Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

July 27, 2023June 1, 2024 Murli Dev

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Experience eternal peace by offering devotion at Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

‘Akshardham’ literally means the divine abode of God. Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar is an eternal place to offer devotion and experience eternal peace. Swaminarayan Akshardham in Gandhinagar can be seen in many forms – a temple of worship, an abode for God and a spiritual and cultural complex dedicated to devotion, education and integration. The timeless devotional message and vibrant Hindu traditions resonate in its art and architecture.

This temple is a humble tribute to Lord Swaminarayan (1781-1830) and Hindu incarnations, gods and saints. This traditional style complex was inaugurated on October 30, 1992 with the blessings of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and through the dedicated efforts of skilled artisans and volunteers.

Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gujarat: Spiritual Significance

Every element of Akshardham resonates with spirituality. Temples, exhibitions and even gardens. The Akshardham Temple has more than two hundred sculptures, representing spiritual giants from several centuries. The spiritual basis of Akshardham is that everything is potentially divine.Whether we are serving family, our neighbors, the country, or people around the world, each act of kindness can help a person move toward divinity. Every prayer is a step towards self-improvement and closer to God.

The journey to Akshardham is a pleasant and enriching experience. Be it in realizing the power of prayer, in realizing the power of non-violence, in becoming aware of the universal nature of the ancient principles of Hinduism, or in just admiring the beauty of God’s abode on earth, each element has a magnificent significance. Is.

Facts & Figures

Narayan Akshardham, Gujarat: Facts
Opened on 30 October 1992
Inspired by Yogiji Maharaj (1892-1971)
Created by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016)
Built by Bochasan resident Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)
Over 8 million volunteer hours from over 4000 volunteers around the world went into building the complex
The temple is built of intricately carved sandstone.

what to visit

Temple

The centerpiece of the Swaminarayan Akshardham complex is the Akshardham Temple, which was inaugurated on October 30, 1992. The temple is an attempt to give God a home that honors His majesty and divinity. Aesthetically attractive, the temple displays traditional Hindu architecture. It has been designed according to the ancient Indian texts on architectural science.Shilpa Shastras have praised the design and construction of the temple, ranging from its grand proportions and distinctive style of carving to the way it was crafted without the use of iron metal. Akshardham Temple has 97 intricately carved pillars, 17 ornate domes, 220 stone beams, 57 stone screens, 3 porticoes and 256 sculptures of spiritual personalities in Hinduism. The temple reaches 108 feet into the sky, is 131 feet wide, and 240 feet tall. Inside the temple, each carefully carved pillar shares a devotional story or provides a darshan of the deity.

sanctum sanctorum

The sanctum sanctorum (inner sanctum) of the Akshardham temple is the home of Lord Swaminarayan and his divine successors. The divine lineage includes Gunitananda Swami, Bhagatji Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj, Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj. As a manifestation of Aksharbrahma, he is the eternal servant of God and the epitome of saintliness and devotion. They are believed to reside in the sanctum sanctorum, serving and worshiping Lord Swaminarayan forever. Around the sanctum sanctorum, special altars are dedicated to other Hindu deities of Sanatan Dharma: Sri Sita-Rama, Sri Radha-Krishna, Sri Lakshmi-Narayan, and Sri Parvati-Mahadev.

exhibitions

Here you can also see some paid exhibitions. The exhibitions are displayed in five large halls, each with its own unique style. Artistically mesmerizing, scientifically astonishing, culturally dynamic and spiritually elevating, they create wonderful environments that transport visitors to ancient India.Universal principles like love, non-violence, fearlessness, service, humility, compassion, honesty, unity and peace were displayed through a series of exhibitions using 3D-dioramas, light and sound shows, animatronic figures, beautiful representations and miniatures. goes.

Neelkanth and Sahajanand – Hall of Value

One can mold one’s life from the events of Lord Swaminarayan’s life. From glass corridors to rope bridges, mountains to forests, fiber optics skies to village mornings, audio-visual shows, dioramas and immersive experiences have been uniquely displayed, creating an atmosphere of wonder and awe. Fills with curiosity.

mystic india

It is watched while sitting in a huge screen theatre. Explore the highest mountains and deep valleys of the Himalayas, trek through the rain forests of Assam and visit the magnificent Rameshwaram Temple. Follow the footsteps of a young Lord Swaminarayan Neelkanth on his journey across the Indian subcontinent in this epic large-format film.

Premanand Hall

It involves the discovery of a spiritual legacy that can change lives and change the world. Dioramas and live-setting displays show core Hindu values that herald eternal happiness. These values are enshrined in the Upanishads, Ramayana and Mahabharata – India’s most sacred texts; His messages are timeless and relevant to people of all ages, creeds and cultures.

saint supreme benefactor

Welcome to India’s first ever audio-animatronics show – Sant Param Hitkari. Travel back to the early 19th century and attend a spiritual gathering in the presence of Lord Swaminarayan. Eminent saints and devotees are brought to life in this recreation of a gathering in which Lord Swaminarayan sheds light on attaining eternal happiness.

Abhishek Mandapam

Visitors can anoint the idol of Neelkanth Varni – the young, yogic form of Lord Swaminarayan. This ritual of the idol is a uniquely participatory ritual, open to all visitors. Abhishekam is usually accompanied by prayers for the fulfillment of desires. Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Fellowship, consecrated this statue of Neelkanth Varni in 2014.

Sat-Chit-Anand Water Show

As the sun sets, take a seat in the outdoor amphitheater and experience the enlightenment that is reflected in the Sat-Chit-Anand water show. Watch the fearless Nachiket confront Yama, the god of death, on the land of death and gain from him the knowledge of immortality and eternal happiness. The Sat-Chit-Anand Water Show is a breathtaking 45-minute presentation that brings alive an old story from the Kathopanishad.

Sat-Chit-Anand Water Show attracts with an 80 feet wide x 60 feet high water screen, multi-coloured lasers, video and light projections, fireballs and underwater flames, water jets and sound symphony. A unique multimedia interpretive display created by international expert Yves Pépin and his team of professionals, BAPS volunteers and monks can be experienced firsthand.

darshan time

Note: The temple remains closed every Monday.

tuesday to sunday