subject: Aksharadham A Showcase Of The Ancients, A Modern Centre Of Learning And A Hope For Indias Fut [print this page] The Swaminarayan Aksharadham Temple is a monument created by the B.A.P.S Swaminarayan Sanstha, a modernized sect of Hinduism which worships 19th century scholar Swaminarayan as the first manifestation of God. This elaborate temple is a stunning complex merging the history and architectural techniques of the ancients (called Vastu Shastra) with the technological advances and ecological awareness of modern times to showcase and appreciate Indias collective historical and religious heritage. The red sandstone and white marble complex, which is devoid of any steel reinforcement, draws approximately 70% of all Delhi tourists after its debut in November 2005. While it boasts free entry to visitors, entrance to the temple stipulates that one leaves all ones worldly goods and modern trappings such as cell phones behind, to better honor and appreciate the lifestyles of the ancients.
The highlights of the Aksharadham temple are many, unexpected and varied. The main monument is a 10 meter long, 141 foot edifice displaying engraved designs of flora, fauna, musicians, dancer and deities in exquisite detail, in accordance with the Vedic text Sthapatya Shastra, which comprises a host of architectural styles from across the Indian subcontinent. These styles are also exhibited in the ornately carved pillars, domes and murals which adorn the complex, interspersed with effigies of gods, priests and saints. The Gajendra Plinth at the base of the central monuments is the centerpiece decoration; the 148 miniature elephants pay tribute to the prominent place of the elephant god of wisdom afforded by Hindu culture. This is surrounded by reliefs of the divine lovers of Indias myth such as Rama-Sita, Radha-Krishna and Lakshmi-Narayan.
From this we move to the Hall of Values, which appears to present a dynamic, futuristic-style Indian homage to the modern deity of India, Swaminarayan, to offset the static historical tributes to the old gods seen in its central monument. This hall contains an exhibition on the life, times and teachings of Swaminarayan, trough the engaging mediums of robotics and dioramas complemented by audiovisual effects, music and dialogue. This hall harbors its own claim to fame in the form of the animatronic robot of the child Swaminarayan, which is the smallest of its kind in the world. The Nilkanth Kalyan Yatra is Delhis first IMAX theater which shows a film chronicling the seven-year pilgrimage of Swaminarayan, while the Yagnapurush Kund, Indias largest step-well is at once unitized as place of respite for weary sight-seers and the venue for a spectacular musical fountain show representative of the circle of life.
The Sanskruti Vihar is a 12 minute boat ride around a model of Takshila, which is thought to be the worlds first university. Elaborately carved peacock boats pass through a montage of ancient laboratories, hospitals and bazaars tenanted by ancient scholars. The Bharat Upavan affords a place of true relaxation; it is a beautiful manicured garden lined with bronze sculptures of the luminaries of Indian history. The smaller Yogi Hraday Kamal sunken garden features quotations from international historical figures such as Martin Luther King and Shakespeare engraved in stone. Of these water bodies, the sarovar which surrounds the complexs main monument is undoubtedly the most prominent as it is fed by holy waters.
This Aksharadham Centre for Applied Research in Social Harmony (AARCSH) is the operational heart of the complex, where modern day scholars are assisted in researching a myriad of current concerns such as education, rural welfare and ecology, cementing the Aksharadhams status as not only a grand exhibition but also a sincere commitment to the betterment of society through the accumulation of wisdom and learning. This 18 year long labour of love involving 3000 volunteers and 7000 artisans all committed to the vision of Yogi Maharajs (former spiritual head of BAPS) can thus be said to have come to fruition.
No trip to Delhi is complete without visiting this amazing venue; however one neednt necessarily brave staying in the overcrowded city of Delhi to access this and the other reassures of this city. Nearby Gurgaon hotels are fast becoming a popular alternative option even for luxury travelers. The Leela Kempinsky Gurgaon Delhi (NCR) is a luxury hotel Gurgaon that affords its guests the height of comfort and convenience matching any offered within Delhi itself.
