Akshardham (Gandhinagar)

Akshardham
Akshardham, Gandhinagar
Geography
Country	India
State	Gujarat
District	Gandhinagar
Location	Gandhinagar
Culture
Primary deity	Swaminarayan
History and governance
Date built	November 2, 1992
Creator	Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha
Website	http://www.akshardham.com/gujarat/

Swaminarayan Akshardham (Gandhinagar) is one of the largest Hindu temples in the Indian state of Gujarat. The temple complex, dedicated to Swaminarayan and built by Pramukh Swami, combines devotions, art, architecture, education, exhibitions and research at one place which is spread in an area of 23 acres. The temple came to international attention when two heavily armed terrorists attacked it in September 2002.^[1] The complex is popular among tourists visiting Gujarat.

History

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.
—Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Akshardham Gandhinagar is a predecessor to the Akshardham at Delhi, built by the same religious organisation, Bochasanwasi Akshar-Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) led by Pramukh Swami Maharaj. It was inaugurated on November 2, 1992, during the bicentenary celebrations of Swaminarayan.

2002 attack

Main article: Akshardham Temple attack

Two heavily armed terrorists arrived at the Akshardham temple complex on September 24, 2002. They scaled the perimeter fence and opened fire. About 600 people were in the temple at the time. By the end of the 13-hour attack, 30 persons were killed and more than 80 persons were wounded.^[2] National Security Guard (NSG) commandos intervened and killed both perpetrators to end the siege in an operation called Vajra Shakti by next day.

Structures

The cultural complex consist of the temple monument, gardens, educational centers, exhibitions and the research center spread across 23 acres.

The temple monument

The temple enshrining the 7-foot-high (2.1 m), gold-leafed Murti of Swaminarayan is the focal point of the complex. The majestic, intricately carved stone structure stands amid sprawling gardens. Six thousand tonnes of pink sandstone was used in building the temple which is regarded as an architectural masterpiece. The structure measures 108 feet (33 m) in height, 240 feet (73 m) in length and 131 feet (40 m) in width. The colonnade around the temple is 1,751 feet (534 m) in length.^[3]

The garden

The garden which is named Sahajanand Van is a unique blend of contemplative garden and children's park. It encloses a single-piece marble sculpture of Swaminarayan and includes cultural spots; rides and games for children; herbal garden; a lake and a waterfall.^[4]

Research center

Akshardham Center for Applied Research in Social Harmony (AARSH) is a research center with a rich library, study stations and archives. Access to the library is confined to enlisted scholars.^[5]

Exhibitions

Three permanent exhibition halls have been set up to educate the visitor on spiritual movement.^[6]

Hall 1: Sahajanand

The life of Swaminarayan is portrayed through imaginative settings and shows. The exhibition includes 'travel in time' through a video show; a fiber-optics cosmos; a miniature recreation of Chhapiya village; a 'Journey through India'; and three 'sound-n-light' shows.

Hall 2: Sat-Chit-Anand

This hall is used to present an IMAX large format film named Mystic India. Mystic India is the first large-format epic on India. Chronicling the incredible journey of Neelkanth, as Swaminarayan was known in his teenage years, through the heart and soul of India, it rediscovers a land enriched with an amazing wealth of wisdom, culture and spirituality. This film was produced by BAPS Charities and directed by well-known director of IMAX Movies, Keith Melton.

This hall once housed a spectacular 14-screen multimedia presentation, "Integrovision", to present an exposition of Vedic philosophy and of man's search for the eternal truth, through breath-taking imagery. Apart from the presentation, the exhibition also once included a 'Tunnel of Mirrors,' a glass mosaic and dancing musical fountains.sat chit-Anand show charge 75 RS/-

Hall 3: Nityanand

Walk-through dioramas and fiberglass figures display the message of the Upanishads, Ramayana and Mahabharata. The exhibition includes an audio-animatronics show; a recreation of the Hastinapur palace from the Mahabharata; a recreation of an idyllic Gurukul nestled in the lap of nature; evotional compositions of saint-poets; and an exposition on 'Harmony of world religions'.

Sat-Chit-Anand Water Show

A 45-minute show depicts the story of Nachiketa from the Kathopanishad. The show, the longest of its kind, features the use of 4,000 nozzles, 2,000 lights, over 100 pumps and 12 fireball throwers.

The Temple remains closed on Mondays.