Guest guest Posted November 8, 2005 Report Share Posted November 8, 2005 Delhi's Akshardham: A monument to India --> Delhi's Akshardham: A monument to India-->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. Others present at the inauguration were the head of the Bochasanwasi Shree Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha Swami Maharaj, Leader of the Opposition L K Advani and Delhi Lieutenant Governor B L Joshi. In his inaugural speech, Dr Singh hoped that Akshardham would have a pride of place for people from all over India and that they would go back with peace and an edifying message. Kalam penned a poem especially for the monument, which captures the feelings of non-resident Indians at the time of leaving. The President added, "Swaminarayan Akshardham has ancient heritage and modern technology under one roof. It is both for experience and enlightenment. It has the best of modern media, the power of knowledge and lively images. Image: Swami Maharaj presents a photograph to Dr Manmohan Singh 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. Image: Fountains and landscaped gardens are a feature of the monument It's Azad's Kashmir now-->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. Image: The elaborately carved dome of the main monument is 141 feet high For more infomation visit the monument's official site > http://www.akshardham.com/ http://www.swaminarayan.org/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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