Akshardham, the highlight of Gandhinagar houses a beautiful
Swaminarayan temple, with a theme park containing tableaux of the Ramayana
and Mahabharata. The village Pethapur outside Gandhinagar is known for its
woodcarving and traditional textile block printing. It is a unique
cultural complex. Inspired by H. D. Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Akshardham is a
miracle worked by the service and devotion of thousands of volunteers. The
entire monument was built without the use of steel. Besides a 7 feet gold
leafed idol of Lord Swaminarayan and his holy relics, there are three
exhibitions on Indian Culture with light and sound shows, a multimedia
show and an animatronics show. Games, rides and food refreshments are
other attractions of Akshardham.
Structure
The temple is
built in traditional Indian architectural style from 6000 metric tons of
long lasting pink sandstone, from Rajasthan, and carved by expert artisans
from Bansipahadpur. The first floor galleries are a museum portraying the
500 parahansas, a letter to his guru, Ramanand, a piece from an old tree
from Chapaya, recreation of his old home, a diorama of the lord on a horse
and other displays. The galleries outside, have a state-of-the-art
exhibition using Chez Integrovision shows, audio-visuals, multi-media,
dioramas of the life of Lord Swaminarayan and from the Hindu epics, fibre
optics etc to introduce readers to the concept of the Akshardham movement.
Location It is set
in the multi-acre garden, Sahajanand van, with intricate sculpture of
Hindu Gods, beautifully landscaped garden, cafeteria and amusements. A
visit to this place is worth it. About Akshardham Akshardam has become an
unusual attraction of Gandhinagar with the famous temple of "Swaminarayan
Sect" - the richest sect in the world. It is a unique cultural complex
built in memory of Lord Swaminrayan. It is a miracle worked by the service
and devotion of thousands of volunteers and is an intricately carved,
majestic monument of 6000 tons of pink sand stone awash with spiritual
stillness. It is a place of education, entertainment and enlightenment.
Inspired by H. D. Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Akshardham is a miracle worked by
the service and devotion of thousands of volunteers. The entire monument
was built without the use of steel. Besides a 7 feet gold leafed idol of
Lord Swaminarayan and his holy relics, there are three exhibitions on
Indian Culture with light and sound shows, a multimedia show and an
animatronics show. Games, rides and food refreshments are other
attractions of Akshardham. The foundation Akshardham, created and
organized by the Bochasanwasi Shri Abar Purushottam Sanstha, is a
non-profit socio-religious organization with worldwide centers. The
organization does not aim at the skies but at the Earth, at the
individuals, to find comfort, peace, and happiness in life. The foundation
stone of Akshardham, Lord Swaminarayan's Bicentenary Memorial, was laid by
Pramukh Swami Maharaj on 14th December 1979 in Gadhinagar, Gujarat. He
laid open the gates for all people inviting them to come and enrich their
lives on October 30, 1992. It combines traditional stone architecture,
ancient wisdom, and the best of modern technology to create the most
powerful experience of Indian Culture ever to exist. Time will stand
testimony to this great marvel, which is not a topic of dialogue alone but
more so of experience. Truly said … Seeing is Believing. One needs to see
the place and experience the truth it holds behind. It takes one to an
entirely new world of peace and harmony.
The
temple is built in traditional Indian architectural style from 6000 metric
tons of long lasting pink sandstone, from Rajasthan, and carved by expert
artisans from Bansipahadpur. The first floor galleries are a museum
portraying the 500 parahansas, a letter to his guru, Ramanand, a piece
from an old tree from Chapaya, recreation of his old home, a diorama of
the lord on a horse and other displays.
Attractions At the center of the spacious Akshardham complex, a delicate
and beautiful architectural masterpiece - the Akshardham Monument - the
imposing 10 storey high, intricately carved architectural masterpiece,
enshrines Golden Murti (idol) of Lord Swaminarayan. Designed and crafted
according to ancient Indian Architectural Treatises (called the Sthaapatya
shastras), the monument radiates a spiritual aura into the complex. The
monument is awash with silence and peace, which one spontaneously
experiences in the three floors -
Hari Mandapam - The Main Floor The hallmark
of the Swaminarayan devotee is that everyone devoutly begins the day with
puja and meditation, works or studies honestly and donates regular hours
in serving others. The five principal vows followed here are - No
Stealing, No Adultery, No Alcohol, No Meat, No Impurity of body and mind.
Such moral purity and spiritual surety add a deeper brilliance to all the
hundreds of social services performed for Better Life.
Prasadi Mandapam It preserves the garments,
articles and other holy relics used by Lord Swaminarayan. These relics
have been scientifically restored and honorably displayed, satisfying the
spiritual thirst of the visitors turning their visit into a private
pilgrimage.
Vibhuti Mandapam - The Upper Floor It reveals
the divine philosophy and personality of Lord Swaminarayan through His own
words and teachings compiled in a sacred scripture - The Vachanamrut.
Every visitor is found involving himself/herself in voluntary services.
Research Center AARSH AARSH -
Akshardham-center for Applied Research in Social Harmony. This is a unique
research institute that draws inspiration from the past, studies the
present and prepares solutions for the future. Protected in the peaceful
surroundings of the Akshardham Complex, it serves as a seat of education.
It is a result-oriented research institute. It is considered a novel
study-action center where research does not rest till it reaches out to
people in a practical way. Its ambition is to produce not just scholars,
but communicators. It concentrates on ideals that mold life and society
with a socio-spiritual harmony. With wide range of activities, this
research center brings the scholars of the society together to exchange
the ideas and opinions to bring the social harmony.
The Beautiful Gardens
Sahajanand Vun, truly magnificent, with contemplative corners and peaceful
pockets, the fifteen acres of landscapes is blessed with unearthly beauty.
There are lakes and waterfalls, rock gardens and spray fountains catching
everyone’s attention. A world of swans, ducks and peacocks is a delight to
watch. From flowering trees to colorful leaves, pergolas to precious
herbal gardens, Sahajanand Vun is a place where nature is at her best. The
cultural displays are very inspiring. One needs to see and experience the
natural beauty. The restaurant is pure and popular, the children's fun
land is equally benign, and the overall atmosphere is equally serene
touching the inner chords of the soul.
Water