Akshardham (Delhi)

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Swaminarayan 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, this complex has already attracted tens of thousands of visitors from all over the globe.

The complex consists of 5 main attractions.

Contents

1 Creator
2 The Mandir
3 The Exhibitions
4 The Yagnapurush Kund
5 The Bharat Upavan
6 The Yogi Hraday Kamal
7 Other Features
8 Akshardham Gandhinagar
9 See also
10 External links

Creator

Akshardham is the creation of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Originally the vision of Yogiji Maharaj, fulfilled by his spiritual successor HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj. HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj is the spiritual leader of B.A.P.S. Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). He has created international cultural complexes like the Akshardham in Ghandhinagar India, The Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden London (Popularly known as the Neasden Temple), Houston Texas, Chicago Illinois, Atlanta, Georgia, Los Angeles, California, Toronto, Canada and Nairobi Africa. Even at the age of 85 HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj travels and meets people throughout the world to help those lead better lives. B.A.P.S Swaminarayan Sanstha is an international social, spiritual and charitable NGO affiliated with the United Nations. Through its 9 thousand centers, 750 sadhus, or monks, 55,000 volunteers and over a million 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.

“In this Swaminarayan 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 (HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj) Inspirer and & Creator of Swaminarayan Akshardham.

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

Akshardham Gandhinagar

Akshardham Gandhinagar in the North 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 Swaminarayan, 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."

External links

[Akshardham Delhi Website]
[Akshardham Gandhinagar Website]
[BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha] (Organization responsible for the creation of Akshardham)
[BAPS Care] (Charitable arm of BAPS responsible for part of the complex)
[Aerial view during construction](Google maps)
[Akshardham at Travel in New York Times]

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