Akshardham (Delhi)
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Akshardham is a Hindu temple complex in Delhi, India. It was inaugurated in November 2005 by the President of India, Abdul Kalam, the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, and Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS - the organization responsible for the creation of Akshardham. Sitting on the banks of the Yamuna River, adjacent to the proposed Commonwealth Games village, the complex features a large monument, crafted entirely of stone, permanent exhibitions on Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Hinduism, an IMAX cinema, musical fountain, and large landscaped gardens.
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[edit] The Mandir
The main building at the centre of the complex is a 141ft high monument to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Designed according to ancient Vedic texts known as the Sthapatya-Shastra, it features a blend of architecutral styles from across India. Within the monument, under the central dome, there is an 11ft high, gilded image of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He is surrounded by the guru's of the sect. The building itself is constructed entirely from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble, and features no steel or concrete. It's height and location on the banks of the Yamuna mean its 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.
[edit] The Exhibitions
Hall 1, named 'Sahajanand Pradarshan', features life-like robotics, dioramas, and incidents from Bhagwan Swaminarayan's life, portraying his message of peace, harmony, humility, service to others and devotion to God. The hall features the worlds smallest animatronic robot in the form of Ghanshyam Maharaj, the child form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
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 Bhagwan Swaminarayan made during his teenage years across the length and breadth of India. An international version of the film was released in 2005 at IMAX and Giant Screen cinemas worldwide under the title 'Mystic 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.
[edit] 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'. During the day, the steps provide rest for the visitors to the complex. At night, a light and water show representing the circle of life is played to an audience in the round.
[edit] 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.
[edit] The Yogi Hraday Kamal
This 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 Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
[edit] Other Features
- Nilkanth Abishek Mandapam
- Narayan Sarovar
- AARSH Centre
- Premvati Ahargruh
[edit] Creator
Swaminarayan Akshardham was created by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the current spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). It was created under his guidance after his guru Yogiji Maharaj expressed a wish for the construction of the complex. As well as Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi, he has created international cultural complexes like Swaminarayan Akshardham, 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). His role as spiritual leader means he constantly travels and meets people throughout the world with an aim to helping 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. BAPS also has a charitable arm, known as BAPS Care.
[edit] 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 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."
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Akshardham Delhi Website
- Akshardham Gandhinagar Website
- BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (Organization responsible for the creation of Akshardham)
- Picture slide show of Akshardham Temple
- movie site shown at akshardham
