“AKSHARDHAM  TEMPLE”

“Akshardham” at Gandhinagar  is one of the largest temples in the Indian state of Gujarat. The temple complex combines devotions, art, architecture, education, exhibitions and research at one place. The monument which is set in a 23-acre plot at Gandhinagar  (Gandhinagar district) is built in pink sandstone.  It is 108 feet tall and 6000 tonnes of stone has gone into its making.  A point worth noting is that this modern monument to Hinduism was built as per the injunctions of “Vastu Shastra”. Not a bit of steel has been used.

The garden which is named “Sahajanand “ Van is a unique blend of contemplative garden and children's park. It encloses a single-piece marble sculpture of “Lord Swaminarayan”  and includes cultural spots; rides and games for children; herbal garden; a lake and a waterfall

It is a perfect mix of modernity and ancient values.  Apart from Lord Rama going in search of his kidnapped wife,  the visitor can see “Shravan”- the dutiful son, the Pandavas losing the game of dice in the Hastinapur  palace, etc. Besides the visitors can also see Sabari's long wait for “Lord Rama” and “Draupadi's humiliation”  in the  “Kauravasabha ” .

The Hall of Harmony projects world religions side by side. The monument is ringed by aparikrama  containing 365 stone pillars. The temple also houses the Akshardham  Center for Applied Research in Social Harmony (AARSH)  which is a futuristic research center with a rich library, study stations and archives.  Access to the library is confined to enlisted scholars.

So far millions of people have visited the monument since its inception on November 2,1992. They have been able to savour the story of Hinduism and to imbibe the message of universal peace and brotherhood.