Akshardham temple (Gujarat)

>> Saturday 28 January 2012

Akshardham temple is the most renowned temple of the Swaminarayan Sect. The temple was built using pink stones with beautiful carvings. Lush green gardens and admirable fountain surrounded it, Akshardham temple is situated in Gandhinagar, Gujarat




It is a modern complex, built in traditional Indian architectural style. This imposing 10 storey high monument is made entirely of intricately carved, 6000 tons of pink sand-stone from Rajsthan, with no steel or cement used at all, ensuring that the monument will last for a thousand years. It is 108 feet tall, 240 feet long and 131 feet wide. More than 12 million man-hours of 900 skilled craftsmen have created this magnificent monument of 93 sculpted pillars, 40 windows carved from both sides, and a feast of forms and filigrees.

At the centre of the spacious Akshardham complex, is a delicate and beautiful architectural masterpiece, the Akshardham Monument, which enshrines the golden idol of Swaminarayan, the founder of the Swaminarayan Faith. The first floor galleries house a museum portraying the 500 ‘paramhansas’, and several things belonging to Swaminarayan such as his letter to the guru Ramanand, a piece from an old tree from Chapaya, his pure wool shawl, a replica of his old home and other displays.

The temple is located in the midst of a spacious garden called Sahajanand Van, with the presence of carvings of Hindu Gods. The panoramic view of the place includes beautiful gardens, cafeteria and other amusements. You can find sculptures of Lord Swaminarayan, Gunatinand Swami and Gopalanand Swami. All the statues are either gold or copper plated. Akshardham Temple opens for worshipers from 9:30 A.M. to 7:30P.M. Exhibitions, games and restaurant closed only on Monday.

How to Reach to Akshardham :By Air : Nearest Airport is in Ahmedabad situated about 31 km. from Gandhinagar.
By Rail : Nearest Railway Stations are Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad and are connected with all the major cities in western parts of India.
By Road : State transport buses and private luxury coaches are available to reach Akshardham Gandhinagar from various cities of Gujarat.

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