by Akshardham Mandir: A Divine Oasis in the Heart of India
Akshardham Mandir is a breathtakingly beautiful Hindu temple situated in New Delhi, India. This magnificent temple is dedicated to Swaminarayan, a revered saint and spiritual leader who lived during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The temple is a perfect amalgamation of modern technology and traditional architecture, and it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Delhi. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Akshardham Mandir, exploring its history, architecture, and significance.
History of Akshardham Mandir
The Akshardham Mandir was built in 2005, and it is the brainchild of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). The temple was built to promote Hindu culture and spirituality and to provide a place of worship for the people of Delhi. It took five years to complete the construction of the temple, which involved more than 11,000 skilled artisans and craftsmen.
Architecture of Akshardham Mandir
The architecture of Akshardham Mandir is a unique blend of traditional Indian and modern architectural styles. The temple is constructed of pink sandstone and white marble, and it is designed in the style of the Swaminarayan Akshardham temples in Gujarat, India. The temple features a central dome, which is 90 feet high and surrounded by smaller domes and pillars. The temple is also adorned with intricate carvings of deities, flowers, and other natural motifs.
Significance of Akshardham Temple
Akshardham Mandir is more than just a temple; it is a cultural center that celebrates the rich heritage of India. The temple features an exhibition hall, which showcases the history and culture of India through multimedia presentations and interactive exhibits. The exhibition also highlights the life and teachings of Swaminarayan, the spiritual leader whom the temple is dedicated to.
The temple complex also features a beautiful garden, a musical fountain, and a boat ride, which takes visitors through the history of Indian civilization. The garden is filled with plants and flowers that are native to India, and it provides a serene and peaceful environment for meditation and reflection.
Guinness world record
On December 17, 2007, Michael Whitty, an official Guinness World Record adjudicator, travelled to Ahmedabad, India, to award Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, with a new world record for the Akshardham complex. Akshardham was recognised as the World’s Biggest Complete Hindu Temple (certificate).
The certificate states
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham is the world’s biggest complete Hindu temple, located in New Delhi, India. It is 356 feet (109 metres) long, 316 feet (96 metres) broad, and 141 feet (43 metres) tall, with a total area of 86,342 square feet (8,021.4 m2). The enormous, ancient-style, ornately hand-carved stone temple was created in five years by 11,000 artisans and volunteers without the use of structural steel. On November 6, 2005, Pramukh Swami, the acclaimed spiritual head of the BAPS, dedicated the temple. Akshardham captures the spirit of India’s everlasting art, culture, and ideals.
Conclusion
Akshardham Mandir is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India. The temple is a stunning example of modern architecture, blended with traditional Indian style. It is a place where people can come to seek spiritual solace and immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of India. The temple has become a symbol of India’s cultural identity and is a must-visit destination for tourists who are interested in exploring the country’s history and traditions.
