Information of Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Akshardham Temple is one of the largest and popular temples in Gujarat. Situated in Gandhinagar, the temple is dedicated to lord Swaminarayan. Akshardham Temple is more than just mere temple, rather it combines art, architectural beauty, educational centre, exhibitions and research centre. The entire temple compound is spread across 23 acres of land and is well architect, showcasing the beauty of art and architecture, praised by all, for its holiness and the intricate designing.

Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple Religious Significance

Akshardham Temple has vital religious along with technological significance. It not only house the sculptures of deities but also exhibits a mixture of traditional sandstone with latest technologies such as exhibitions with sound and light, multimedia features and audio visual displays among others. Akshardham Temple is also considered as a place for education, illumination and entertainment. Akshardham Temple is the predecessor to Bochasanwasi Akshar-Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), an organisation which has created several temples in different parts of India. The creation of Akshardham Temple was inspired by Swami Pujya Pramukh. He is regarded as the fifth spiritual inheritor of lord Swaminarayan on whom the temple is presented.

Among all the religious aspects of Akshardham Temple, one of the most popular is the holy footprint of Swaminarayan which is located at the entrance of the temple. Water is constantly sprinkled on the footprint from four promising conch shells. Each day worship is done on the temple compound by traditional religious activities. Apart from that, the inspiring perpetual truth of Indian culture is also demonstrated in Akshardham Temple by intricate background and dioramas of scenes from Ramayan and Mahabharat scriptures. Prayer is the most important activity in this temple which occur in a room named hall of harmony. The prayer inspires the understanding about Hindu religion and encourages peaceable coexistence. Moreover, different poets are also presented in Akshardham Temple which honours some of the great Indian religious stories. Akshardham Temple also organise super demonstration with audio and visual effects. Such show displays the life of people before 200 years in order to disclose the secret for gaining eternal happiness.

Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple Mythology & History

Swaminarayan which is the central figure of Akshardham Temple is regarded as a key icon in Hinduism. He settled in Gujarat state in the year 1799. According to legend, in the year 1801, after the demise of Ramanand Swami, the master of Swaminarayan, he organised an assembly with his devotees. Swaminarayan requested his followers to chant a mantra composed of six syllables. It is alleged that when devotees at the assembly chanted the mantra, many of them went into a dream and realised that Swaminarayan was a god. It was since then Swaminarayan become popular as a god and believed to be the almighty by his followers. It is supposed that whoever chant his name with great affection and faith can be capable of comprehending the true objective of life. It is also considered that whoever chant his mantra can be released from any material desires of the earth.

The followers of Swaminarayan is not limited to Hindu, rather people from other religious belief such as Islam also follows him. He had performed many miracles and is renowned for undertaking reforms for females and poor individuals. He also wrote a book on social principles. Some people even believe that Swaminarayan was an incarnation of lord Krishna. Akshardham Temple was created in order to give tribute to this divine figure.

Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple Architectural Significance

Akshardham Temple comprise the principal temple where the statue of Swaminarayan is situated. The principal temple is created by pink sandstone and has a height of about 106 feet and width of about 240 feet. The principal temple possesses 8 decorated galleries and more than 264 excellently sculpted figures. It revives the ancient Indian architectural design. Akshardham Temple is surrounded by attractive grasslands and garlands. Akshardham Temple also houses educational centre and research centre which has an area of about 23 acres of land. With so well organised and intricate designing, the temple seems to have splendid architectural phenomenon, which entice hundreds of devotees here from all over.