| Akshardham Temple |
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Akshardham is a Hindu temple complex in Delhi, India. It was consecrated in November
2005 by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS (the organization responsible
for the creation of Akshardham) and ceremoniously dedicated to the nation by the
President of India, Abdul Kalam and the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh.[1] Sitting
on the banks of the Yamuna River, adjacent to the proposed Commonwealth Games village,
the complex features a large monument, crafted entirely of stone, permanent exhibitions
on Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Hinduism, an IMAX, musical fountain, and large landscaped
gardens.
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The main building at the centre of the complex is a 141-foot (43 m)-high monument
to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Designed according to ancient Vedic texts known as the
Sthapatya-Shastra, it features a blend of architecutral styles from across India.
Within the monument, under the central dome, there is an 11-foot (3.4 m)-high gilded
image of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He is surrounded by the gurus of the sect. The building
itself is constructed entirely from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara
marble, and features no steel or concrete. Its height and location on the banks
of the Yamuna mean its presence is felt from afar, and its carved details of flora,
fauna, dancers, musicians and deities covering its surfaces from top to bottom,
leave most visitors in awe.
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Hall 1, named 'Sahajanand Pradarshan', features life-like robotics, dioramas, and
incidents from Bhagwan Swaminarayan's life, portraying his message of peace, harmony,
humility, service to others and devotion to God. The hall features the world's smallest
animatronic robot in the form of Ghanshyam Maharaj, the child form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
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 Bhagwan Swaminarayan made during his teenage years across the length
and breadth of India. An international version of the film was released in 2005
at IMAX and Giant Screen cinemas worldwide under the title 'Mystic 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 world's first university, chemistry
laboratories, ancient hospitals and bazaars, finally ending with a message for the
future of India.
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The Yagnapurush Kund is India's largest step well. It features a very large series
of steps down to a traditional 'yagna kund'. During the day, these steps provide
rest for the visitors to the complex and at night, a musical fountain show representing
the circle of life is played to an audience which is seated on the same steps. 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. |
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Swaminarayan Akshardham was created by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the current spiritual
leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). It was created under his guidance after
his guru Yogiji Maharaj expressed a wish for the construction of the complex. In
addition to Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi, he has created international cultural
& religious complexes like Swaminarayan Akshardham, Ghandhinagar (India), The
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London (England) (Popularly known as the Neasden Temple),
and similar temples in Houston TX, Chicago IL, Atlanta GA, Los Angeles CA, Toronto
(Canada)and Nairobi (Kenya). His role as spiritual leader means he constantly travels
and meets people throughout the world with an aim to helping them lead better lives.
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1. Akshardham Temple
2. Knankaria Lake |