Located in Delhi, the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple is not only a center of magnificent architecture and carvings but also a prominent site for Indian culture, education, spirituality, and social service, renowned for its uniqueness both domestically and internationally.
Akshardham: Located in Delhi, the capital of India, Swaminarayan Akshardham is not just a grand temple, but also a living symbol of Indian culture, tradition, and spirituality. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, this temple is famous both domestically and internationally for its grandeur, art, architecture, and modern technological exhibitions. Akshardham is not just a religious site; it is also a center for philosophy, education, culture, and social service.
History and Establishment of the Temple
The Akshardham temple was constructed by BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha). This temple was established under the guidance of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and according to the vision of Yogiji Maharaj. Delhi Akshardham is the second largest BAPS temple in the world after the BAPS Akshardham located in New Jersey, USA.
The complex was inaugurated on November 6, 2005, with the participation of then-President APJ Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and Leader of the Opposition Lal Krishna Advani. Approximately 25,000 guests attended the inauguration ceremony. During the inauguration, Pramukh Swami Maharaj described this temple as a cultural and spiritual milestone for India and the world.
Architecture and Construction
The Akshardham temple is built in the Maru-Gurjara architectural style, which combines the art of traditional Indian temples with modern technology. The main features of this temple are as follows:
- The temple is 43 meters high, 96 meters wide, and 109 meters long.
- It has 234 intricately carved pillars, nine domes, and countless statues.
- Under the main dome, a 3.4-meter high statue of Swaminarayan is seated in Abhaymudra.
- The temple is constructed from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble.
The temple was built without the support of any steel or iron, making it a unique example of architectural science and craftsmanship. The foundation of the temple is so b that it is secured with 1.5 meters of thick concrete and five million baked bricks.
Major Attractions
The Akshardham complex not only houses the temple but also includes several scenic spots and exhibitions equipped with modern technology.
1. Sahajanand Darshan (Hall of Values)
This hall showcases the life and principles of Swaminarayan. 15 three-dimensional dioramas use robotics, fiber optics, and music to depict themes such as non-violence, vegetarianism, prayer, ethics, and family harmony. The hall also features an animatronic robot of Swaminarayan as a child, considered the world's smallest robot.
2. Neelkanth Darshan (Theater)
This theater features one of Delhi's largest screens, measuring 26 x 20 meters. It shows a 40-minute film, Neelkanth Yatra, describing Swaminarayan's seven-year pilgrimage across India in his adolescence. The international version of this film, titled Mystic India, has also been screened in IMAX theaters.
3. Sanskruti Vihar (Boat Ride)
In Sanskruti Vihar, viewers embark on a 12-minute boat ride through India's Vedic era, history, and cultural heritage. It utilizes robotic technology and life-size figures.
4. Musical Fountain
The Yagnapurush Kund or Musical Fountain is India's largest stepwell. It features a 24-minute multimedia presentation that includes laser lighting, video projections, water jets, and live performers. This presentation is based on the story of the Kena Upanishad.
5. Bharat Upvan (Garden)
This garden features lawns, trees, and shrubs. It houses bronze statues of great people, freedom fighters, and other important figures who contributed to India's history.
6. Additional Amenities
- Neelkanth Abhishek: Devotees offer water to this statue and offer prayers.
- Narayan Sarovar: The lake surrounding the main monument, which contains water collected from 151 holy rivers and lakes.
- Premvati Ahargruh: A vegetarian restaurant inspired by the architecture of the Ajanta and Ellora caves.
- AARSH (Akshardham Centre for Applied Research in Social Harmony): A research center for social and traditional research.
Construction Process and Challenges
Approximately 7,000 carvers and 3,000 volunteers worked on the construction of Akshardham. Workshops were established in various locations for the 6,000 tons of pink sandstone brought from Rajasthan. The stone carving was done by hand, while the initial cutting was done by machines.
Considering the construction site ideal, a deep foundation was created, entangling 4.6 meters of rocks and sand in wire mesh. 1.5 meters of thick concrete was poured on top of it, and the foundation was strengthened with five million bricks.
Environmental Clearance and Controversy
The Akshardham complex is located approximately 1,700 meters away from the Yamuna River's floodplain. However, during construction, some activists and NGOs alleged that environmental clearances had not been obtained. After hearing the case, the Supreme Court clarified that all environmental and land-use regulations had been followed and the construction was completely legal.
Inauguration and International Recognition
The temple was inaugurated on November 6, 2005, and subsequently declared the world's largest comprehensive Hindu temple by Guinness World Records. Prominent leaders and thousands of devotees participated in the inauguration ceremony.
Social and Cultural Contributions
Akshardham is not only a religious site but also a center for education, social service, and cultural awareness. Research is conducted through the AARSH center on education, medicine, tribal welfare, and environmental studies. In addition, the complex also attracted tourists and athletes during the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
The Swaminarayan Akshardham in Delhi is not only a magnificent temple but also a unique example of Indian culture, religion, and spirituality. Its grandeur, carvings, modern technology, and social contributions make it unique both domestically and internationally. Akshardham is a center of दर्शन, education, and cultural awareness, which will continue to be a source of inspiration for future generations.
