Akshardham temple in Gandinagar

                                                         Akshardham temple in Gandinagar

One of the largest temples in Gujarat, the Akshardham temple in Gandinagar is managed by the prosperous Hindu Swaminarayan Group. Spread in 23 acres of manicured lawns, this huge temple was constructed by around 1000 artisans. The complex was made from 6000 metric tons of pink sandstone and is known to be the abode of Lord Swaminarayan. One of the prime highlights of the temple is a 45-minute water show, which is organized after sunset. Spend a day in exploring this wonder.
Founded in the year 1992, this temple is a fine work of craftsmanship and is a one-stop masterpiece of education, religion, art, research, exhibitions and architecture. The gold-plated idol of Lord Swaminarayan is huge, seven feet in height. Located on a pedestal of three-foot pedestal, this idol lies amid idols of his ideal devotees, Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami and Aksharmukta Goplanand Swami. Do not miss visiting the Sahajanand Van, including a park for kids, a waterfall, a lake and a herbal garden.

History Of Akshardham Temple:-

An awe-inspiring monument, Akshardham complex in Gandhinagar is a perfect blend of a traditional stone architecture, an ancient wisdom and a superb modern technology thus creating the most powerful experience of Indian Culture ever to exit.
Renowned as a place of education, entertainment and enlightenment, Akshardham complex is a unique cultural experience, which celebrates the past, addresses the present and blesses the future through its hundreds of figures, dioramas, displays and audio-visual shows that unfurl a stream of timeless experiences, which are visually mesmerising, scientifically dazzling and spiritually inspiring.
Dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan and inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Akshardham complex in Gandhinagar is nothing short of miracle that has been created by the sacrifice of thousands of volunteers who offered their time, and skills in the construction of this beautiful piece of art that is visited by more than two million visitors annually.
Some of the major attractions of Akshardham complex are the monument, which is an architectural masterpiece that enshrines the golden idol of Lord Swaminarayan, an entertaining, educating and enlightening film known as Mystic India that is an epic journey into the land and soul of India, which was originally made in giant screen format, the Sat-Chit-Anand Water show that reveals the ancient secrets of India through an Upanishad story of Nachiketa – a nine year old boy, who bravely confronted Yamraj – the God of Death, and received the knowledge that has made India, a land of enlightenment from yamraj.
All in all Akshardham is a unique complex that combines art, architecture, education, research, exhibitions and devotion all under one roof and its creation is a milestone event in the chronicles of Indian history. Time stands in testimony to this great marvel as this great monument of Indian culture is not just a topic of discussion alone but more so of experience.

Architecture of The Temple:-

Akshardham Swaminarayan Temple of Gujarat was inaugurated on 2nd November 1992. The inauguration ceremony of the temple coincided with the centenary celebrations of Yogiji Maharaj and was conducted by Pramukh Swami Maharaj only. Almost all the tourists coming to Ahmedabad make it a point to visit the Akshardham Temple situated nearby. The temple is a carved stone edifice, which stands surrounded by expansive gardens. Akshardham Temple enshrines a seven-foot high, gold-leafed, idol of Lord Swaminarayan.
Six thousand tonnes of pink sandstone were used in the construction of the monument. Akshardham Temple of Gujarat stands tall at a height of 108 feet and is 240 feet in length and 131 feet in width. The colonnade around the monument measures 1,751 feet (534 meters) in length. The garden surrounding the sanctum sanctorum is known as Sahajanand Van and represents a unique blend of contemplative garden and children’s park. There is a marble sculpture of Lord Swaminarayan inside the garden also.
Sahajanand Van also comprises of a number of cultural spots, rides and games for children, an herbal garden, a lake and a waterfall. Akshardham temple complex also has a research center, known as the Akshardham Center for Applied Research in Social Harmony (AARSH). The research center has facilities like an extensive library, study stations and archives, but only enlisted scholars can enter the library and make use of its facilities. The first floor of the temple has a museum, which has a gallery with a collection of over 500 ‘parahansas’.
Other items displayed inside the temple complex include the letter to Swaminarayan’s guru, Ramanand; an art object from an old tree from Chapaya; Swaminarayan’s shawl and an image of the Lord on a horse. The exterior galleries serve as the venue for artistic exhibition and offer Chez Integrovision shows, audio-visuals, multi-media and the works of Lord Swaminarayan from the Hindu epics. There are three permanent exhibition halls inside the complex, set up with the aim of educating people on spiritual matters and BAPS movement.

Sahajanand Van:-

Sahajanand Van is a garden around the temple. It has a lake, a waterfall, a children's park, rides and games and an herbal garden. You can enjoy and relax here. It also contains a marble statue of Lord Swaminarayan.

Halls:-

There are three halls in the temple premises and exhibitions are held here from time to time.

Hall 1: Sahajanand:-

This hall exhibits the life history of Lord Swaminarayan, via imaginative settings and shows.

Hall 2: Sat-Chit-Anand:-

This hall is used to present an IMAX large format film named 'Mystic India'. It is an epic on the history of India. It also elaborates on the journey of the Lord to various places since childhood.

Hall 3: Nityanand:-

The message of Upanishads, Ramayana and Mahabharata is given to the people, via wall paintings and figures. There are even exhibitions on the ancient Indian era and world religions.

Significance of the Akshardham Temple:-

The inauguration ritual of the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple coincided with the centenary celebrations of Yogiji Maharaj and was conducted by Pramukh Swami Maharaj only.
Akshardham Temple at Gandhinagar is minutely carved coupled with a striking monument of 6000 tons of pink sandstone soaked with religious stillness.
This whole structure was built without using steel in order to increase the maximum longevity of the architecture.There is a 7 feet gold leafed idol of Lord Swaminarayan and his holy ruins. In addition, there are three exhibitions on Indian culture with light and sound shows.
Akshardham temple is built at a height of 108 feet and is 250 feet in length, 131 feet in breadth. In addition, the porch around the monument measures 1751 feet (534 meters) in length alone.
It is only after investing 13 laborious years that the architecture of this beautiful temple was completed. In addition, it is the skilled artisans of Bansipahadpur who had done the minute carvings of the auspicious shrine.
One of the significant factors about this shrine is that it has its own research centre known as, Akshardham Center for Applied Research in Social Harmony (AARSH). This center aims at using knowledge of the past, concentrating on the present pattern and masterminding conceivable answers for the future.The research facility is equipped with an extensive library, study stations, and archives. However, it is only open to enlisted scholars who receive the benefits.
The first floor of the temple comprises of a museum, which has a collection and a gallery of over 500 ‘parahansas’. Some other items which are displayed here are the letter to the guru of Swaminarayan Ramanand, an art object from an old tree from Chapaya, the shawl used by Swaminarayan and an image of the Lord seated on a horse.
The galleries present on the external side serve as the venue for the artistic exhibition and also paves a way for Chez Intervasion shows, audio-visuals, multi-media and the works of Lord Swaminarayan from the Hindu epics.
The temple has three permanent exhibition halls inside the complex, which was started with the aim of educating masses on issues regarding religion and BAPS movement.
The garden surrounding the sanctum sanctorum is known as Sahajanand Van or the first hall and represents a unique intermingling of reflective garden and children’s park.
The second hall or the Sat-Chit-Anand of this place of worship holds the exhibition in a 14-screen multimedia representation. Besides it also contains the ‘Tunnel of Mirrors’ that stands for a glass mosaic and a dancing musical fountain.
The third hall of this holy place has many fiberglass models that represent various memos from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Upanishads. An audio-animatronics show portraying various messages from Mahabharata and an exhibition of ‘Harmony of world religions’ are some of the major attractions of this exhibition.
Photography and making videos are strictly prohibited in this temple.
It was on September 24, 2002, that two armed terrorists attacked this temple killing 33 people and around 70 individuals were injured. The Indian National Security Guard killed both the terrorists and the temple opened after 14 days of the attack.

Attack on Akshardham temple and facilities in it:-

Swaminarayan Mandir Akshardham was attacked by Islamic terrorists on 24 th September 2002. Fully clawed terrorist attacked Akshardham Temple , in this confiscate total 29 fill were killed and 79 wounded. Our commando and country policeman fought very bravely and in this noesis one blue man and one officer was killed.
Different most mesmeric leave of the Temple is Assemblage. Collection demonstrates Asiatic Culture with dioramas, frequency visuals, igniter and valid programs, and surrounds experiences within the exposition set. Exposition starts from 10:00 AM to 6: 30 PM daily and the burden for exposition is Rs. 20 per psyche. After terrorist confiscate on Akshardham they bound assets. For guard understanding you are not allowed to eff your radiotelephone sound in Akshardham Territory. You are also not allowed to expect your luggage in Tabernacle ; you are requested to give your case in cloakroom.
Freeborn wheelchair artifact is also ready for needy and physically handicapped worshippers. In repeat you are requested to substance wheelchair at the reception calculator. Parking installation is also easy. Akshardham own large area for parking mini bus, cars, coaches, and else all variety of vehicles.

Timings in Akshardham Temple Gujarat:-

Akshardham Temple unlawful for worshipers from 9:30 A.M. to 7:30P.M. Exhibitions, games and restaurant nonopening only on Weekday.

The Monument:-

The imposing 10 stories high intricately carved architectural masterpiece is one of the major attractions in the state of Gujarat. A beautiful golden idol of Lord Swaminarayan can be seen inside along with life like idols of other gods and deities. The walls are ornately done with literally every inch of the structure carved in the most refined way.

Multimedia Show:-

Watch how modern technology is helped to deliver the message of spirituality to the world. The 25 minutes multimedia show Sat-Chit-Anand played in the granite finished auditorium takes the devotees on a spiritual journey and presents the message of truth, consciousness and bliss.

Audio Animatronics Show:-

The first of its kind in the country, the audio animatronics show takes the people back in 200 years to the times of Lord Swaminarayan. Watch the events as they took place centuries ago, through the aid of ultramodern audio animatronics technique.

Other Attractions Around Gandhinagar:-

Adalaj:-

Situated just 10 km from Gandhinagar, Adalaj is known for one of the finest baodi (step well) in the state of Gujarat. Built during the 15th century AD by Queen Rudabai, the place was a favourite retreat for women of the royal family, especially during the hot summer months.

Gandhi Ashram:-

Situated on the banks of the Sabarmati river, the ashram of Mahatma Gandhi was known as the Satyagraha Ashram during the ancient times. It was here that bapu spent years of his life and began his famous 'dandi march' to protest against the salt tax.

Hatheesing Jain Temple:-

Built in 1850 by a Jain merchant, the Hatheesing temple is dedicated to the 15th century Jain apostle Dharamnath. The temple is built of pure white marble and is one of the best examples of Jain architecture with neatly carved walls and pillars.

Jama Masjid:-

One of the most beautiful and largest mosque in India consists of more than 260 pillars supporting its 15 domes. The mosque, built in 1423 by Ahmad Shah is located in the old part of Ahmedabad city.

Festivals celebrated at the Akshardham Temple:-

Annakut Utsav:-

Annakut Utsav is celebrated with great pomp in this temple. It is observed soon after Diwali and Annakut which refers to a huge amount of food comprising fruits, salads, pulses and juices are offered to the Lord. Around 2550 food items are offered to the deity. This food is later distributed among the pilgrims.

Diwali:-

Diwali or the festival of lights is another festival that fetches pilgrims from across the nation. The temple is illuminated with lights which pave the way for a spectacular sight.

Poojas and Rituals at Akshardham Temple:-

The Aarti takes place twice daily especially during the morning and the evening.
The deity is bathed with holy water and is offered food thereafter.
There are special poojas that are organized during special occasions like the birthday of Lord Swaminarayan, Annakut Utsav etc.

How you can Reach to Akshardham :-

Ahmedabad, situated in a stone’s discard from Gandhinagar is easily the most convenient spot to obtain access to Gandhinagar. Ahmedabad is conveniently attached to remaining Indian cities through Air, Rail and road transport. Regular local buses connect Ahmedabad with Gandhinagar and may be boarded in the Lal Darwaja or the numerous stops across the Ashram Road.

By Air :-

Manchester international at Ahmedabad can be found just 13 km in the city, where local buses and taxis are often open to get to the city. Indian Airlines
operates regular flights for Ahmedabad from Delhi along with other major Indian cities. Flights can be found from Delhi twice every day at 6:00 and 18:15. For other information on flight schedule and timing.

By Rail :-

Ahmedabad is really a major railway station, conveniently associated with virtually all of the Indian cities. Numerous passenger and superfast trains begin with and terminate in the Ahmedabad station. Daily trains between Delhi and Ahmedabad would be the Ashram Exp. and HW ADI Mail.

By Road :-

Ahmedabad is well connected by roads with other cities in Gujarat. State transport buses and operators provide regular services to cities within and away from state.

Location Of Akshardham:-

Indian Cultural Complex
Sector 20, 'J' Road,
Gandhinagar - 382 020, Gujarat, India.
Tel: 91-79-23260001, 23260002
Fax: 91-79-2326 0336