Delhi's Akshardham - A monument to India (For Information & Not for Discussion)

[Guest guest]

Swaminarayan Akshardham, an imposing cultural monument on the banks of the

Yamuna in New Delhi, was inaugurated and dedicated to the nation by President A

P J Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on November 6 in the presence

of nearly 20,000 devotees.

The monument is built on a 100-acre complex that showcases Indian art, culture

and values. It combines traditional stone art and architecture, Indian culture

and civilization, ancient values and wisdom and the best of modern technology.

 

The main monument is a marvel in pink sandstone and white marble that is 141

feet high, 316 feet wide and 370 feet long. Designed and sculpted entirely

according to the ancient Indian sthapati shastras (ancient architectural

practices), it is built to last thousands of years, profusely carved with 234

ornate pillars, over 20,000 murtis (idols) of deities and rishis, and delicate

statues and statuettes, decorative arches and layers of sculpted Indian flora

and fauna, reviving authentic Hindu carvings. The monument rises on the

shoulders of 148 huge stone elephants, depicting ancient tales from the Purans

and Panchtantra. And like a necklace, a double-storied parikrama (verandah) of

red sandstone encircles the monument, with over 155 samrans (pyramidal roof) and

1,160 pillars.

 

The monument provides an opportunity to understand and appreciate Indian culture

and heritage through a traditional monument, experiential exhibitions, a large

format film presentation (85x65ft screen), a research centre, contemplative

gardens, a creative eco-friendly environment, traditional restaurant and ample

parking facilities.

"By providing an individual experience, creating local transformation,

generating national pride and vision, Swaminarayan Akshardham hopes to motivate

millions to appreciate and preserve India's art, culture and values. It

celebrates our past, addresses our present, and shapes our future," a

spokesperson for BAPS said.

 

Some other facilities at the monument include:

Experiential Exhibitions:

Spaced around a 300x300 ancient kund are three exhibitions halls, namely

Sahajanand Darshan (Hall of values), Neelkanth Darshan (IMAX theatre) and

Sanskruti Vihar (boat-ride).

Sahajanand Darshan

The first exhibition hall takes visitors through the experience of universal

human values like, faith, tolerance, honesty, compassion, non-violence depicted

through a series of light and sound shows with audio-animatronic figures and

panoramic settings, generating a sensory experience.

Neelkanth Darshan

Neelktnah Darshan is a large-format film projected on a giant screen measuring

85x65ft. It is the first-ever period film about India's culture and

spirituality, revealed through the incredible journey of an 11-year-old

child-yogi, Neelkanth. It was filmed in 108 locations in India, with a cast of

45,000 people.

Sanskruti Vihar

Sanskruti Vihar is a 12-minute boat ride showcasing Indian culture and values,

Vedic civilisation, Takshashila and India's contributions to science and

society. Visitors will experience re-creations of events and atmosphere through

thematic settings and arenas of our glorious culture that dates back to over

10,000 years.

 

The Contemplative Gardens Bharat Upavan is a creative and meditative centre,

with cultural spots displaying bronze sculptures. Thematically landscaped, the

vast, sloping emerald-green lawns and gardens have 60 bronze sculptures

honouring Indian heroes, national leaders and women.

AARSH (Akshardham Centre for Applied Research in Social Harmony) The

study-action centre will conduct applied research in social harmony and related

topics like culture, character, environment, education, de-addiction and family

values.

 

BAPS, which built the monument with the help of thousands of volunteers, is a

worldwide socio-spiritual organization in consultative status with the Economic

and Social Council of the United Nations. It is dedicated to community service,

peace and harmony.

Founded on the pillars of practical spirituality, BAPS strives to care for the

world by caring for societies, families and individuals.

Through a number of medical, cultural, educational, environmental, social and

spiritual activities, BAPS endeavours to produce better citizens of tomorrow,

who have very high esteem for their roots - the rich Indian culture. Its 9,000

centres including more than 5,000 youth centers across the world support these

activities.

 

 

For more infomation visit the monument's official site >

 

http://www.akshardham.com/

 

http://www.swaminarayan.org/