HareKrsna
Ahmedabad is the largest city in the state of Gujarat, n seventh
largest city of India. It is located in western India on the banks of
River Sabarmati. The city has been the homes to most important n popular
leaders of India - Mahatma Gandhi n Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel during
the Indian Independence movement.
The city has been under different rulers since its creation.
Gujarat
was conquered by the Sultanate of Delhi at the end of 13th century. In
1487 Mahumad Begada, the grandson of Ahmed shah, fortified the city with
an outer city wall six miles in circumference and consisting of 12
gates, 189 bastions and 6,000 battlements to protect it from outside
invaders. The last sultan of Ahmedabad was Muzaffar II.
In
1573, Gujarat was again conquered by the Mughal emperor Akbar. In 1753,
the armies of the Maratha generals Raghunath Rao and Damaji Gaekwad
captured the city and ended Mughal rule in Ahmedabad. The british east
India company took over the city in 1818. A military cantonment was
established in 1824, a municipal government in 1958, and a railway link
b/w Ahmedabad and Mumbai in 1864. the Ahmedabad grew rapidly, becoming
an important center of trade and textile manufacturing.
There are many place to explore in Ahmedabad, first I reached to Sabarmati Ashram ::
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| SabarMati Ashram - Mahatma Gandhi's Home..... |
In tribute to Gandhi, Nehru said ::
“Wherever he trod became hallowed land, wherever he sat became temples.”
The Sabarmati Ashram in
Ahmedabad, named after the holy river - Sabarmati, is situated on the
Sabarmati river's bank. This place is now converted into museum n
institution, for them, whose aim to propagate the legacy of the Mahatma
Gandhi. Thousand of visitors, both local n foreigners arrive here
everyday with oddity n feeling of veneration n feel divine initiate.
The Sabarmati Ashram is
the divine guidance for the present generation. So, Gandhi's nonpareil
will serve as a beacon light for all generations.
You can see a note written by Mahatma Gandhi....
It may look like a humble dwelling, but
Mahatma Gandhi's activities here, between 1917 - 1930, shook the very
foundation of the British empire. See the moving memorial designed by
Charles Correa, Hriday Kunj, which contains his belongings and the
prayer area facing the Sabarmati.
The Most Hot Attraction of Ahmedabad is Akshardham Temple dedicated to Lord Swami Narayana.
It is said that there are three types of
art, 1- Painting, to look at. 2- Sculpture, you can walk around. 3-
Architecture - you can walk through.
While you walk down the streets of Ahmedabad, this is the one place
where you feel the gem of Gujarat architecture. A uniwue building
celebrating the teachings of Swami Narayana faith is an awesome example
of great workmanship n sandstone carvings.
The Akshardham Temple is a unequaled ethnic complex that celebrates
the past, addresses the present, n hallow the future. It maintain the
universal values of the Humanity n sign of the glory of Indian culture.
Akshardham is a place that combine art, architecture, education,
exhibition, research n devotion at one place. Over 2 million visitors
reached here every year.
Total Akshardham complex area - 1,004,349 sq.ft - 23 acres....
The major attraction in Akshardham Temple are......
The Monument ::
The grand 10 storey high monument is made of intricately carved, 6000 tons of pink sandstone from Rajasthan, with no cement n steel used at all. It is 32.92m tall, 73.15m long, 39.93m wide. Created by the volunteers of Bochasanwasi Shree Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha.
Awesome Craftsmanship - the 6000 tons of pink sandstone patched together with unbelievable accuracy. More than 10 million of man hours a 900 skilled craftsman have created this brilliant monument of 93 sculpted pillars, 40 windows carved from both side n fiesta of forms n filigrees. Build inch to inch according to the ancient Sthaapatya shastras of India - no steel has been used. Supported beams are of 22 ft. The austerity of every carving, design is breathtaking. The patterns are peaceful while the dome resonate with vibrations divine. Its because Akshardham is more than an architectural masterpiece, it is the living devotion of devotees to create Heaven on Earth.
The monument is overflowing with silence n peace, which one spontaneously experiences in the three floors ::
1- Hari Mandap - The main floor :: is the most sacred par of Akshardham. Its a center of the faith. Its shrines the idol of Lord swami Narayana with his heir. People come here to pray, n return with faith. The feeling is unique. Here devouts starts their day with meditation, prayer, study honestly or work... n spend hours in serving other visitors. In this sanctum place, the five rules are followed - 1- No adultery, 2- No alcohol, 3- No stealing, 4- No meat, 5- No impurity of mind n body
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| Hari Mandap |
The monument is spiritually sacred, philosophically perfect n aesthetically special. there are three Idols in Hari Mandap :: 1- Lord Swami Narayana sits in center, 2- Aksharbrahman: Gunatitanand Swami, God’s divine abode, stand in eternal service, 3- Aksharmuktas - Gopalanand Swami also stands in eternal service. Akshardham is fulfill with divine light.
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| Gunatitanand Swami n Gopalanand Swami |
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| Lord Swami Narayana |
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| Lord Swami Narayana |
7 ft. Gold-leafed Idol of Lord Swaminarayan.
The Monument exudes warmth and peace, and serves as a fountain of peace.
Floor area :: 1,207.9 sq.m...
In Swaminarayan philosophy it is believed that creation begins by the gaze of Lord Swaminarayan and salvation is also granted by the grace of His gaze. And hence, the Lord always keeps His devotees under His divine vision.By moral purity, n spirituality, you can add a deeper blaze to your life.
The Ground floor - Prasadi Mandap :: When you enter in this Mandap, you will see the articles, garments and other holy relics used by Swami Narayana. The scientifically restored n honorably
displayed holy relics satisfy the spiritual thirst of the devotees who
visit the temple.
1 - The Hall of Holy Remains :: Prayer and Silence are the sign of this hall. Entirely treated in red and white, represent the two good holy colour of abil and gulal, the hall has a profoundly spiritual atmosphere. The hall preserve the Holy Remains of Swami Narayana's personal body - all parts.
2 - The Hall of Garments :: The interior is saintly and valued. Textiles used by Lord Swami Narayan have been treated, restored and displayed artistically n scientifically. The garments the Lord wore in the region of Kutch, have been glass-framed on a wall with Kutch designs.
In the hall of Garments ::
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| The Hall of Garments |
A traditional roof-tiled entrance invites you into 18th century Chhapiya.
Enlighten yourself on the traditional garments worn by Lord Swami Narayan:
1 - Pagh :: A Pagh is finely woven, similar to Turban - very light cloth traditionally tied round the head as a head-dress. Normally, Lord Swami Narayan wore a white Pagh on his head. But during festivals, He sometimes wore colorful and ornate clothes, like this Pagh of purple silk embroidered in gold. It was given by the Lord to Ram Raja and then kept in the temple at Muli.
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| Pagh |
2 - Jamo :: Jamo is a upper garment worn like a long coat. It is tied with strings instead of buttons, with full sleeves n no collar. Although, Swami Narayan preferred only white colour, but the devotees offered rich clothes on festivals, to satisfy their love, he accepted their gifts by wearing them for the occasion.
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| Jamo |
3 - Surwal ::The Surwal is the traditional trouser worn from the hips down to the ankles.
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| Surwal |
4 - Doriyani Khes :: Khes is the upper garment. Doriyani
Khes, often worn by Lord Swami Narayan was handwoven in the typical Doriya
texture.
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| Doriyani Khes |
5 - Moka Khachar's Khes :: Once Lord Swami Narayan was traveling to Vankiya. Moka Khachar went to received the Lord but discovered that the river was flooded. He risked his life n carried the Lord on his shoulder, into the town of Vankiya. Pleased with him, the Lord gave this Khes upper garment to Moka Khachar.
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| Moka Khachar's Khes |
6 - Jariyani Khes :: Once while walking to the village Vadtal, the Lord was pleased with Pitamber Lavji Thakkar of Budhej n the sign of grace, gave him his Jariyani Khes which was beautifully handwoven with golden threads.
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| Jariyani Khes |
7 - Shawl :: One of the most important holy articles, this shawl was placed round the shoulders of Neelkanth Varni - Lord Swami Narayan. When he was appointed the head of the fellowship by Ramanand Swami. On 16 November 1801 CE, during the ceremony,in village of Jetpur, he placed this woollen shawl round the young Lord's shoulders. Lord was only 20yrs old that time.
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| Shawl |
8 - Coarse Shawl :: A poor devotee gave Lord Swami Narayan a very coarse, bristly shawl. Despite the discomfort and His skin being grazed, the Lord refused to part ith the shawl. Then Gunatitanand Swami, His favorite sadhu, reasoned that he felt cold and needed a shawl. The Lord gave it to him saying, "He is my Jadbharat" meaning that Gunatitanand Swami cares little for the comforts of his own body. A piece of that historic shawl is on display.
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| Coarse Shawl |
9 - Gal Masuriyu :: Padded with cotton wool,
this small round pillow-like 'Gal Masuriyu' was placed under His chin
and cheek by the Lord when He retired for rest.
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| Gal Masuriyu |
10 - Miraculous Khes :: The couple Jagrup Barot and Sajuba of Sinjiwada were childless. In 1816 CE, shortly after Lord Swami Narayan blessed their house, they got a son. Unfortunately, his arms and legs were short and gravely deformed. On His next visit, the Lord placed the child in His lap, gently covered him with His Khes. Instantly, the child became normal and beautiful. That very Khes is carefully exhibited in this Hall of Garments.
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| Miraculous Khes |
11 - Dhoti :: The dhoti is a fine textured cloth worn around the waist as a garment for the lower part of the body.
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| Dhoti |
12 - Topi of Kutch :: Topi means a cap. The yellow cap displayed in Akshardham was worn by Lord Swami Narayan before and during the disastrous famine of 1869 VS.
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| Topi of Kutch |
13 - Gaumukhi :: Gaumukhi is a cloth bag worn round the hand while turning the mala. During the yagna at Dabhan on Posh sud 15, 1866 VS Lord Swami Narayan chanted the holy mantra along with thousands of Brahmins.
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| Gaumukhi |
14 - Angarkhu :: Lord Swami Narayan often dressed in simple white which smoothly blended with the common village clothing. On display is the Angarkhu of the Lord made of white muslin cloth.
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| Angarkhu |
3 - The Hall of Travel :: This hall is a combination of restoration and re-creation. Lord Swami Narayan traveled far and wide, mostly on horseback, and at times by cart and on foot. Here is an opportunity to see firsthand: the Chakhdi - the Lord's wooden sandals; original bullock cart used by the Lord; and wooden bed.
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| The Hall of Travel |
4 - The Hall of Festivals :: Lord Swami Narayan celebrated many festivals throughout the year. Here, life-like dioramas of festivals and festive moments have been modelled. The Kadai, the Pichkari and the Bag have been displayed in connection with special festive events. Other holy objects have been glass-framed on a wall with worshipful images, mythical designs and historical events of that time. The patterns have been painted with natural dyes on sagol plaster and it displays the objects like Hindola khat, Batak, Dabro, Thali, Vadhi, used in festivities.
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| The Hall of Festivals |
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| Letter written by Swami Narayan |
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| Vibhuti Mandap |
The Upper floor - Vibhuti Mandap :: The Vibhuti Mandap represents, the revelation of Lord Swami Narayan's divine personality ::The Vachnamrut.
To understand the Divine Personality of
Lord Swaminarayan,
let us behold His
Personality
through His own words.
What was
the state of His mind? His vision
of Atman?
His concept of Paramatman?
And how
He still remains ever-present on
earth,
long after He passed away
in 1830 AD?
State Of Mind :: The mind is the
mirror of man's personality. He who
has mastered his mind has attained
great heights. Here, Lord Swami Narayan
reveals the ease with which He
controls and commands His mind.
Lord Swaminarayan says:
'Like a lion seizes a goat, I seize the mind;
while others cannot even see the mind.'
Vision of Atman :: The Atman is even more subtle and unfathomable than the mind.The Vedas and other scriptures glorify the vision of Atman.Here, Lord Swaminarayan speaks of His own vision of Atman. He reveals: 'From the beginning I have had the direct vision of the Atman. Even now, I see the Atman. In all my activities, the vision of the Atman is not forgotten even for a fraction of a moment.'
Concept of Paramatman :: Is Atman the Ultimate Reality? No. Beyond Atman is Paramatman. Paramatman is the All-doer, One and Unique. Is Paramatman with a form or formless? 'God is Sakaar, forever with a form. God is full of Divinity, free from all Evil and the reservoir of all Bliss. He is extremely radiant, extremely pleasant, extremely glorious and Divine...
Ever Present :: Even today, through the spiritual hierarchy of Brahmaswarup Saints, many are experiencing the divine presence of Lord Swaminarayan. In this hierarchy of Saints are: Akshar Brahman Gunatitanand Swami, Brahmaswarup Bhagatji Maharaj, Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj...Through this enlightened hierarchy, the mind is purified,the Atman is cleansed and
God-Realisation is attained.
At last - Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the founder of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, was born on 2 April 1781, in the village of Chhapiya, near Ayodhya, North India. Having mastered the scriptures by the age of 7, He renounced home at 11 to embark upon a 7 year spiritual pilgrimage on foot across the length and breadth of India.In His own lifetime, He was worshipped as the supreme God by hundreds of thousands of devotees.
Other attraction of this temple are ::
Research Center AARSH :: Situated in the peaceful surroundings of Akshardham Complex, Akhsardham Center for Applied Research in Social Harmony (AARSH) is a unique research center which houses a well-maintained library, study stations and archives. The research center is a seat of education, drawing inspiration from the past, studies the present and provides solutions for the future. You can’t visit the library of the research center as entry is restricted to enrolled scholars only.
Exhibitions : In Akshardham, three permanent exhibition halls have been set up to educate the visitors on various spiritual matters and also on the BAPS movement. These halls are Sahajanand, Sat Chitanand and Nityanand.
Sahajanand Hall : In Sahajanand hall, the life story of Lord Swaminarayan is exhibited through imaginative settings and shows. Other attractions of the exhibition hall include ‘travel in time’ video show, sound and light show, fiber-optics cosmos, miniature replica of Chhapiya village and a Journey through India.
Sat Chitanand Hall : Sat Chitanand Hall has a huge 14-screen multimedia presentation hall where an exposition of Vedic philosophy and man’s search for the eternal truth are presented through a wonderful imagery.
Nityanand Hall : Nityanand Hall houses dioramas and fiberglass images displaying the message of the popular mythologies, Upanishads, Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Gardens : Named as ‘Sahajanand Van’, the garden is an interesting blend of speculative garden and children's’ park. The garden covers an area of 7,625 sq. km and here you will see a single-piece marble statue of Lord Swaminarayan. The gardens boast of cultural spots, herbal garden, lakes, waterfalls, rock gardens and spray fountains. In brief, you can see nature at her best. A garden full of fun, frolic and fantasy.
Must visit this Temple.... awesome place to learn something, to fun n enjoy... :)
HareKrsna
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