Monday, 05 October 2009 09:11

Akshar Dham - Gandhinagar

About:

A specimen of fine craftsmanship, the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar is one of the largest and most prominent temples in the entire state of Gujarat. Located in Gandhinagar city, the famous Akshardham temple is a place, which consists of a number of things under one roof like art, education, architecture, exhibitions and research. It is truly an architectural masterpiece.

Established in the year 1992, the Akshardham temple was built in the dedication of Lord Swaminarayan. The credit for laying the foundation of the famous Akshardham temple at Gandhinahar goes to the Bochasanwasi Akshar-Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). The highlights of the temple consist of the seven feet long idol of Lord Swaminarayan, the chief deity at the Akshardham temple.



Made by using tonnes of pink stones, Akshardham temple is one of the most magnificent edifices of modern India. It measures 240 feet in length, 131 feet in width and 108 feet in height. This intricately carved imperial structure stands regally amid the green garden. Within the complex of Akshardham, lies a beautiful garden known as Sahajanand Van. On one hand, where its beauty lends it the look of a garden and on the other it serves as a park for kids. It encompasses a herbal garden, lake and a waterfall. There is also the ultramodern Akshardham Center for Applied Research in Social Harmony (AARSH). If you want to relax from the rush of the urban confusion then Akshardham temple at Gandhinagar surely is a place to be in.

Location info:

Address:Gandhinagar,Gujrat,India
District: Gandhinagar
Nearest City: Ahmedabad
Best time to visit: October to March.

Climate/Weather:

Summer:43 °C - 25 °C, Winter:27 °C - 12' C

History:

In 1960, the Indian state of Bombay was split into two states — Maharashtra and Gujarat. Ahmedabad was selected to be the first capital of Gujarat. It was proposed that a new capital city be constructed for the state on the lines of the other two planned cities of India — Chandigarh and Bhubaneshwar. Initial plans were to commission the renowned American architect Louis Kahn to build the city to rival Le Corbusier's Chandigarh. But the plans were canceled due to pressure to make the new city an Indian enterprise.

Interesting things to do:

Akshardham Gandhinagar is one of the largest temples in the Indian state of gujrat.The temple complex combines devotions, art, architecture, education, exhibitions and research at one place.

Interesting things to Visit:

Monument:
Intricately carved, the majestic Monument made of 6,000 tons of pink sandstone is awash with spiritual stillness.Specifications: Height : 108 ft. (32.9 m) Length : 240 ft. (73.1 m) Width : 131 ft. (39.8 m)Floor area : 32,427 sq.ft (3,013.7 sq.m )Colonnade length: 1,751 ft. (534 m) long

Hari Mandapam:
7 ft. Gold-leafed Murti of Lord Swaminarayan. The Monument exudes warmth and peace, and serves as a fountain of peace.Floor area : 12,997 sq.ft ( 1,207.9 sq.m ).

Vibhuti Mandapam:
Revelations of the Lord, displayed in exquisitely-lit brass lotuses. Each revelation is a deep yet practical treatise on philosophy.Floor area: 8,033 sq.ft ( 7 46.6 sq.m ).

Prasadi Mandapam:
Display of holy relics of Lord Swaminarayan.Floor area: 11,397 sq.ft ( 1,059.2 sq.m).Visitors to the Monument are requested to remove shoes and observe silence. Photography is discouraged.

Exhibitions:
Double-walled, air-cooled halls. A large area of walk-through displays create an unforgettable experience of Indian Culture. Total Floor area: 62,023 sq.ft (5,764.4 sq.m )

Sahajanand:
(60 Minutes)The life of Lord Swaminarayan is experienced through amazing settings and shows.Floor area: 21,817 sq.ft (2,027.7 sq.m).Attractions: Travel in time through a video show, Fiber-optics cosmos, Mini Chhapiya village, Journey through India, 3 light and sound shows.

Sat-Chit-Anand:
(25 minutes, one show every hour)First ever 14-screen Multimedia Presentation - Integrovision - reveals the Vedic truths of man's search for eternal joy, through spectacular i

magery.Floor area:
9,421 sq.ft ( 875.6 sq.m ).Attractions: , 14-screen Multimedia Presentation, Tunnel of mirrors and glass mosaic, Dancing musical fountains.

Nityanand:
(60 Minutes)Walkthrough dioramas and fiberglass figures display the messages of Upanishads, Ramayan and Mahabharat.Floor area: 30,785 sq.ft (2,861.1 sq.m )Attractions: Audio-animatronics show, Palace of Hastinapur from the Mahabharat, Gurukul in nature's lap, Songs of saint-poets, Harmony of world religions.

Garden:
The Sahajanand Vun is a unique blend of contemplative garden and children's park. Floor area: 645,600 sq.ft (60,000 sq.m, 14.8 acres).Attractions: Cultural spots, Rides and games for children, Single-piece marble sculpture of Lord Swaminarayan, Lake and waterfalls, Herbal garden.

Research Center:
AARSH - Akshardham-center for Applied Research in Social HarmonyA futuristic research center with a rich library, study stations and archives. Accessibility to the library has been reserved for enlisted scholars.

 

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad railway station.
Nearest Airport:Ahmedabad,airport
Road Transport:State transport buses connect various cities of Gujarat.

Nearest Visiting places:

Children's Park:
This is a good picnic spot for families, children and the youth. There is a lake and you may avail the boating facility provided. There is a mini train also which children may find very amusing.

SaritaUdyan:
Akin to the Children`s park the Sarita Udyan as the name suggests is a park and is a prominent picnic spot. The recreational facilities available here are one of a kind and is a must visit.

1 Deer Park:
Adjacent to the Sarita Udyan is the deer park. It serves as a perfect refuge for those seeking some calm and peace away from the din of the city. It’s not merely for the young but you can see older people visiting the place as well.

Craftsmen's Village:
The highly advanced capital city, Gandhinagar also has a distinct place which is dedicated to the art of Bandhani prints .The village is situated about 7 km form the capital city. It is popular not merely for the prints but also wooden blocks carved with exquisite designs on hand printed cloth. Those of you who wish to purchase some ethnic bandhani printed fabric must visit the
place as you get them at very reasonable prices.

Adlaj:
This spot is known to be famous for its step-well Called AdlajVav and during the ancient times this location was known as Dandi Desh, the spot pulls in tourist from far and near.

Koba Teerth:
During the year 1980 this holy shrine of Koba Teerth was built in memory of His Holiness Acharyashri Kailas Sagarsuriji Maharaj Saheb. The greatest wonder of this shrine is that, every year during the month May dated 22nd, the ray of the rising sun will pass through to the pinnacle and shine on the forehead of the idol of Bhagwan Mahavir Swami, this idol is beautifully placed in the shrine in the position of Padmasana and white in colour which enhances divinity to the pilgrims and visitors. This wonder temple of Jain pilgrim center is situated on the way between Gandhinagar and Ahemdabad and on the banks of the River Sabarmati.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

IBP Petrol Pump:Gandhinagar,Gujarat,India

Raysan Petrol Pump:Gandhinagar,Gujarat,India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Haveli:Gandhinagar,Gujrat,India

Sovereign-The Heritage Hotel:Gandhinagar,Gujrat,India

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:100
Nearest Hospital:
Apollo Hospital:Gandhinagar,Gujarat,India
Rajasthan hospital:Ahmedabad,Gujarat,India
Society/Community Phone Number
Links:www.akshardham.com

Photo Gallery

Video

Dynamic View

Capital Complex
Capital Complex is heart of the Gandhinagar,in Sector 10, is the well-laid-out complex of buildings housing the legislature and government offices.Vithalbhai Patel Bhavan,a magnificent domed building,stands majestically on a high podium in the centre of a circular lake and houses the Vidhan Sabha and the legislature offices. Flanking it,and linked by hanging corridors, are two modern multi-storeyed buildings. Sardar Bhavan, which is to house the various departments of the State Secretariat, and Narmada Bhavan, where the offices of all the heads of departments are situated. The Secretariat along with the offices of the heads of various departments are now located in a complex of three-storeyed buildings constructed to house the district offices, in sector 9....more
Gandhi Ashram
The Gandhi Ashram Ahmedabad is situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River. It used to the nerve center for the Indian Freedom movement. During the lifetime of Mahatma Gandhi, the Gandhi Ashram In Ahmedabad India was known as Satyagraha Ashram and is now, one of the most significant monuments in Ahmedabad.On a quiet stretch of the Sabarmati river lies the Gandhi Ashram, established in 1920. During the lifetime of Mahatma Gandhi it was known as Satyagraha Ashram and was the centre of the struggle for Independence. It was from here, in 1930, that the Mahatma started on his famous "Dandi March" to the sea to protest against the Salt Tax imposed by the British. 'Hridaya Kunj', the simple cottage where he lived, is preserved as a National Monument. A Gandhi Memorial Centre, a Library and a Sound-and-Light show offer indepth insight into the Mahatma's life and work....more