- Special Features
Foundation Year1992Sthala TreeTheerthamRathamArchitectureMandir built from intricately carved sandstone.Other SpecialityAkshardham literally means the divine abode of God. It is an eternal place for one to offer devotion and experience everlasting peace. Swaminarayan Akshardham at Gandhinagar is a mandir – a Hindu house of worship, a dwelling place for God, and a spiritual and cultural campus dedicated to devotion, education, and unification. Timeless devotional messages and vibrant Hindu traditions are echoed in its art and architecture. The mandir is a humble tribute to Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781- 1830) and the avatars, devas, and sages of Hinduism. This traditionally-styled complex was inaugurated on October 30th, 1992 with the blessings of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj and through the devoted efforts of skilled artisans and volunteers.
- Sthala Puran
The abode of truth, beauty, and auspiciousness, Akshardham has molded and remolded millions of lives. It is because here resides Bhagwan Swaminarayan in all His glory, showering blessings upon one and all. When the 18th century had been engulfed by social, political, and spiritual darkness, Bhagwan Swaminarayan ushered in spiritual enlightenment. Celebrating His 49 years on earth from 1781 to 1830 CE, SWAMINARAYAN DARSHAN relives His divine life through exclusive paintings.
Bhagwan Swaminarayan was widely followed and worshipped as the manifest form of God. His devotees carefully preserved articles He used, and handed them down from generation to generation
- Architecture
The heart of the Swaminarayan Akshardham complex is the Akshardham mandir, which was inaugurated on October 30th, 1992. The mandir is an effort to offer God a home that honors His glory and divinity – a timeless, beautiful, and peaceful home for God here on Earth. Aesthetically appealing, the mandir pays homage to traditional Hindu architecture. It is designed in accordance with the ancient Indian treatises on architectural science: the Shilpa shastras. The Shilpa shastras have guided the mandir’s design and construction from its grand proportions and distinctive style of carvings to its unique construction without the use of ferrous metal. The Akshardham mandir consists of 97 intricately carved pillars, 17 ornate domes, 220 stone beams, 57 stone screens, 3 porticos, and 256 statues of spiritual personalities in Hinduism. The mandir reaches 108 feet into the sky, spans 131 feet in width, and is 240 feet long. Inside the mandir, each carefully carved pillar shares a story of devotion or offers the darshan of a deity.
The garbhagruh (inner sanctum) of the Akshardham mandir is home to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his divine successors. The divine lineage includes Gunatitanand Swami, Bhagatji Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and Mahant Swami Maharaj: the gurus of our sampradaya (divine fellowship). As manifestations of Aksharbrahma, they are God’s eternal servants and the ideals of saintliness and devotion. They reside in the garbhagruh, eternally offering service and worship to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Around the garbhagruh, special altars are devoted to other Hindu deities of Sanatana Dharma: Shri Sita-Ram, Shri Radha-Krishna, Shri Lakshmi-Narayan, and Shri Parvati-Mahadev.
- Alankar of Deity
Built of pink sandstone, the mandir is the spiritual center of the entire complex. The murtis of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his successors reside in this intricately carved abode. Strengthening the faith of believers, blessing all aspirants and bringing peace to everyone, the Akshardham Mandir is a temple that welcomes all.
- Prayers and BenefitsSpecial Vratas and Prayers
Each element of Akshardham echoes with spirituality – the mandir, the exhibitions and even the gardens. The Akshardham mandir has over two hundred murtis (idols), representing spiritual stalwarts from over many millennia. The spiritual premise of Akshardham is that each soul is potentially divine. Whether we are serving the family, our neighbors, the country, or people all around the world, each act of kindness can help one move towards divinity. Each prayer is an endeavor in self-improvement and a step closer to God. A visit to Akshardham is an enriching experience. Whether it is in realizing the power of prayer, in feeling the strength of non-violence, in becoming aware of the universal nature of Hinduism’s ancient principles, or just in admiring the beauty of God’s abode on Earth – each element has a resounding significance.
Offerings to DeityStotras and Mantras
- Festivals
- Sodasha Upcharas
Abhishek is the ritual bathing of a deity for the fulfilment of one’s prayers. The worshiper pours water over the deity amidst the chanting of prayers and mantras. Visitors can perform abhishek of the murti of Neelkanth Varni - the youthful, yogic form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. This ritual bathing of the murti is a uniquely participatory ritual, open to all visitors. An abhishek is most commonly accompanied by prayers for wish fulfilment. Pramukh Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan fellowship, consecrated this murti of Neelkanth Varni in 2014.The abhishek ritual begins with the tying of a sacred thread on the wrist, followed by a brief recital of Sanskrit shlokas. Thereafter each participant or devotee bathes the murti (idol) of Neelkanth Varni with a small pot of sanctified water. During the shlokas recitation and bathingritual, visitors are encouraged to pray for the well-being of their friends and family, and for harmony and happiness for all.
- PrasadhasIn the PRASADI MANDAPAM, sanctified objects have been appropriately treated and authentically displayed in hopes of providing future generations with a historical testimony of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s incarnation on earth. These holy relics are priceless because of the immense spiritual power they carry within them. Within these relics lies the presence of Lord Swaminarayan.
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