The temple of Akshardham in Gujarat is one of the most famous among the popular pilgrimage sites in India. A tour to India will reveal the amazing culture and diversity of the Indian subcontinent, and also the age old traditions being followed through the rituals carried out in the popular temples of India. Considered not only as the mere source of religious activities, but Akshardham Temple in Gujarat is also the hub of education, entertainment and enlightenment. The richly constructed temple patterns with partial carved pillars represent one of the architectural epitomes. The temple is nothing short of a miracle that was made possible by the sacrifices of several volunteers. The average footfall rests to about 2 million visitors visiting the place annually.
Fast facts about Akshardham Temple in Gujarat:
The Akshardham Temple in Gujarat is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, born in Chapaya in UP. He took a seven year pilgrimage to Gujarat for preaching his religion and went on to built about 6 temples. The temple being in Kalupur at Ahmedabad, and this was followed by his followers who constructed a series of temples in the due course of time. Akshardham Temple in Gujarat is a contemporary complex that has been inspired by the traditional style of architecture that has been followed in India from the previous ages. About 6000 metric tons of long durable pink sandstone was imported from Rajasthan and has been engraved by the skilled artisans of Bansipahadpur. The shrine is located in the multi-acre patch, called Sahajanand van, with convoluted figurine of Hindu Gods, magnificently landscaped patch of land, eatery and amusements. The interiors have stunning columns that mount up to an elevated dome. The temple was inaugurated by HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj in the year 1992.
Startling facts:
Total Akshardham Complex area: 93,341 sq.m, 23 acres
Cultural compound area: 33,341 sq.m, 8.2 acres
Cultural plot area: 60,000 sq.m, 14.8 acres
Get to see the following at Akshardham Temple in Gujarat:
- Monument- the monument looks majestic with the intricate carving made possible by the use of 6,000 tons of pink sandstone.
- Hari Mandapam- this is a 7 ft. gold-leafed statue of Lord Swaminarayan. The monument symbolizes warmth and peace.
- Vibhuti Mandapam-revelation of lord presented here.
- Prasadi Mandapam-this displays the holy relics of the past related to lord Swaminarayan.
- Exhibitions- by the use of interesting mediums like video show, fiber-optics cosmos, multimedia presentation, tunnel of mirrors and glass mosaic, dancing musical fountains various aspects of the life of Lord Swaminarayan is revealed and the whole experience simply great. There are three halls namely, Hall 1 – Sahajanand, Hall 2 - Sat-Chit-Anand and Hall 3 – Nityanand.
- Garden-there is a garden namely, Sahajanand Vun which is a unique blend of thoughtful place and a grand children’s park. Some of the chief attractions of the garden are cultural hubs, rides and sports for children, marble sculpture of lord Swaminarayan, lakes, waterfalls, herbal garden.
Get to reach at:
Indian Cultural Complex
Sector 20, 'J' Road,
Gandhinagar - 382 020, Gujarat, India.
Tel: 91-79-23260001, 23260002
Fax: 91-79-2326 0336
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