Hinduism: Details about 'Akshardham'
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Swaminarayan Akshardham is a Hindu temple complex in Delhi, India. Inaugurated in November 2005 by the President of India, Abdul Kalam, the Prime Minisiter, Manmohan Singh, and the leader of the organisation responsible for the creation of Akshardham, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, this complex has already attracted tens of thousands of visitors from all over the globe. The complex comprises of 5 main attractions.
The MandirThe main building at the centre of the complex houses an 11ft high, gilded image of Swaminarayan, a 17th century reformer whose followers believe to be an incarnation of God. The building itself is built of Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble. At 141 ft high, its impressive presence is felt from afar, and its carved details of flora, fauna, dancers, musicians and Gods covering its surfaces from top to bottom, leave most visitors in awe. The ExhibitionsHall 1, named 'Sahajanand Pradarshan', features life-like robotics, dioramas, and scenes from Swaminarayan's life, portraying his message of peace, harmony, humility, service to others and devotion to God. Hall 2, named Nilkanth Kalyan Yatra, houses Delhi's first and only large format screen. The theatre shows a movie specially commisioned for the complex that shows the journey Swaminarayan made during his teenage years across the length and breadth of 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 worlds first university, chemistry laboratories, ancient hospitals and bazaars, finally ending with a message for the future of India. The Yagnapurush KundThe Yagnapurush Kund is India's largest step well. It features a very large series of steps down to a traditional 'yagna kund'. At night, visitors take their places on the steps and watch an inspiring musical fountain and light show. The Bharat UpavanThe 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 The Yogi Hraday KamalThis ingenious sunken garden, shaped like a lotus when viewed from above features large stones engraved with quotes from world luminaries ranging from Shakespeare and Martin Luther King to Swami Vivekanand and Swaminarayan himself. Other Features
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