Swaminarayan Akshardham (Delhi)
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Akshardham is a Hindu temple complex in Delhi, India. Inaugurated in November 2005 by the President of India, Abdul Kalam, the Prime Minisiter, Manmohan Singh, and the leader of the organisation responsible for the creation of Akshardham, Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
The complex consists of 5 main attractions.
The Mandir
The main building at the centre of the complex houses an 11ft high, gilded image of Swaminarayan, a 17th century reformer whose followers believe to be an incarnation of God. The building itself is built of Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble. At 141 ft high, its impressive presence is felt from afar, and its carved details of flora, fauna, dancers, musicians and Gods covering its surfaces from top to bottom, leave most visitors in awe. Akshardham Delhi is the biggest hand carved structure in the world, today.
The Exhibitions
Hall 1, named 'Sahajanand Pradarshan', features life-like robotics, dioramas, and scenes from Swaminarayan's life, portraying his message of peace, harmony, humility, service to others and devotion to God.
Hall 2, named Nilkanth Kalyan Yatra, houses Delhi's first and only large format screen. The theatre shows a movie specially commissioned for the complex that shows the journey Swaminarayan made during his teenage years across the length and breadth of India.
Hall 3, named Sanskruti Vihar, takes visitors on a journey through 10,000 years of Indian history in 10 minutes. Visitors sit in specially designed peacock boats that make their way around an artificial river, passing the worlds first university, chemistry laboratories, ancient hospitals and bazaars, finally ending with a message for the future of India.
The Yagnapurush Kund
The Yagnapurush Kund is India's largest step well. It features a very large series of steps down to a traditional 'yagna kund'. At night, visitors take their places on the steps and watch an inspiring musical fountain and light show.
The Bharat Upavan
The Bharat Upavan, or 'Garden of India', has lush manicured lawns, trees and shrubs, dotted with bronze sculptures of contributors to India's culture, including Children of India, Women of India, and Heroes of India.
The Yogi Hraday Kamal
This ingenious sunken garden, 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 himself.
Other Features
- Nilkanth Abishek Mandapam
- Narayan Sarovar
- AARSH Centre
- Premvati Ahargruh
Creator
Swaminarayan Akshardham is the creation of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the current spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). Akshardham was created under his guidance after his guru Yogiji Maharaj expressed a wish for the construction of the complex. He has created international cultural complexes like Swaminarayan Akshardham in Ghandhinagar (India), The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London (England) (Popularly known as the Neasden Temple), and similar temples in Houston TX, Chicago IL, Atlanta GA, Los Angeles CA, Toronto (Canada)and Nairobi (Kenya). Pramukh Swami Maharaj constantly travels and meets people throughout the world with an aim to help them lead better lives.
Upon the opening of the complex in November 2005, Pramukh Swami Maharaj expressed the following wish:
“In this Akshardham, may one and all find inspiration to mould their lives and may there lives become divine. Such is my prayer to God.” ~Shastri Narayanswarupdas (Pramukh Swami) Inspirer and & Creator of Akshardham.
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (of whom Pramukh Swami Maharaj is the leader) is an international social, spiritual and charitable NGO affiliated with the United Nations. Through its 9000 centers, 750 sadhus (or monks), 55,000 volunteers and over 1,000,000 followers, BAPS performs over a 160 humanitarian activities. Akshardham is a part of BAPS's culture and educational activities to promote Indian art, culture, and values.
What is Akshardham?
Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi epitomises 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind. The grand, ancient-styled Swaminarayan Akshardham complex was built in only five years through the blessings of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) and the colossal devotional efforts of 11,000 artisans and BAPS volunteers. The complex was inaugurated on 6 November, 2005.
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.
By: http://www.akshardham.com/whatisakdm/index.htm
Akshardham Gandhinagar
Akshardham Gandhinagar in the Western state of Gujarat is the sister complex to the one in Delhi. Opened amidst great fanfare in 1992, Akshardham Gandhinagar comprises of a monument to BAPS, exhibition halls, a vast colonnade, contemplative gardens, and a restaurant, much like its sister in New Delhi.
Akshardham has attracted millions of visitors from all over the world, including the likes of Bill Clinton who commented "Akshardham is not only a unique place in India but in the whole world. It is even more beautiful than what I had imagined. Taj Mahal is definitely beautiful, but this place, along with beauty, has a beautiful message."
See also
External links
- Akshardham Delhi Website
- Akshardham Gandhinagar Website
- BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (Organization responsible for the creation of Akshardham)
- BAPS Care (Charitable arm of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha responsible for part of the complex)
- Aerial view during construction(Google maps)
- Akshardham at Travel in New York Times