| Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhuj | |
|---|---|
The Temple just after inauguration |
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| Location | |
| Country: | India |
| State: | Gujarat |
| Location: | Bhuj |
| Architecture and culture | |
| Primary deity: | Nar Narayan |
| History | |
| Date built: (Current structure) |
May 18, 2010 |
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhuj is a new temple complex in Bhuj. It is a Swaminarayan temple that comes under the Nar Narayan Dev Gadi of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. The opening ceremony of the temple took place between May 15 and May 23, 2010.[1] [2]
An Earthquake on 26 January 2001 shattered most parts of the city of Bhuj (Kutch District), including the original Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhuj built by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in 1824. To replace this, the new temple is built of only marble and gold. The throne for the idol of Swaminarayan, the temple domes and doors are made of gold whiles the pillars and ceilings are made of marble.[1] The original central deity images of Nar Narayan and Swaminarayan in the form of Hari Krishna were moved from the old temple to the new one along with those of Radha Krishna, Swaminarayan in the form of Ghanshyam and Sukh Shaiya and others.[3]
The new temple is being built at a cost of 1 billion Indian rupees (100 crore) on 5 acres (20,000 m2) of land. Made in marbe, intricate carvings adorn the pillars and ceiling of the most expensive temple built in the Indian state of Gujarat recently.[4]
A large number of people to attended the opening ceremony of the temple including a people from overseas, including from United Kingdom and various parts of Africa. According to an estimate by a member of the Bhuj Hoteliers' Association, as of October 2009, 75% of the hotel rooms in Bhuj had been booked for the period during which the opening ceremony is scheduled to take place.[1] To manage influx of vehicles, Jubilee ground and Khasda ground, the two biggest grounds in Bhuj will be used for parking arrangements.[1] Temple authorities are expecting around 500,000 (5 lakh) visitors during this period.[4]
A 3-D film, the first of its kind on the life and teachings of Swaminarayan titled 'Sahajanand' was screened screened as part of the opening celebrations of the temple. Shot by S3D cameras, it is claimed to be the first of its kind in India.[5]
Images of the temple:
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