ref> Attempts were made to start the project, however little progress was made. In 1971, Yogiji Maharaj died.
+The building had been planned since 1968 as a vision of [[Yogiji Maharaj]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/makingofakdm/index.htm|title=Making of Akshardham|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|accessdate=2008-09-30|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081008221025/http://www.akshardham.com/makingofakdm/index.htm|archivedate=8 October 2008|deadurl=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Yogiji Maharaj, the spiritual head of the [[BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha]] at the time, expressed his desire for wanting a grand temple built on the banks of the Yamuna river to two or three devotee families of Swaminarayan that resided in New Delhi at the time.<ref name="Pride of India Interview">{{cite web |url=http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/2006/4-6/18-29_akshardham.shtml |title=Pride of India: How Yogiji Maharaj's Dream Was Fulfilled (Interview) |accessdate=2008-01-05 |first=Rajiv |last=Malik |year=2006 |publisher=[[Hinduism Today Magazine|Hinduism Today]] }}</ref> Attempts were made to start the project, however little progress was made. In 1971, Yogiji Maharaj died.
 In 1982, [[Pramukh Swami Maharaj]], Yogiji Maharaj's successor as the spiritual head of BAPS, started to continue fulfilling the dream of his guru Yogiji Maharaj and prompted devotees to look into the possibility of building the temple in Delhi. A request for the plan was put forward to the [[Delhi Development Authority]] (DDA), and several different places were suggested, including [[Ghaziabad, India|Ghaziabad]], [[Gurgaon]], and [[Faridabad]]. Pramukh Swami Maharaj stood firm in following the wishes of Yogiji Maharaj to build a temple on the Yamuna.