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Akshardham
Akshardam has become an unusual attraction of Gandhinagar with the famous temple of "Swaminarayan Sect" - the richest sect in the world. It is a unique cultural complex built in memory of Lord Swaminrayan. It is a miracle worked by the service and devotion of thousands of volunteers and is an intricately carved, majestic monument of 6000 tons of pink sand stone awash with spiritual stillness. It is a place of education, entertainment and enlightenment.
Inspired by H. D. Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Akshardham is a miracle worked by the service and devotion of thousands of volunteers. The entire monument was built without the use of steel. Besides a 7 feet gold leafed idol of Lord Swaminarayan and his holy relics, there are three exhibitions on Indian Culture with light and sound shows, a multimedia show and an animatronics show. Games, rides and food refreshments are other attractions of Akshardham.. Total Akshardham Complex area : 1,004,349 sq.ft Vibhuti Mandapam - The Upper Floor : It reveals the divine philosophy and personality of Lord Swaminarayan through His own words and teachings compiled in a sacred scripture - The Vachanamrut.
Every visitor is found involving himself/herself in voluntary services. Hari Mandapam - The Main Floor : The hallmark of the Swaminarayan devotee is that everyone devoutly begins the day with puja and meditation, works or studies honestly and donates regular hours in serving others. The five principal vows followed here are - No Stealing, No Adultery, No Alcohol, No Meat, No Impurity of body and mind. Such moral purity and spiritual surety add a deeper brilliance to all the hundreds of social services performed for Better Life. Location : It is set in the multi-acre garden, Sahajanand van, with intricate sculpture of Hindu
Gods, and beautifully landscaped garden. A visit to this place is worth it. Prasadi Mandapam : It preserves the garments, articles and other holy relics used by Lord Swaminarayan. These relics have been scientifically restored and honorably displayed, satisfying the spiritual thirst of the visitors turning their visit into a private pilgrimage. Research Center AARSH : AARSH - Akshardham-center for Applied Research in Social Harmony. This is a unique research institute that draws inspiration from the past, studies the present and prepares solutions for the future. Protected in the peaceful surroundings of the Akshardham Complex, it serves as a seat of education. It is a result-oriented research institute. It is considered a novel study-action center where research does not rest till it reaches out to people in a practical way. Its ambition is to produce not just scholars, but communicators. It concentrates on ideals that mold life and society with a socio-spiritual harmony. With wide range of activities, this research center brings the scholars of the society together to exchange the ideas and opinions to bring the social harmony. Structure : The temple is built in traditional Indian architectural style from 6000 metric tons of long lasting pink sandstone, from Rajasthan, and carved by expert artisans from Bansipahadpur. The first floor galleries are a museum portraying the 500 parahansas, a letter to his guru, Ramanand, a piece from an old tree from Chapaya, recreation of his old home, a diorama of the lord on a horse and other displays. The Beautiful Gardens : Sahajanand Vun, truly magnificent, with contemplative corners and peaceful pockets, the fifteen acres of landscapes is blessed with unearthly beauty. There are lakes and waterfalls, rock gardens and spray fountains catching everyone’s attention. A world of swans, ducks and peacocks is a delight to watch. From flowering trees to colorful leaves, pergolas to precious herbal gardens, Sahajanand Vun is a place where nature is at her best. The cultural displays are very inspiring. One needs to see and experience the natural beauty. The restaurant is pure and popular, the children's fun land is equally benign, and the overall atmosphere is equally serene touching the inner chords of the soul. Attractions : At the center of the spacious Akshardham complex, a delicate and beautiful architectural masterpiece - the Akshardham Monument - the imposing 10 storey high, intricately carved architectural masterpiece, enshrines Golden Murti (idol) of Lord Swaminarayan. Designed and crafted according to ancient Indian Architectural Treatises (called the Sthaapatya shastras), the monument radiates a spiritual aura into the complex. The monument is awash with silence and peace, which one spontaneously experiences in the three floors - The Foundation : Akshardham, created and organized by the Bochasanwasi Shri Abar Purushottam Sanstha, is a non-profit socio-religious organization with worldwide centers. The organization does not aim at the skies but at the Earth, at the individuals, to find comfort, peace, and happiness in life.
The foundation stone of Akshardham, Lord Swaminarayan's Bicentenary Memorial, was laid by Pramukh Swami Maharaj on 14th December 1979 in Gadhinagar, Gujarat. He laid open the gates for all people inviting them to come and enrich their lives on October 30, 1992.
It combines traditional stone architecture, ancient wisdom, and the best of modern technology to create the most powerful experience of Indian Culture ever to exist.
Time will stand testimony to this great marvel, which is not a topic of dialogue alone but more so of experience. Truly said Seeing is Believing. One needs to see the place and experience the truth it holds behind.
It takes one to an entirely new world of peace and harmony. The garden has space for kids too : An area of 7,625 sq.m of fun, frolic and fantasy for the family includes:
Thrilling Dragon Ride, Bouncing Giraffe, Swinging Pirate Boat, Flying Saucer, Cute Baby Train, Thumping Bumper Cars and many more! TOP
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