Akshardham is a temple of the Swaminarayan sect of the Indian state of Gujarat. The temple complex displays millennia of traditional Hindu and Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture. Akshardham, which is an architectural marvel, was inspired and developed by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of the Swaminarayan Sanstha.
The Temple, which attracts approximately 70 percent of all tourists who visit Delhi,was officially opened on 6 November 2005.
The main monument, at the center of the complex, is 141-foot (43 m) high, 316-foot (96 m) wide, and 370-foot (110 m) long,is covered top to bottom with carved details of flora, fauna, dancers, musicians, and deities.
Designed in accordance with ancient Vedic text known as the Sthapatya Shastra, it features a blend of architectural styles from across India.It is constructed entirely from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble, and has no support from steel or concrete.The monument also consists of 234 ornately carved pillars, nine domes, and 20,000 Murtis and statues of Hinduism's Sadhus, devotees, and Acharyas.It contains 148 scale sized elephants in total and weighs 3000 tons in total.
Within the monument, under the central dome, lies a Murti or statue of Swaminarayan which is 11-foot high. The Murti is surrounded by similar statues of the Gurus of the sect. Each Murti is made of Paanch Dhaatu or five metals in accordance with Hindu tradition. Also within the central monument, there are Murtis of other Hindu deities, including Sita Ram, Radha Krishna, Shiv Parvati, and Lakshmi Narayan.
Within the monument, under the central dome, lies a Murti or statue of Swaminarayan which is 11-foot high. The Murti is surrounded by similar statues of the Gurus of the sect. Each Murti is made of Paanch Dhaatu or five metals in accordance with Hindu tradition. Also within the central monument, there are Murtis of other Hindu deities, including Sita Ram, Radha Krishna, Shiv Parvati, and Lakshmi Narayan.
The temple garden, known as Bharat Upavan, has lush green manicured lawns, trees, and shrubs. The garden is lined with bronze sculptures of contributors to India's culture and history. These sculptures include children, women, national figures, freedom fighters, and warriors of India, including notable figures such as Mahatma Gandhi.
Please have a look at some of the pictures of this architectural marvel of India :
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